Martin Scorsese takes a left turn into family film territory in Hugo and delivers a movie that celebrates the wonders which the imagination can conjure.

It is those filmmakers that deliver the goods while outside of their comfort zone that are a special breed. Scorsese has never been afraid to take a detour now and again, but Hugo is a different case: Based on popular children’s novel “The Invention of Hugo Cabret” written by Brian Selznick. Shot in digital 3D. Headlined by child actors instead of his usual lineage of leading men.

These are elements new to the world of Scorsese cinema, yet Hugo stands as one of his best films in scope, technical wizardry and heart.

Set during post WWI the film stars blue eyed pixie boy Asa Butterfield as Hugo, an orphan who lives within the walls of Paris train station, running the clocks which keeps the station moving along while keeping one step ahead of the tenacious Station Inspector (Sacha Baron Cohen).

When he runs afoul of a toy shop owner (Ben Kingsley) and befriends his god daughter Isabelle (Chloe Grace Moretz), Hugo quickly centres of a mystery that revolves around Scorsese’s favourite obsession: the early pioneers of cinema.

Particular attention is given to the works of Georges Melies, one of cinemas first wizards who infamously shot a rocket into the moon, a moment of cinematic magic amongst hundreds of Melies’ short films. In turn, Hugo becomes a film about celebration. It rejoices in the magic of innovation, while also providing an educational look into the early days of cinema.

Scorsese also manages to give technology a soulful resonance, with the clicking of machines representing the heartbeat of this bustling train station filled with numerous characters wonderfully played by an ensemble cast led by Ben Kingsley in a heartbreaking portrayal of a man trying to forget the past, and Sacha Baron Cohen who is hilarious as the station inspector who has an obsession with capturing orphan runts.

Unfortunately Asa Butterfield is a dud in the lead role, yet such are the risks with child actors.

Photography, visual effects and editing are all superb, while Howard Shore’s French tinged score will have audiences swaying to its main theme.

Yet it is Scorsese’s spirit and enthusiasm which resonates the most. It’s clear that his heart is at the centre of Hugo, and with his passion for movies unparalleled that makes this a spirited and sincere family film that stands apart from the usual dribble.