Review of Pinocchio (1940) by Avenged Angel — 13 Jul 2009

The second movie in the Disney animated featured cannon. Pinocchio came out just as everyone entered the second world war. Initially the film did not make a profit the first time around while it is now adjusted for inflation.

Other features that fall into this category are Dumbo, Fantasia, and Bambi. This good and evil simple story is told beautifully with english fairytale water color backgrounds and suspenseful sequences partially by legendary nine old men animator Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman.

The animation, considering it's only predecessing feature was Snow White two years prior, the animation for all the characters, both human and non-human, was stunningly accurate. In my opinion, this is the only Disney movie that sends chills to me even at my age.

Though it wasn't one that I frequently saw as a child I did see I was frightened by Woolie Reitherman's adrenaline triggering animation of Monstro the Whale, as well as the drawings of the evil Coachman, the operator of Pleasure Island and the eery antics of Honest John and Gideon done by John Lounsbury.

Some of the facal expressions of the villains at certain points of the movie are so frightening I am sure that it has induced nightmares for a lot of its viewers over the years, both young and old. However, I don't believe that those expressions are enough of a crowd displeaser to discourage them from viewing the film, or allowing their young ones to.

Today, it is the trademark film for wishes coming true, that being defined by the signature song for Disney Studios, "When you Wish Upon a Star" composed by Ned Washington and Leigh Harline.

The film itself is, above all else, heartfelt and genuine in its message to be good and do right by the gift of your existance, and this lesson has been broadcast through this film consistently for 70 years.