Disney 'Pinnochio' (1940) Review

Pinocchio. The story of an older, lonely man who wishes that his hand-carved puppet would come to life. It’s a magical story that I found to be the best movie that we have covered thus far in our quest to watch and review every Disney Animated theatrical release.

Pinocchio (1940) Disney (c)

The Plot (without the spoilers)

Pinocchio begins with a song, after which our narrator introduces himself as Jiminy Cricket and takes us back to the beginning. Our intrepid insect adventurer finds a warm fire in the shop of a woodcarver, full of puppets and beautiful clocks. The woodcarver, Geppetto is putting the finishing touches on a little puppet that he names Pinocchio. After seeing the wishing star, he utters that now famous rhyme and wishes that his little puppet could become a real boy. He is heard by the Blue Fairy and his wish comes true (well....almost). For it to only be answered, Pinocchio must learn to be brave, truthful and unselfish and our narrator Jiminy is appointed his conscience. 

Thoughts on the Movie: 

Seven decades after it first came out, this Disney classic harks back to a time when the stars of animated films were the illustrators, not celebrity voice talent. More recent reissues also include digital restoration of the film's original colors, so that, for instance, scenes of various cuckoo clocks chiming simultaneously in Geppetto's workshop would be reason enough to recommend the film. The soundtrack includes classics such as "When You Wish Upon a Star" and "Give a Little Whistle" that will still be familiar to families today.

But the lessons in Pinocchio also are timeless: The same traits of bravery, honesty, and selflessness that make Pinocchio human are ones we would like our children to possess in adulthood. The downside of ignoring your conscience is rendered in a way that may be uniquely terrifying to children: how indulging in the temptations of Pleasure Island results in separation from family and utter loss of self. Though Jiminy's reassuring presence allows viewers to hope for the puppet boy's rescue, Pinocchio acts as the original Scared Straight experience for the younger set.

RATING: 5/5

- Sandy 

References: 

- http://www.silverpetticoatreview.com/2015/07/26/revisiting-disney-pinocchio/

- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/pinocchio#

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