This is a review for the live-action remake of Pinocchio – directed by Robert Zemeckis and starring Tom Hanks, Luke Evans, Cynthia Erivo and voices from Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key and Lorraine Bracco.
Synopsis
Pinocchio is about the beloved tale of a wooden puppet made by Geppetto; a woodcarver, who treats him like a son. The puppet also embarks on a thrilling adventure in hope of becoming a real boy.
Review
Disney’s Pinocchio is a hugely entertaining movie that reimagines the characters and story into live-action so well!
Tom Hanks’ character is delightful and heartwarming to watch as he portays Geppetto and Benjamin Evan Ainsworth brings such a strong empathic vocal performance as the leading CG character Pinocchio.
It’s prominent from watching this movie, that it focuses heavily on the morality of being human, greed in the world and a strong connection with needing to belong. The writers; Robert Zemeckis and Chris Weitz have done well to convey this, and there is also significant development to multiple characters; when they become filled with hope to navigate through these darker environments.
The plot is gelled together well by Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s constant character Jiminy Cricket and I absolutely loved his energetic higher pitched voice.
It’s quite a fast paced movie as it rushes from one moment to the next. Although, that’s fairly understandable for being an adventure/fantasy movie.
There are funny characters that bring this world alive. Something that caught me by surprise, there are also plenty of easter eggs to look out for too! It’s a movie with decent rewatchability, as I’ve seen it twice already and will no doubt watch it a third time!
There were a few moments that’s just weird and creepy to see when this was changed to live-action… for example; when Pinocchio turns his head 360 degrees a couple of times in different scenes, like in the Exorcist movies. There’s other moments that were in previous iterations of the animated movies, that you’ll find out when watching as well.
Visuals
It’s an incredible blend between CG and live-action, exactly how I would imagine translating 2D animation into 3D. As well as the same aesthetic as a classic Walt Disney animated movie; from the astonishing environments to character designs. Feels rather magical to watch!
Music
There are a few beautiful and fun musical segments! Especially Cynthia Erivo’s amazing rendition of ‘When You Wish Upon a Star’. It was nice to hear Alan Silvestri’s signature style again, and Glen Ballard also worked on four originals songs for the movie.
Final Thoughts
It does feel very close to the original animated movie, in terms of being scene-for-scene in a lot of parts of the movie. So, the only fresh thing for this remake is to have an reimagine appearance to the story and a new cast. It’s like having many versions of Scrooge/A Christmas Carol that all tell the same story.
I would have preferred there bd more to the ending that I watch as it felt like something important in the story is missing/changed, revealing that would be spoilers.
Overall, it was really enjoyable to watch Pinocchio. Robert Zemeckis did a wonderful job reimagining the fantasy world of this Disney film, as well as this being another fun project with Zemeckis and Hanks both working on it. It’s a great family movie!
Pinocchio is now streaming only on Disney Plus.
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