Children will enjoy “Pinocchio” Even if The Adults Are Not Excited

Synopsis: A live-action adaptation of Disney’s Pinocchio.
Directed by: Robert Zemeckis
Stars: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Cynthia Erivo, Keegan-Michael, Key

Once again, Tom Hanks collaborates with the man that directed his second Oscar-winning performance, Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump), for a live-action version of Pinocchio on Disney Plus.

Now Disney can be many things to many people. It had the good sense to buy and develop the Star Wars franchise, so you can say it’s a smart business. It also has theme parks that millions of families flock to annually. But for me, at its core, Disney is about bringing families together. This is a company founded on Mickey and Minnie mouse. It’s about sitting around the living room with loved ones and being enchanted by the wonderful stories that have been a part of our lives since we were children.

Well, in a world of reboots, remakes, etc., it only seems fitting to kick off Disney Plus day with this film. Now, this is a story that has been done many . . . many times. If you say ‘I saw Pinocchio,’ don’t be surprised if the response is ‘Which one?’.

Did we need another version? Not sure about that, but people who are big fans may be very excited by this. We have a good cast on paper. Tom Hanks is Geppeto, a woodcarver. He has quite the collection of clocks. Gepetto wishes on a star; wouldn’t you know it, this puppet he has been working on comes to life.

Admittedly, it seems odd to describe the story of Pinocchio. For my next act, let me tell you about this reindeer you’ve never heard of, Rudolph.

Anyway, Pinocchio is voiced by Benjamin Evan Ainsworth. Pinocchio also has Jiminy Cricket (Joseph Gorden-Levit), who is appointed by the Blue Fairy (Cynthia Erivo) to help Pinocchio along the way.

Now, Robert Zemeckis is a great director. His movie The Walk stands out to me as one of the best films that has utilized 3D technology. Usually, when I see the term 3D, I instantly think of money grab, but that film was done well. I mention that because I don’t want a dialogue that Zemeckis isn’t a solid director. Of course, he is. He has an Oscar to prove it.

I just didn’t think Pinocchio was a great movie.

Visually it’s done very well. There is some good cinematography and some good action scenes. Michael Keegan-Key plays a decent villain, but the movie didn’t feel like it had anything new that the other 300 (slight exaggeration) versions didn’t have. The collaboration of Hanks and Zemeckis is good, but it didn’t enhance the role of Geppetto.

Will kids enjoy it? I think so. I’m just not sure the adults watching it with them will be as excited by it.

I could tell you I loved it, but my nose would grow.

Grade: C

Watch the movie trailer: