IR Film Review: PINOCCHIO [Disney+]

The concept of adapting a classic animated film because it can sometimes is an exercise in understanding what the audience wants to see. But there are always sometimes cultural touchstones that walk the line. "Pinocchio" in theory is an interesting challenge and the person obviously well suited to the task is Robert Zemeckis having done melding of live action and animation all the way back to "Who Framed Roger Rabbit". The issue with this adaptation is it really lacks any soul. The initial story from the 1942 animated film already had nightmarish qualities and is one of early Disney's darker forays.

The kidnapping of children, the Pleasure Island de-evolution, even Mostro were pretty heavy themes for the 1940s (but again this was in the middle of World War II). This new "Pinocchio" doesn't quite take on that. Most of the songs are gone (though the one that really stays is one that the Blue Fairy sings -- which bodes well for "Wicked"). The rules of the film are also skewed. While you have certain characters like Honest John, who as the fox is visually arresting, the reality is that no one gives him a second glance, an interesting choice but still unusual. Stromboli's is what one would think and the integration of the idea of another wooden ballerina there against her will is a nice touch but really doesn't help the story any.

Tom Hanks, obviously there in many ways for his often collaborator Zemeckis, almost understands that Geppetto is a thankless role. He is simply there to be a focal point of both worry and redemption for Pinocchio. A cameo of sorts with Lorraine Bracco bridges a story gap visually but ultimately the modern way to connect to Mostro still feels empty. The only one that fares well though one can't even tell it is him because his mimicry is quite good is Joseph Gordon Levitt as the voice of Jiminy Cricket. His character is spot-on save for the fact that we lose (again) a few of the songs from the original.

The ending also has adjustments for sure. The one space that is interestingly done (again the tech elements are great for the most part) is Pleasure Island since how do you translate that while keeping it PG rated but also creating a sense of dread and mayhem. Zemeckis pulls more on a zaniness of Toontown which is quite metaphorical and intense without crossing the line. That is a world that bears returning to especially with a character with a full heart like Roger but the instincts of an idiot. The stogies at Pleasure Island are of course gone now. There is also some eye winking in the details in Geppetto's shop which is one of the bright spots with odes to other cultural Disney touchstones as well as a subtle reference to "Back To The Future". "Pinocchio" knows the story, makes adjustments but despite all that, with its contexts and delivery, it is still out of time. C

By Tim Wassberg