Butterfield "winds up" smashing success on silver screen

When I leave a movie theater with the airy feeling that everything around me is wonderful, I know I've seen a good movie. "Hugo," in 3-D, was such a movie. I was somewhat skeptical at first- thinking that the last time I saw a 3-D movie, I came out feeling nauseous- but I was pleasantly surprised by the great camera work of Robert Richardson (Director of Photography for films like "Inglorious Basterds" and both "Kill Bill" volumes), and how well the 3-D aspect enhanced his shots.

The story of "Hugo" follows orphaned Hugo Cabret (Asa Butterfield) through a journey of working with clocks, fixing wind-up toys, and finding the reason behind why he exists. The death of Hugo's father leaves him under the care of his drunkard uncle who takes care of the clocks in a train station. With no one to help him, Hugo must turn to a life of petty thievery to survive. After making a friend and finishing his father's project- fixing a broken automaton (a human-like wind up toy)- Hugo begins to uncover a toy shop-owner's past.

"Hugo" may possibly be the break-out film for four different actors, two of whom are already fairly well established. Sacha Noam Baron Cohen ("Borat") moves away from his usual comedic roles and plays a more serious role as a Station Inspector. Of course, Sacha is given comedic lines to relieve some of the intensity of this film, but I still don't remember him playing a role more serious than this (except maybe in "Sweeney Todd"; even then he was a jokerster). This movie reveals Cohen as an actor who can take on more important and touching roles.

You may remember Helen McCrory from the last three "Harry Potter" movies. She plays Draco Malfoy's mother, Narcissa Malfoy. In the Potter series, we all know the Malfoy family to be evil, but McCrory's role in "Hugo" is anything but evil. Helen McCrory really plays her integral role as Mama Jeanne well, her interactions with Georges Melies (Ben Kingsley) are believable and not over-done.

The two other break-out actors from "Hugo" are the young ones who are brought front and center to play the most important roles. Asa Butterfield ("Nanny McPhee Returns") really buffs up his acting repertoire with "Hugo," as the young clock master. He is scheduled to perform in "Ender's Game," based on a novel by Orson Scott Card, in 2013. Asa did a wonderful job of portraying an array of different emotions, from grief to happiness, in this heavy role. I can only imagine what this young man will accomplish in his acting career to come after mastering this part.

The other young star in "Hugo" is Chloe Grace Moretz ("Kick-Ass"). Chloe Moretz plays Isabel, Hugo Cabret's trusty sidekick, in this film. Casting directors seem to be comfortable with having Chloe Moretz play supporting roles in her films, but I'm not sure that she will be on the sidelines for much longer after this performance. Chloe Moretz captures the heart of Hugo Cabret and the audience alike as she helps him find his meaning, even though she herself is faced with the question of "What's my reason?" Hugo Cabret reassures her by saying, "You have to be here for some reason, too." And she is. I see both of these young actors having a promising future after these roles.

With near-perfect acting performances, what else does a film need? Well, to capitalize on producing this great movie, original music by Howard Shore ("The Lord of The Rings Trilogy") really brought the movie back to the time setting. Piano numbers and soothing classical music give this movie the feel of Paris in the 1930's for me.

Overall, "Hugo" is a well flushed-out film. From acting to cinematography, sound to theme, this film is a great adventure that I strongly recommend. I give this film five out of five stars.