Hugo... To be blunt, Hugo was a troublesome film for me.
The film's plot is long winded, filled with twists and turns... but not suspenseful twists and turns. Instead, the twists and turns are the tone and point of the movie; first it's a story about how bad this kid's life sucks, then it's an adventure story, then it's a mystery, then it's an ode to the silent film era, then it's.... you get the point. What is the point of the film? After seeing the film I read various online writeups, all of which praised the film as a love letter to a forgotten era... if that's what this film is, why do you not even get into that until past the film's midpoint? If it's an adventure film, why does the adventure stop about a quarter of the way through?
I know the argument against me. Maybe that's the point. Sure, whatever. I don't like that in a film.
All the other elements in the film are strong enough. The performances are nothing to write home about, but nothing glaring either. The imagery is downright stunning. The 3D gimmick here is used masterfully, truly enhancing the film (which usually doesn't happen). I just can't get past the composition of the film.
And with this, I've seen all 9 2012 Best Picture nominees, and with two weeks to spare (well, one as I write this, but I saw Hugo over a week ago). If I can swing it, I want to see some "snubs" this week, will write if I do. Do stay tuned for my OW11 recap, to be posted on Sunday!
