Disney’s 2022 live action Pinocchio is very reminiscent of the classic animated film — but is that its downfall?
Disney has had a long list of live action re-imaginings of their classic hits, so it came as nice surprise when it was announced that Pinocchio would be the next in line. This film stars Tom Hanks as Geppetto, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as the voice of Jiminy Cricket. It’s now available stream in Disney+, but is it worth checking out?
Well, for those of you that are a fan of the original animated movie, the live action version is very similar. With just one new character, that doesn’t add too much to the story, this is very much a shot for shot remake. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however it does make the movie feel a bit tedious. The original was slow to start and this one is too.
About thirty minutes in is when things start to pick up. However, it should be said that if you don’t know the story of Pinocchio, it likely won’t drag as much. This film is geared towards a younger audience, and it is almost certain they will have a great time with it.
One of the biggest issues with the movie is Jiminy Cricket. We don’t mean Joseph Gordon-Levitt, because he perfectly captures the essence of everyone’s favorite conscious with a soothing, yet stern voice. It is the reimagined look of this fan favorite character that we are talking about.
While this is a unique and creative take on him, it is almost constantly distracting to look at his face — which seems like he is wearing a mask. It shouldn’t effect our thoughts of the character, but it does. When they close up on his face during key moments, it’s impossible not to find yourself distracted instead of paying attention to what he is saying.
Figaro, as well as the other animals could use a little bit of work as well — especially when they move their mouths or talk. There is one part with they donkeys as well that looks ridiculous. It almost seems like they just gave up at that point. At least Pinocchio looks fantastic, right down to his mannerisms and the way he walks and talks.
That said, Tom Hanks shines as Geppetto. He makes his on screen singing debut in Pinocchio and it is impossible not to fall in love with him the moment he appears on screen. He is easily the best part of the movie and for those of you who know, that means he isn’t in it all that much.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth is a great choice for the starring role, as well. The movie focuses around him, of course, so it is important to select an actor who can carry the film. Ainsworth is no newbie to the acting world, although this is his first voice acting role. It’s clear he is not going anywhere, as he is able to express emotions through his voice and truly bring this character to life.
There are a few, small, updates to the story. Normally this is a good thing when it comes to creating a live action version of an animated classic, but instead the changes are a horrible addition to the story.
Jiminy Cricket is given some updated lines that are meant to entertain the adults and go over the kids heads. Some of them are a comedic hit (Chris Pine, hello) but not many of them. Two major changes include Monstro and the ending — which hardcore fans likely will not appreciate. The changes are just too jarring to work, and border on straight up frustrating.
In the end Pinocchio is a cute movie, that is very much a shot for shot live action remake of the original animated film geared toward kids. Tom Hanks is phenomenal, but underused as Geppetto really isn’t in the film all that much. The look of Jiminy Cricket is distracting, and the movie starts off quite slow (as did the original, if we are being honest here). Overall, it is a decent watch, but not one that we will be revisiting any time soon.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
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About Pinocchio
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. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the woodcarver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his real son.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is ”Honest” John; Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull, a new character, and Luke Evans is The Coachman.
Pinocchio is now available to stream on Disney+!
