Preview: Hugo (2011)

Synopsis:

When a young boy's father is killed, he turns to his robotic friend and the great adventure that will lead him to understand his father better.

• Poster: B

Review:

The poster is glossy and intriguing. It's not too busy and not too blank and anyone who's seen the trailer is likely to pick up on the key image and get excited. If they liked the trailer...

• Trailer: C+; B+

Review:

...which I really don't. This trailer is rather simplistic in its approach. While the effects look magical, the constant mugging for the camera, the blatant appeals of 3D and the over-emphasis of Martin Scorsese's name (he's not a director of great children's films and isn't necessarily a big enough name to sell a blockbuster). I'm afraid that even with Scrosese's vast knowledge of cinema, the magic he could bring to this film may be capsized by his over-reliance on grandeur.

Turning away from the childish antics of the first trailer, the film now looks like an adventurous exploration of love and loss and the challenges of childhood. That first trailer, however, still remains in my mind, so this second one isn't erasing my doubts.

Oscar Prospects:

If critics love it and audiences love it, this will be one of the blockbusters courting Oscar. If it doesn't catch on, I can still see it nominated for Art Direction, Costume Design, Sound Mixing, Sound Editing and Visual Effects.

Release Date:

• November 23, 2011

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (July 17, 2011) Original