Normally I wouldn’t have to make the distinction of which version of a film I’m reviewing, but Pinocchio has had a moment in 2022, with three film adaptations. That seems excessive, so I wondered why academy award winner Mr. Del Toro, would take it on as well. Truth be told, Pinocchio wasn’t a Disney classic favorite of mine, so if anybody could get me to watch a re-telling of this film, it would be Guillermo Del Toro.
No Spoiler Review!
My thanks to Netflix for sending me complimentary film for my consideration of the upcoming award season. All opinions are my own.
About Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio- A Re-imagined Classic Tale:
Netflix Films/Directed by: Guillermo Del Toro & Mark Gustafson/Run Time:1 hr 57 mins./Genre: Music-Fantasy/Rating: PG-13
Synopsis:
A father’s wish magically brings a wooden boy to life in Italy, which gives the father a chance to care for the child. This is the story of Imperfect fathers and sons. Of accepting everyone for who they are, even the Wooden Boy with the borrowed soul.
My Thoughts:
As someone who likes to read the book before seeing the film if possible, I’m grateful to have received this lovely book, written by Gina McIntyre, along with my screener of Pinocchio. It helped me understand just how long this stop motion animated version of Pinocchio has been in the works (years!) and how we have Netflix to thank for it since they said yes to production after other studios said no. You can learn more about the film on Netflix here.
In this “Timeless Tale told Anew” Guillermo Del Toro tells the story of a wooden boy (voiced by Gregory Mann) who refuses to betray himself. Despite all the things the adults “those who know better” keep telling him.
Despite the efforts of Pinocchio’s father, Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley) and the talking cricket (voiced by Ewan McGregor), this headstrong, wooden boy doesn’t listen and gets into mischief and trouble often, with varying degrees of danger to himself and others. This film is magical, mystical, a little dark and brooding and yet, manages to also be light-hearted, funny and soulful!
Is this film for little ones?
No. It’s PG rating should be followed because there are some intense scenes and subject matter: war, distrust and deceit, anger, animal cruelty, magical creatures that aren’t cutesy just to name a few.
Do I recommend you adding this to your Netflix holiday watch list?
Yes I do! It will be premier on Netflix on December 9, 2022. Pinocchio will take you on a magical ride of love, loss, growth and acceptance. You’ll find yourself laughing, tearing up, and rooting on this little wooden boy and his rag-tag family until the very end. Check out the film's teaser to get a feel for what I mean.
Official Netflix Film Teaser:
The Takeaway:
This film has the ability to become a “Must See Again” film. I loved it! I give this film 4 out of 5 stars. I’m thankful I received the film's screener and want to go see it in theaters once it’s available. There’s been no release date as of yet.
Please share in comments: Will you stream this version of Pinocchio on Netflix next week?
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