Movie Review # 593: Pinocchio (2022)

Okay, from what you can see of the title, you may think that we’re going to be reviewing the remake that was released on Disney+ back in September of this past year, yes? Well, actually, no. As a matter of fact, we will actually be reviewing the CGI version that was released on Netflix this past year as well, and was directed by film director Guillermo Del Toro. So now, let’s dive into that version.

Plot: Years after a tragic incident that happened with Italian wood carver Geppetto (David Bradley), he makes a wooden puppet that is brought to life by the Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton). She then appoints Sebastian J. Cricket (Ewan McGregor) to be the voice to the new puppet, whom they name Pinocchio (Gregory Mann). With Pinocchio now brought to life, will he bring joy to Geppetto’s life, and will Pinocchio learn the main difference of right, and wrong, and do what is right in the end?

Well, based on the description of the plot above, you’re probably thinking that this plot is basically shot for shot of the 1940 Disney animated film, right? Well, not exactly! Yes, some of this film is the story of Pinocchio as we all know, and love. However, this time around, what we have here is an adaptation that is said to be a little more loyal to the 1883 novel by Carlo Collodi. Before I continue, I will say that it’s interesting how one of the characters in this film is named Carlo after that author. Anyway, Guillermo Del Toro’s version of this film is a stop motion animated film that is surprisingly very mature. Oh yes, it is still a film that even kids can enjoy too. However, it would seem as if adults might appreciate it more for some of the more adult themes, while kids will like characters such as Sebastian J. Cricket (basically Jiminy Cricket), and a monkey character named Spazzatura. Oh, and side note, Spazzatura, despite not talking, is a well developed side character with a surprisingly good character arc. The rest of the characters are well thought out too, especially the monkey, Sebastian J. Cricket, Pinocchio, Geppetto, and even the circus ringleader, Count Volpe, and not Stromboli this time around, and a good majority of the other characters too. Oh, and another thing to point out, it is interesting that this film not only had a magical fairy called the Wood Sprite, but also that the fairy would have a sister named Death, who basically is sort of like Hades in the Hercules myth in terms of running an Underworld-like realm. Anyhow, sure, the film can be a little depressing at times for kids. Still, they’ll likely enjoy all the film overall, and including some of the songs that are featured in this film. Okay, yes, the songs are rather forgettable. Still, they’re nice to listen to as well. How about the score by Alexandre Desplat. Well, he seems to have a taste of Italian culture, or at least studied it. The reason being is because he really knew how to make good Italian music for this film with the music, the instruments involved that you normally hear in Italy, and things like that. Now, how about the story itself? Well, there are some elements of this film that may be similar to other version of Pinocchio, be it the 1940 Disney animated version, the live-action version from 1996 that was made by New Line Cinema, the book itself, you name it. Nevertheless, this Pinocchio somehow knew how to have more of a fresh take on the story. Because of that being the case, it is understandable as to why the film won both a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for Best Animated Feature for this past year, despite only going to Netflix, and not to theaters. And that reminds me, why did this film go straight to Netflix, and not in theaters? Were the filmmakers anticipating this movie to not be as popular in theaters? One can only speculate. Either way, if this film was going to win some awards, then this film should have been given a chance in theaters before video, and the streaming services. One other quick thing to mention is that the ending is surprisingly a little different than you might think. The ending is actually bittersweet for reasons that I won’t go into so that you guys can see this film, and know why. Finally, this film teaches some good lessons about learning to move forward in life, even when difficult to do so, being willing to obey those in authority, asking for the right things in life, instead of asking for things selfishly, and things like that.

And that’s my review for this version of Pinocchio. Although it will share similarities with many other versions of this story, this Pinocchio does end up being more unique, and charming in it’s own way. It’s still creative, has well thought out characters, cool stop motion animation, and great heart to it overall. I would say that if you want a Pinocchio film that ends up being rather different from other versions more often than not, then definitely check out this film whenever you can. You’ll likely be amazed by what’s in store with this Pinocchio movie.

Final Grade: A