Disney’s live-action adaptation of Pinocchio premieres on Disney Plus Day, September 8th. Featuring a star-studded cast, can this reimagining live up to its original film? Is this version of Pinocchio kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Pinocchio Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Pinocchio Parents Guide + Movie Review
Disney’s back at it, bringing their classic animated movies to life. This time, it’s Pinocchio’s turn. Now we all know that there’s a lot of controversy over bringing these original films to live-action. I’ve remained on the positive side, believing there’s always a new way to look at things. A fresh perspective is always welcoming. And to be honest, I had really high hopes for Pinocchio. The cast features some pretty big names, including Tom Hanks as Geppetto. Did it live up to my expectations? Well, not exactly.
Perhaps I held my standards too high. However, Pinocchio is not a theatrical release, but rather a Disney+ premiere. That’s not to say the streaming service doesn’t deliver strong original hits. Cruella, Soul, and Luca, were all straight to Disney+ films, and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
And as far as other live-action remakes, I’ve generally been a fan. But unfortunately, Pinocchio left me underwhelmed.
Where did Disney’s live-action Pinocchio go wrong?
For me, other Disney adaptations have offered a fresh perspective. They brought something new to the table. Something different and exciting that hasn’t been seen before. Pinocchio was much more of a retelling than a reimagined film. It seemed too much like a carbon copy from the animated classic. The originality was lacking. There is one very slight twist at the end, but it wasn’t enough. The story needed more.
What did Disney’s live-action Pinocchio do right?
Pinocchio’s mix between live-action and CGI was stunning. My favorite visuals occurred in the scenes at Pleasure Island. Disney’s animation department certainly knows how to work the screen.
Pinocchio offers some valuable life-lessons and takeaways. The biggest being the importance of being brave, truthful, and unselfish. These are all redeeming qualities we should wish to achieve.
For those who love searching for Easter Eggs, pay close attention to Geppetto’s clock collection! You might need to have your finger ready to press pause!
Is Pinocchio Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents guide:
It’s no secret that the animated Pinocchio has some heavy, dark undertones. How does the live-action remake compare? Is Pinocchio too scary for kids? Here’s what parents need to know.
Pinocchio has an MPAA of PG for peril/scary moments, rude material, and some language. It has a runtime of 1 hour 45 minutes. With that being said, there are a few things worth mentioning. Let’s break down the thematic elements and take a closer look.
Violence
Pinocchio is kicked (literally) out of school. He is also thrown into a cage. The abusive scenes could be upsetting for children. Pleasure Island is filled with mass destruction and chaos. Expect to see fire, smashing things, and generally unkind behavior.
Pinocchio features several moments of peril, including being swallowed by a whale.
Language
For a PG rated film, there were a few choice words I wish weren’t used. Words such as: losers, jerk, and brats are used. One character says “H – E – double hockey sticks.” He says the word just like that.
Mature Content
It is very clear that Geppetto lost someone very close to him. Perhaps his wife. He is reclusive in his shop and never leaves. Pinocchio gives him a reason to start living.
Pinocchio is ridiculed and teased because he is made of wood. Scenes on Pleasure Island include children being unruly and drinking. The whole purpose of Pleasure Island is to misbehave, and it’s glorified.
Vapor creatures inhibit Pleasure Island and can be quite creepy. Children also turn into donkeys.
Age Recommendation
The live-action Pinocchio is very much the same as the animated version. The 1 hour 45 minute runtime is a tad on the too long side, and could have easily been 15 minutes shorter. I’m going to say Pinocchio would be mostly okay for ages 6 and up, however, I’d suggest 8 and up. If your child has seen the original film, they should be okay with the live-action movie. But keep in mind, live-action makes things appear more real, which in turn could be scarier for little ones.
Overall Thoughts
While Disney’s live-action Pinocchio left me underwhelmed, that’s not to say it’s a bad film. It’s just not what I was expecting. It’s a fine movie to premiere straight to Disney+. It will make a great choice for your family movie night.
Pinocchio is charming and delightful, but unfortunately doesn’t offer originality. With that being said, Pinocchio reminds us of the pure innocent magic of wishing on stars. Of believing in something bigger than ourselves. And that above all, the unconditional love we have for our children is more important than anything.
Pinocchio premieres on Disney Plus Day, September 8, 2022, only on Disney+.
Pinocchio Synopsis
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.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS PINOCCHIO PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!
Looking for more Disney Plus movies? Don’t miss these posts HERE!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.