Review of Pinocchio (1940) by Wesley H — 09 Oct 2009

Wonderful, utterly creative, and deeply moving are only a few ways one can describe. From his landmark, Snow White, Walt Disney comes back with a classic that brings out the smoothest animation of its time, and the most respected and well known songs to this day.

Following a young puppets journey of his coming of age and his contemplation of right and wrong, Pinnochio profiles the doll of the title. Pinnochio, is granted the wish to come to life after Geppetto wishes it "upon a star." Assigned to the job of Pinocchio's conscience, Jimminey Cricket follows Pinnochio on his journey. Tricked into an adventure of stardom, fear, and moral decisions, the story of Pinocchio is an instant classic.

The original storybook presenting the character is much different from Disney's adaption. In the original, Pinocchio is rebellious and even kills Jiminey Cricket by squashing him. Taking a more innocent and child like twist, Disney provokes an incredibly effective story.

The animation varies from extremely detailed, and carefully executed animation (ex. the fairy's startling sparkles that flash around her majestic presence) to creatively drawn characters of talking animals (Honest John and Gideon's hilarious chemistry on screen).

Coming out to be very dark when trapped in the horror of the true Pleasure Island, Pinocchio's lesson is a warning to all children for future decisions (though, the likelihood of a three - twelve year old kid drinking is low).

In the end, Pinocchio is magical, and wondrous. Expanding a new style of cinema that is very common today, Pinocchio is one of the founding forefathers for the most imaginative genre today.