Orange Twofers: Hugo 7/12/11

I knew nothing about this movie. The one trailer I'd seen was distinctly unenlightening, but it's Wednesday, right? Two for one at the cinema and H and I have the afternoon designated for a girlie trip. Arthur Christmas or Hugo? Hugo has good reviews, so in we go.

And I'm so glad we did. What a gorgeous film! It's a visual treat. Set in 1930s Paris it's about Hugo, an orphan who lives in the hidden places inside the railway station, keeping the station clocks regulated and ticking away the hours. Hugo's dad was a clockmaker and Hugo has a knack for mending things that are broken. And that, it seems, includes people.

Possibly one of the reasons I knew nothing about this film before heading to the cinema is that reviewers don't want to spoil the gentle mystery that develops. It's not a fast-action film and there are some smiles but few laughs, though Sacha Baron Cohen provides some comic relief.

There's a great cast, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law (who appears all too briefly), Christopher Lee and Ray Winstone (is there any major movie he isn't in, lately?). Hugo is played by Asa Butterfield, a surprisingly young looking fourteen year old who seemed vaguely familiar. Not surprisingly as he was Mordred in Merlin (TV) and in The Boy in Striped Pyjamas and the latest Nanny McPhee. And I see that he's soon to be Ender in the upcoming Ender's game.

One word of warning, though. Hugo looks like it should be a children's film, but though it's a film about and featuring children, I wouldn't recommend taking the average eight year old and expecting them to be on the edge of their seats. For most kids I suspect Arthur Christmas would be a better bet if you're looking for a seasonal outing.

Orange Twofers: Hugo 7/12/11

I knew nothing about this movie. The one trailer I'd seen was distinctly unenlightening, but it's Wednesday, right? Two for one at the cinema and H and I have the afternoon designated for a girlie trip. Arthur Christmas or Hugo? Hugo has good reviews, so in we go.

And I'm so glad we did. What a gorgeous film! It's a visual treat. Set in 1930s Paris it's about Hugo, an orphan who lives in the hidden places inside the railway station, keeping the station clocks regulated and ticking away the hours. Hugo's dad was a clockmaker and Hugo has a knack for mending things that are broken. And that, it seems, includes people.

Possibly one of the reasons I knew nothing about this film before heading to the cinema is that reviewers don't want to spoil the gentle mystery that develops. It's not a fast-action film and there are some smiles but few laughs, though Sacha Baron Cohen provides some comic relief.

There's a great cast, Ben Kingsley, Jude Law (who appears all too briefly), Christopher Lee and Ray Winstone (is there any major movie he isn't in, lately?). Hugo is played by Asa Butterfield, a surprisingly young looking fourteen year old who seemed vaguely familiar. Not surprisingly as he was Mordred in Merlin (TV) and in The Boy in Striped Pyjamas and the latest Nanny McPhee. And I see that he's soon to be Ender in the upcoming Ender's game.

One word of warning, though. Hugo looks like it should be a children's film, but though it's a film about and featuring children, I wouldn't recommend taking the average eight year old and expecting them to be on the edge of their seats. For most kids I suspect Arthur Christmas would be a better bet if you're looking for a seasonal outing.