Hugo (2011)

[Ryan Scott]

We rented Hugo tonight. This Martin Scorsese directed, best-picture nominated film is based on the children's book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick, and is likely Scorsese's best work.

It's an absolutely fabulous film, rated PG and appropriate for the whole family. Hugo is an orphaned boy who lives in the wall of a Paris train station (probably in the 1930's) and, unbeknownst to anyone, maintains the many clocks. He's gifted with imagination and mechanical genius, but finds himself lost and alone in the world.

He befriends a girl who frequents the station where her grandfather owns a toy stand. Over the course of their adventures, the pair discovers that her Papa George has some mysterious secrets of his own.

It's incredibly shot and well cast with humor and real emotion throughout. It also serves as a valuable lesson in early filmmaking incorporating real history into the fictional story.

Just a fantastic movie about finding one's place in the world and discovering the joy of being loved.

[Jon Twitchell]

My favorite quote from the movie:

“Maybe that's why a broken machine always makes me a little sad, because it isn't able to do what it was meant to do...Maybe it's the same with people... if you lose your purpose...it's like you're broken.”

[Katelynn Scott]

I. loved. this. movie.

I went to the school library today and checked out the book as soon as I got there. The whole thing was beautifully shot (truly) and the story line was beautifully done. Nothing lingered longer than it needed to and the characters were unique and delightful. I thought that perhaps Sasha Baron Cohen would do something to ruin the movie, but he played his part perfectly and added to the overall appeal of the film. I wanted to hug Martin Scorsese afterwards. If I find him, I will.

[Valisha Trammell Hall]

Hugo is one of my favorites. I almost didn't see it, but my daughter begged me to go. I think this movie deserved to witn the best picture Oscar.

[Nate Pruitt]

Watched this a few months ago at home. So glad that we brought it home. Hugo stands head and shoulders above many other rentals we've watched this year, and the ode to old film really seemed to say something in light of the sometimes joyless world of modern film. It is clear the story resonated with Scorcese because he presented it brilliantly! Creativity is something that is greatly fading in the upcoming generations, but this film spoke to the beauty of creating with unique perspective and hopefulness. Sometimes movies can prove to be good reminders of things we need to think about rather than mindless entertainment. I'm sure that's why I so enjoyed Hugo.