‘Pinocchio’ Review – The Self-Assured Rebirth Of A Classic

Synopsis: Academy Award® winner Robert Zemeckis directs this live-action and CGI retelling of the beloved tale of a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy.

It’s been said that there is nothing new under the sun. While the sentiment may hold some truth, some things can be crafted better, improved upon, and made like or into something new. As perfection is subjective and unattainable in most instances, it doesn’t stop us from attempting to achieve the impossible, and it shouldn’t. Imagine where technology, society, and consciousness would be if we stopped trying and got complacent. Life would be completely different and probably in the worst ways.

“… to be real is up to you.”

New isn’t always better, but this film just made a convincing case for why it is. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, Pinocchio is the self-assured rebirth of a classic. Undoubtedly, there have been many renditions of the 1883 Italian children’s book, but none of them were able to capture the essence of the 1940s Disney animated film—until now. Some were different in tone, some in style, and this isn’t the first live-action and CGI attempt to tell this adventurous tale—just the most impressive. Not to mention, this one is a direct retelling of Disney’s second animated feature and not necessarily of the book itself. Where most failed was finding the balance between the lighthearted nature and innocence of the newly animated puppet and the dark subject matter that he would encounter. Whereas, that is where this film stands out. What begins as a somber wishful plea for family and companionship eventually becomes a cautionary tale of why you shouldn’t talk to strangers and misplaced trust, among other things. Rife with adventure, laughs, and temptation at every turn, it’s safe to say that this is a tale that remains timeless and timely.

“You did all that in one day?!”

After watching both the new and 1940s version of Pinocchio, there are a few changes that Zemeckis made that make his retelling relevant and more concise. While some scenes and shots are almost identical to the past, the narrative is what I found to be the biggest change for the better. This film decides to focus more on the blue-eyed puppet, his personal journey, his gradual mental evolution, and the love that is attempting to protect him. It leans on accountability which allows itself to become more cognizant and transformative than ever before. In turn, the journey is innately more dangerous because there are true consequences to his actions and no bailouts from the Blue Fairy. It doesn’t find it necessary to craft a subplot for Honest John and Gideon, because they are simply a device to steer the story. Geppetto has a slightly larger emotional presence but still takes a backseat to his new wooden son. As aesthetically vibrant as the film is initially, the elements of the story have always been darker than they appear. What seemed like a Peter Pan-like escape to Pleasure Island was always kidnapping and what looked like rebellious fun that resulted in kids becoming donkeys, was always drugging and trafficking. The film does a great job of updating this aspect and making it a tad more transparent without deviating too much from its source material or making it overt in a horrific way. Not only is this a very real reality but is a good reminder that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

“Nobody wants to be a nobody.”

Nevertheless, the tone doesn’t take an uncharacteristic dark turn but the color palette does which tells a story all its own. Even so, with the addition of a few new characters and a Monstro sequence that is also slightly different, Zemeckis doubles down on the fact the world can be a terrifying and terrible place, but it can also be loving and righteous if you listen to your conscience and do the right things. When compared to other recent live-action remakes, Pinocchio sits lively towards the top. It looks amazing, the acting is top-tier, it’s more emotional, and its added nuances bring the story into this century even while set in the past. You can even make some parallels between artificial intelligence and the lack of human interaction but that’s for another time. With its themes of temptation, knowing right and wrong, and its questioning of what makes someone real and good, the film harkens back to when films help guide our moral compasses. It’s more pragmatic than magical, but magical nonetheless. Its score is wonderfully adventurous and the cinematography is well-done. I really enjoyed the film and hope you do as well. Its rewatchabilty is high.

Pacing & Pop

Similar to the original animated film, the pacing is pretty on par with what most viewers want to experience. It doesn’t waste too much time on anything that isn’t relevant to what is happening or about to take place. However, unlike its predecessor, this new take on a classic sidesteps any and seemingly all unnecessary subplots and focuses on the task at hand. In doing so, it results in a more fluid pace than before. What popped for me was the emotion that the film elicits. I had no idea that I would worry so much for the young puppet.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: TOM HANKS, BENJAMIN EVAN AINSWORTH, JOSEPH GORDON-LEVITT, ANGUS WRIGHT, CYNTHIA ERIVO, SHEILA ATIM, LORRAINE BRACCO, KEEGAN-MICHAEL KEY, JAMIE DEMETRIOU, GUISEPPE BATTISTON, KYANNE LAMAYA, JAQUITA TA’LE, LEWIN LLOYD, LUKE EVANS

This cast is fantastic. While there are plenty of beloved names attached to these characters such as Tom Hanks as Geppetto, Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy, Keegan-Michael Key as Honest John, and Luke Evans as The Coachman, it is Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, respectively, that make the film leap over its predecessor. While Hanks’ performance is warm and caring and he looks exactly like the clock and toymaker, it is the innocence and charisma of the newly awakened wooden boy that really shines. Ainsworth explodes with life as Pinocchio and will have you almost in tears as he gets taken advantage of. There’s something in his voice that awakens the parental protection inside of you. Unlike the past Jiminy Cricket who quits on his pine-made pal a number of times in the original, this one fights for Pinocchio the entire film. Even when everything is at its most bleak, Jiminy pushes forward not only because it is his duty, but because he has love for his new friend.

Pinocchio will debut exclusively on Disney+ on September 8, 2022, which is also Disney+ Day. Stay safe and enjoy.

Rated: PG

Runtime: 1h 45m

Director: Robert Zemeckis

Writers: Robert Zemeckis, Chris Weitz

Producers: Andrew Miano, Chris Weitz, Robert Zemeckis, Derek Hogue

Executive Producers: Jack Rapke, Jacqueline Levine, Jeremy Johns, Paul Weitz

Director of Photography: Don Burgess, asc

Production Designers: Doug Chiang, Stefan Dechant,

Editors: Jesse Goldsmith, Mick Audsley

Composer: Alan Silvestri

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gV_0pYoCssc]