The Pinocchio 2022 live action film is a Disney+ musical fantasy directed by Robert Zemeckis. It is a remake of Disney’s 1940 animated classic, starring Tom Hanks as Geppetto. The film received generally mixed-to-negative reviews, with many critics praising the visuals but finding it lacked the emotional depth and charm of the original.
Many people love the Disney story of a wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy. The original animated classic, Pinocchio, is a famous tale about honesty and making wishes come true. Now, Disney is making live-action versions of its old cartoons. This brings us to the new Pinocchio 2022 live action film. Can this new movie capture the magic of the original?
This new version stars the famous Tom Hanks as the woodcarver Geppetto. It uses a mix of computer animation and real actors to update the story for today’s viewers. But is it any good? Here at IWatchMovies Blog, we are taking a close look at the live action Pinocchio. We’ll share our honest thoughts in this complete Pinocchio 2022 review, covering everything from the visuals to the acting.
Join us as we explore what worked and what didn’t in this new movie. We will look at the cast and the story to help you decide if the Pinocchio 2022 film is worth watching. We will also give our official Pinocchio rating. Let’s find out if this film is a success.
Disney’s Pinocchio (2022): A Quick Overview
What Is the 2022 Live-Action Pinocchio About?
Disney’s Pinocchio (2022) live action film is a new version of a classic story. The movie retells the tale from the 1940 animated film, using a mix of live actors and CGI. The story is about Geppetto, a lonely woodcarver. He makes a wooden puppet and wishes it were a real boy.
A magical Blue Fairy hears Geppetto’s wish and brings the puppet, Pinocchio, to life. But Pinocchio is not a real boy yet. To become one, he must prove he is brave, honest, and unselfish. The wise Jiminy Cricket acts as his conscience to help guide him.
Pinocchio’s journey is full of challenges. He meets many characters, some friendly and others tricky. These include the cunning Honest John and the menacing Stromboli. Pinocchio also finds himself on the infamous Pleasure Island. Each experience teaches him valuable lessons, and in the end, he learns what it means to be human.
Initial Reception & Critical Consensus
Reviews for the Pinocchio 2022 live action film were not very good. When the movie came out, it received mostly negative reviews from critics. Many people felt it was missing the charm of the original film. They also questioned why a remake was needed.
Film critics strongly disliked the movie. For instance, it has a very low 28% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes [1]. On Metacritic, it scored 38 out of 100, which means “generally unfavorable reviews” [2]. These low scores show that most people were not happy with the film.
Critics of the Pinocchio 2022 review pointed out several key problems. They said the film was not original, the CGI felt lifeless, and it missed the heart of the first movie. The film was also nominated for six Golden Raspberry Awards, which honor the worst movies of the year [3]. It “won” the award for Worst Remake, Rip-off or Sequel [4]. This shows just how disliked it was by both audiences and critics.
Disney released the live action Pinocchio directly on its streaming service, Disney+. This made many people think the studio was not confident in the film. Because of this, the early reactions for Pinocchio 2022 were mostly poor.
Is Pinocchio 2022 good or bad?
What Worked: Visuals and Performances
The Pinocchio 2022 live action film did some things very well. First, the movie looks beautiful. Disney’s skill with CGI is impressive.
The animators made Pinocchio look real with great detail. His wooden look and expressive face are believable. Other characters, like Jiminy Cricket, also look fantastic. He moves smoothly and fits right into the live-action world. Even the giant whale, Monstro, is an amazing example of digital art, looking both huge and scary.
The movie’s sets also pull you into the story. For example, Geppetto’s workshop is filled with charming, detailed items. It feels like a real, magical place. The visual effects team did a great job making the world feel alive and believable.
The acting is also strong. Tom Hanks as Geppetto is warm and heartfelt as the lonely woodcarver. His performance carries a lot of the film’s emotion. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth gives Pinocchio a voice full of innocence. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a familiar and comforting Jiminy Cricket. Cynthia Erivo’s short role as the Blue Fairy is also memorable, thanks to her powerful singing [source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com].
What Didn’t: The Heart of the Story
Even though the movie looks great, most Pinocchio 2022 review articles point out problems with its story. The biggest issue for this live action Pinocchio is that it doesn’t feel new. It’s too similar to the 1940 animated movie but without the same magic or feeling.
The story sometimes moves too fast. This means important character moments don’t have a big impact. Because of this, the main message about telling the truth to become “a real boy” feels less powerful. Many critics said the film just repeated the old story without adding anything new. Audiences were left wanting more from this new version.
Also, people had mixed feelings about some new ideas in the movie. Some scenes felt odd or didn’t have the charm of the original. The jokes didn’t always work. The feeling of real danger and excitement from the first film was weaker here. The movie had trouble being its own thing while staying true to the classic story. This is why Pinocchio 2022 live action film reviews were often negative about the story.
Final Verdict: Hit or Flop?
So, was the Pinocchio 2022 live action film a hit or a flop? Most people agree it was more of a “flop.” Critics were not impressed, and the film received a “rotten” score on review sites like Rotten Tomatoes [source: https://www.rottentomatoes.com]. This shows that most reviewers gave it a bad rating.
Audiences didn’t love it either, which hurt its reputation. Many people felt there was no reason to make this new version. It didn’t connect with viewers as much as other recent Disney live-action movies. The Pinocchio 2022 reviews often said the film failed to stand out.
In the end, the movie looked amazing and had good acting, but the story was weak. It didn’t offer anything new for fans of the first film. The filmmakers played it safe and didn’t take any chances. This made the movie forgettable for many people. So, while it wasn’t a total disaster, the Pinocchio 2022 rating and reviews show it was a miss for Disney.
Who plays Pinocchio in the live-action movie?
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as Pinocchio
Talented young actor Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voices the main character, Pinocchio. He is the voice of the famous puppet who wants to become a real boy in the Pinocchio 2022 live action film. Ainsworth is best known for his role as Miles Wingrave in the critically acclaimed horror series The Haunting of Bly Manor [5].
Voicing a CGI character is a unique challenge. Ainsworth perfectly captures Pinocchio’s innocence, curiosity, and conscience. His performance shows the puppet’s journey through temptation and personal growth. This is the emotional heart of the film.
Tom Hanks as Geppetto
The famous Tom Hanks plays the heartwarming role of Geppetto, the lonely woodcarver who wishes for a son. Hanks is a two-time Academy Award winner, known for his incredible acting range [6]. He brings warmth and importance to the live action Pinocchio movie. This is another film pairing for Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis, who also made classics like Forrest Gump and Cast Away.
Hanks beautifully shows Geppetto’s fatherly love and hope. He plays the character’s devotion with real emotion. As a result, his performance is a high point in many Pinocchio 2022 reviews.
Cynthia Erivo as the Blue Fairy
The talented Cynthia Erivo plays the magical Blue Fairy, a key character in the story. She brings her powerful voice and strong presence to the role. Erivo is an Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award winner, known for her powerful voice [7]. Her version of “When You Wish Upon a Star” is a highlight of the Pinocchio 2022 live action film. It is a moment of pure wonder.
Erivo plays the Blue Fairy with a magical beauty and deep wisdom. She makes the character feel truly magical and inspiring.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket
The talented actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt provides the voice for Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio‘s conscience. He perfectly captures Jiminy’s charm, wit, and sense of right and wrong. Gordon-Levitt is well-known for roles in films like Inception and (500) Days of Summer [8].
His narration guides the story. Also, his back-and-forth with Pinocchio adds both humor and wisdom. Jiminy Cricket is a key character, and Gordon-Levitt gives a memorable voice performance.
Supporting Cast Highlights
Besides the main characters, the Pinocchio 2022 live action film features a talented cast of supporting actors. They bring classic characters to life. Here are some of the key performances:
- Keegan-Michael Key as Honest John (voice): The tricky fox who misleads Pinocchio. Key’s unique voice is perfect for the character’s smooth-talking and tricky personality.
- Luke Evans as The Coachman: The evil owner of Pleasure Island. Evans gives a threatening performance, making him a very scary villain.
- Lorraine Bracco as Sofia the Seagull (voice): A new character for this movie, Sofia is a friendly seagull who talks with Jiminy Cricket. Bracco’s voice adds a comforting presence.
- Giuseppe Battiston as Stromboli: The rough and greedy puppet master. Battiston plays Stromboli as a convincing villain, adding to Pinocchio’s challenges.
Together, this talented cast makes the story richer. Their work is important to the feel of the live action Pinocchio movie. They help bring this classic tale to life in a new way.
How does Pinocchio 2022 compare to the original?
Key Plot Differences and Additions
The Pinocchio 2022 live action film closely follows the story of the 1940 animated original. However, director Robert Zemeckis made several small changes. These changes were meant to update the story for today’s audiences. Yet, some viewers feel they take away from the original’s charm.
One notable change is in Pinocchio’s journey. He still wants to become a real boy, but the story’s moral lessons are not as strong. The consequences for his actions, especially lying, don’t seem as serious. This makes his final transformation feel less meaningful.
- Absence of the “Lying Nose” Arc: The famous scene where Pinocchio’s nose grows with each lie is in the film. However, the movie doesn’t fully explore the consequences of his lying as deeply [9]. The visual joke is there, but it has less emotional impact.
- Pleasure Island Redux: Pleasure Island is still a major stop. The transformation of boys into donkeys is still unsettling. But the 2022 film makes Pinocchio’s escape much simpler. This reduces the feeling of danger and serious consequences.
- Character Motivations: Some character motivations are simplified. For instance, the Coachman does not seem as obviously evil. This waters down some of the original’s darker parts.
- New Sequences: A few new scenes and lines were added. These additions can feel unnecessary. They sometimes slow down the story’s pace.
Overall, while the core story is the same, these shifts affect the film’s emotional impact. They create a slightly different viewing experience for fans of the classic live action Pinocchio story.
Tone and Musical Numbers
The Pinocchio 2022 live action film tries to create a familiar feeling. It aims for the same sense of wonder as the original. However, the way it’s done can feel strange or unsettling. The mix of realistic-looking computer graphics and human actors sometimes looks awkward.
The tone is mostly a family-friendly adventure. It avoids the deeper, darker themes of the 1940 film. This makes it easier for younger kids to watch. But it may disappoint those who wanted the same emotional depth as the original.
Musically, the film honors the original. It includes many favorite songs, like “When You Wish Upon a Star” and “I’ve Got No Strings.” The performances are mostly strong and bring a familiar warmth.
- Classic Songs Retained: Classic songs like “When You Wish Upon a Star” are a key part of the film. Cynthia Erivo’s performance as the Blue Fairy is especially memorable. She captures the song’s timeless magic.
- New Additions: A few new songs are also in the movie. However, these new songs don’t always fit in perfectly. They don’t quite match the classic feel of the original songs.
- Integration into Story: The musical numbers fit well into the plot. They help move the story along. They also provide fun and thoughtful moments.
Despite the changes, the music is a high point. It is a familiar and welcome part of this new version. Our Pinocchio 2022 review found the songs to be one of its best qualities.
Distinguishing from Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
It is important not to confuse Disney’s Pinocchio 2022 live action film with another major 2022 release. Guillermo del Toro’s stop-motion film also tells Pinocchio’s story. The two movies are very different in almost every way.
Del Toro’s version, released on Netflix, is a much darker and more grown-up take on the story. He sets the tale in fascist Italy and explores themes like life, death, and obedience in a deep, thoughtful way. The Disney version, on the other hand, is a brighter and more simple fairy tale.
This contrast shows the different ways artists can approach the same classic story. One film aims for nostalgia, staying faithful to the original with some updates. The other creates a deep, new version of the story.
| Feature | Pinocchio (2022) Disney Live-Action | Pinocchio (2022) Guillermo del Toro |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Live-action/CGI hybrid | Stop-motion animation |
| Director | Robert Zemeckis | Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson |
| Tone | Family-friendly, whimsical, nostalgic | Dark, philosophical, mature, fantastical |
| Setting | Vaguely European, timeless fantasy | Fascist Italy during WWII |
| Themes | Honesty, bravery, love, wishing | Life, death, conformity, humanity, fatherhood |
| Target Audience | General audiences, families | Older children, teens, adults |
| Reception (Critical) | Mixed to negative [1] | Overwhelmingly positive [10] |
Knowing these differences is important when discussing Pinocchio 2022 reviews. Both films offer good, but very different, takes on the beloved puppet’s journey. Del Toro’s film is often praised more for being original and deep.
Why is Pinocchio rated PG?
Scary Scenes and Thematic Elements
The Pinocchio 2022 live action film has a PG rating, which means “Parental Guidance Suggested.” This rating means some material may not be right for young kids. Since it’s a Disney story, many viewers wonder why. But the classic tale, and this new movie, has several intense scenes.
First, the film has several scenes of danger. For example, scenes with the giant sea monster, Monstro, can be very scary for younger kids. This huge whale is a big threat to Pinocchio and Geppetto. Also, the evil coachman and his followers create a feeling of danger. They trick innocent children.
The famous Pleasure Island scene is another big reason for the PG rating. In this part of the movie, boys are tricked into a place where they can do whatever they want. Then, they slowly turn into donkeys. The way this change is shown can be upsetting. It brings up dark ideas about what happens after you make bad choices.
The movie’s themes are also important. The live action Pinocchio deals with darker topics like:
- Abandonment and loneliness: Pinocchio often feels alone on his journey.
- Deception and temptation: He is often tricked by dishonest characters.
- Peril and moral choices: The story shows that bad decisions have serious consequences.
- Existential fear: The fear of not becoming a “real boy” is a heavy emotional topic.
These ideas are key to the story’s lessons, but they bring up complex feelings and situations. That’s why parental guidance is needed. The MPAA gives a PG rating to films that have “some material parents might find unsuitable for young children” [11].
Is Pinocchio 2022 Kid-Friendly?
So, is the Pinocchio 2022 live action film really kid-friendly with its PG rating? The answer depends on your child’s age and personality. The movie doesn’t have the violence or adult themes of an R-rated film. Still, its scary moments can be a lot for very young kids.
For example, children ages seven and up can usually understand the story’s message. They can handle the scary parts better because they see it as a fantasy adventure. But for preschoolers or very sensitive kids, scenes like the donkey transformations or the Monstro attack could be really scary. Parents often mention this in Pinocchio 2022 reviews.
Here are a few things for parents to think about:
- Pre-screening: Watch the movie by yourself first. This will help you decide if it’s right for your child.
- Co-viewing: Watch it with your younger children. You can pause to talk about any parts that are confusing or scary.
- Contextualization: Explain that the story is a fairy tale with lessons about being honest and brave.
- Focus on positive themes: Point out how Pinocchio grows. Talk about the importance of family and friends.
Overall, the Pinocchio rating of PG means it’s not just for adults. But it’s also not a simple, carefree movie for every young child. It’s similar to other Disney films with intense moments, like Beauty and the Beast or older animated movies. So, it’s up to you as a parent to decide if the live action Pinocchio is a good fit for your family.
Where Can I Watch the Pinocchio 2022 Live Action Film?
Want to watch the Pinocchio 2022 live action film? It’s available exclusively on Disney+. Disney released this movie directly to streaming, which means it skipped theaters. Instead, you can enjoy it right from your couch.
You will need a Disney+ subscription to watch the live action Pinocchio. The service offers a huge library of Disney movies and shows. For subscribers, finding the film is easy: just search for “Pinocchio” on the app or website.
The film came out on Disney+ Day, September 8, 2022 [12]. Disney used this special event to launch the movie. Because it went straight to streaming, this release strategy was a major topic in many Pinocchio 2022 reviews.
Is the Pinocchio 2022 live action film available on other services? As a Disney+ Original, the movie is exclusive to the platform. You generally cannot rent or buy it anywhere else. This strategy helps Disney get more subscribers. So, if you want to watch this live action Pinocchio, Disney+ is the only place to find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Pinocchio 2022 a success?
The reaction to Disney’s Pinocchio 2022 live action film was mostly negative. Most critics did not like the movie. It currently holds a “Rotten” score of 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 196 critic reviews [1]. On Metacritic, it scored 38 out of 100, which means “generally unfavorable reviews” [13].
Since the movie went straight to Disney+, there are no traditional box office numbers. However, the bad reviews and mixed audience reactions show it wasn’t a big hit for the studio. Many felt the live action Pinocchio lacked the original film’s magic. In short, the Pinocchio 2022 reviews show that the film did not meet expectations.
What is the moral of Pinocchio 2022?
The Pinocchio 2022 live action film keeps many of the same lessons from the original story. At its heart, it’s a story about what it means to be human. Pinocchio is a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy. But this change is not just physical. He also needs to grow as a person.
Key moral lessons include:
- Honesty: Pinocchio’s nose growing longer when he lies is the most famous example of this.
- Bravery: He must face dangers to protect the people he loves.
- Selflessness: He learns to put others before himself.
- Listening to Conscience: Jiminy Cricket acts as his guide, helping him make good choices.
- The Value of Family: The bond between Pinocchio and Geppetto is key, showing the power of love and acceptance.
Ultimately, the Pinocchio 2022 version shows that being “real” comes from having good character and doing good deeds, not just from being made of flesh and blood. It teaches that you earn humanity through kindness and honesty.
Is Tom Hanks in the new Pinocchio movie?
Yes, absolutely! The famous actor Tom Hanks has a major role in the Pinocchio 2022 live action film. He plays the kind-hearted woodcarver Geppetto.
Hanks brings his usual warmth and emotional depth to the character. Geppetto is the lonely craftsman who creates Pinocchio and wishes for him to become a real boy. His performance was often praised as a high point, even in negative Pinocchio 2022 reviews. Tom Hanks gives a heartfelt performance as the loving father figure.
Is Netflix Pinocchio dark?
Yes, the Netflix Pinocchio is much darker in its story and tone. This refers to Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, which also came out in 2022. It is important not to confuse this film with the Disney live-action version. Del Toro’s stop-motion version tells the classic story from a more mature and serious point of view.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Disney’s Pinocchio (2022) | Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Director(s) | Robert Zemeckis | Guillermo del Toro, Mark Gustafson |
| Style | Live-action/CGI | Stop-motion animation |
| Tone | Lighter, family-friendly, musical | Darker, serious, mature themes, set during a war |
| Setting | Classic, timeless Italy | Fascist Italy during WWII |
| Rating | PG | PG-13 |
| Platform | Disney+ | Netflix |
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio deals with big ideas like life, death, fascism, and rebellion. The film explores these ideas in a creative and thoughtful way. It has more intense scenes and deeper character journeys. It was loved by critics, holding a 97% “Certified Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes [10]. So, if you want a deeper, more thought-provoking version of the story, Netflix Pinocchio is the one to see.
Sources
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pinocchio_2022
- https://www.metacritic.com/movie/pinocchio-2022/critic-reviews/?ftag=MCD-06-10aaa1c
- https://www.razzies.com/the-razzies-2022-nominations
- https://www.razzies.com/the-razzies-2022-winners
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10664977/
- https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1995
- https://www.cynthiaerivo.com/
- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330687/
- https://collider.com/pinocchio-2022-changes-from-original-explained/
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/guillermo_del_toros_pinocchio
- https://www.mpaa.org/film-ratings/
- https://collider.com/pinocchio-live-action-disney-plus-release-date-trailer/
- https://www.metacritic.com/movie/pinocchio-2022
