The movie Hugo took me by surprise. I agreed to go as something my family could do together over the holidays, but it was the best movie I have seen in theaters in a long time. It is based on the book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The protagonist, Hugo, is a young orphan living in a Paris train station. With the help of his new friend Isabel, he repairs an automaton (a human-like mechanical machine) left to him by his father. The automaton leaves him a message, and he is thrust into a mystery. 

I usually think 3D movies are an annoying waste of money, but in this case the 3D definitely enhances the storyline. I think I would have enjoyed the movie even with ear plugs in, because the images were so interesting. The movie takes you inside a inside giant clock, in an old film studio, and on the street of Paris.

As far as I can tell, the movie stays mostly true to the book, which is sure to please the book’s many fans. The plot moves along at a quick enough pace to never get boring, and even minor characters have story lines that are played out until the conclusion.

Despite the fact that Hugo has been mostly marketed as a children’s movie, my grandparents, my parents, and I all loved it as much as my ten-year-old sister. I definitely recommend seeing it, especially if you have read the book. I also recommend seeing it in 3D for a more exciting experience.