An eccentric conjunction of 3 genres: the riveting aesthetic of steam punk, the sentimental but charming plot of Ratatouille, and the fascinating historical context of early silent film, Hugo reaches for more than it achieves but nonetheless conveys something of what it would have been like to see the first silent films. Being in 3D is irrelevant to its effect. Its star, Asa Butterfield, is remarkable, with his combination of reticence and transparency.