Disney’s live-action Pinocchio remake: 4 things parents should know

4 Things that parents should know about the live-action remake of Pinocchio by Disney

Geppetto is a middle-aged woodworker who finds companionship in Figaro and Cleo.

People in his hometown appreciate his cuckoo clocks. He manufactures toys for local kids and himself.

His latest creation is a pine marionette dubbed Pinocchio. Blue eyes, a yellow cap: Pinocchio. Pinocchio smiles.

Geppetto won’t sell Pinocchio.

Geppetto: “He’s almost a boy.”

Geppetto wishes upon a “wishing star” that Pinocchio will come to life.

If his desire came true, Figaro, he’d be happy.

The next morning, Geppetto’s wooden doll is alive.

Tom Hanks and Joseph Gordon-Levitt feature in the new Disney Plus film Pinocchio (PG).

Four guide for parents:

1. It’s a live-action remake

Pinocchio is the next Disney live-action remake, following Dumbo (2019), The Lion King (2019), The Jungle Book (2016), and Beauty and the Beast (2017).

1940’s Pinocchio received seven Oscar nominations and two wins (Best Original Score and Best Original Song). Thanks to re-releases, it’s the 45th highest-grossing film of all time.

Both films are based on the 1883 book The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi.

2. It’s like 1940’s film

The 2022 version mostly follows the 1940 film’s plot. Geppetto makes Pinocchio out of wood and wishes on a “wishing star” for him to grow up. A blue fairy makes Pinocchio converse as Geppetto sleeps. Geppetto sends Pinocchio to school, but a fox (Honest John) promises him fame and sends him to Stromboli’s puppet show. Pinocchio flees Stromboli but is enticed by Pleasure Island (which has no cops, parents or rules). He flees Pleasure Island and is reunited with Geppetto at sea, but they are swallowed by Monstro, who spits them out when Pinocchio ignites a fire. Pinocchio turns human at the film’s end.

The movie has some notable alterations. In 2022 (unlike 1940), Pinocchio makes it to school, but the headmaster kicks him out, saying “school is for real children, not puppets.” Pinocchio’s nose stops growing without a visit from the blue fairy. When he apologizes for his lies, it diminishes. In 1940, Pinocchio drowns and is resurrected (with Geppetto praying by his bedside). In 2022, Geppetto dies and Pinocchio sings When You Wish Upon a Star to resuscitate him.

3. Conscience Lesson

Pinocchio’s moral story provides the plot’s backdrop. Jiminy Cricket is Pinocchio’s conscience before he develops his own.

Jiminy Cricket: “A conscience is that quiet voice most people ignore.” “That’s the whole world’s problem.”

Pinocchio avoids difficulty when Jiminy Cricket is with him but gives in when they’re apart. Pinocchio is instructed not to take his conscience on Pleasure Island, where children steal, lie, and vandalize.

Scripture states the law is “inscribed on our heart” and our conscience “testifies.”

Still, sin taints our conscience. It’s a guidance, not the ultimate word on right and wrong. It’s God’s Word.

The movie teaches about temptation, peer pressure, and family love. It’s also about adoption.

4. Kids will like it

The 2022 Pinocchio has little sexuality (save a can-can dance) and minimal language (details below).

Critics say it’s pointless, soulless, and unoriginal. (30% Rotten Tomatoes)

Maybe Pinocchio is another unnecessary live-action remake. The 1940 version is more funnier.

A 10-year-old Martian boy would like Pinocchio, I’m sure. I’m sure most 10-year-olds agree. (MINE DID) 1940 Pinocchio is superior, but 2022 Pinocchio is still nice.

Some kids prefer live-action to 1940s animation. They’ll learn about right and evil, temptation, and conscience thanks to this remake. Maybe they’ll watch the 1940 film.

PG for peril/scary moments, inappropriate material, and profanity. Sam hill (1), “what the cuss” (1), “H-E-double hockey sticks” (1), gosh darn (1). (1).

3-star entertainment.

4.5/5 for family-friendly.