Hugo (2011)

One of the movements in life that I absolutely love, but have not been able to truly find my place in is Steampunk. Everything about it fascinates me, as I feel like much of the world would be better if we embraced that culture and improved upon it. Life could be simpler, better and more open. Ironically, when I first saw the preview for Hugo, that same feel popped into my mind, and now, I finally sat down to watch it to see.

Plot/ Set in 1930s Paris, an orphan who lives in the walls of a train station is wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton.

This was an interesting flick; I am just not sure who the intended audience was. We picked it up for the daughters, but they drifted off within the first hour, me, I was captivated by the scenery and the idea. Honestly, it may be one of the most visually stunning movies I have seen in some time, and the story, while a bit choppy, inspired me. Yes, some of the pacing seemed a bit slow, and some of it may have been a bit confusing, but that did not deter this film at all. With an amazing atmosphere, solid back-story, heartfelt message and truly amazing look, this movie was like a dream opening the doors to an imagination that had been closed a long time ago. In the end, this ode to the early days of film may be a tad slow, but it is a piece of cinematic genius that must be seen.

Shutter Island (2010)

While at the Redbox hoping to nab The Wolfman, I discovered that I would have to settle for Shutter Island. I had hoped to see this in the theatre earlier in the year, but as always, a lack of babysitter kept us in the house.

Plot/ It's 1954, and up-and-coming U.S. marshal Teddy Daniels is assigned to investigate the disappearance of a patient from Boston's Shutter Island Ashecliffe Hospital. He's been pushing for an assignment on the island for personal reasons, but before long he wonders whether he hasn't been brought there as part of a twisted plot by hospital doctors whose radical treatments range from unethical to illegal to downright sinister. Teddy's shrewd investigating skills soon provide a promising lead, but the hospital refuses him access to records he suspects would break the case wide open. As a hurricane cuts off communication with the mainland, more dangerous criminals "escape" in the confusion, and the puzzling, improbable clues multiply, Teddy begins to doubt everything - his memory, his partner, even his own sanity.

Shutter Island was definitely much more than I could have asked for, especially considering the mixed reviews and even the trailers that were released prior to the debut. This was more than just a thriller or horror film, in fact, it may be the be psychological thriller to come out in decades. To me, what I found in this film was certainly unexpected. Yes, the directing was spot on (which is the norm for Scorsese), but the combination of acting, effects and storyline were amazing and visually intriguing. Every thing definitely fell right into place. However, not everyone will definitely hold this film in the same regard, and many may not like it at all. For passing viewers, it may be too subtle and twisting and some horror/thriller fans may not like the lack of gore and blood, but those viewers looking for a complex nightmarish trip into suspense, this one is for you!