Is Pinocchio 2022 Different Article written by the Ent on September 8th, 2022. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch the New Pinocchio
Movie: Pinocchio
Rating: PG
Genre: Children, Adventure,
Length: 1 hr. 51 mins.
Age suggested: 8 and up
Release Date: September 8th, 2022
Warnings: Mild peril, some rude language/actions, big sea monster,
Quick Pinocchio Summary
In the newest live-action Disney remake, Pinocchio gets a modern retelling. We still follow the same general story of a lonely carpenter who wished that his newest wooden puppet creation, named Pinocchio, could be a real boy. It is still set in the same timeframe, but there are a few changes made for the modern audience. You can check out our “Is Pinocchio 2022 Different than the Original” section below.
Pinocchio 2022 Review
(Contains Mild Spoilers)
Is Pinocchio 2022 Different than the Original?
Overall, this 2022 remake does a very good job at sticking to the themes and plot of the original film. We still follow Geppetto who creates a wooden puppet. He wishes that the puppet could be a real boy and this wish is granted by the fairy. From there the chaos of the original still ensues with a few minor modifications, but ultimately sticks to the same plot. With that said, there are a few minor differences to discuss.
Difference #1 – -Live Action plus a few Additional Songs
The most obvious difference is that we have entered the live action realm, paired with CGI for characters like Pinocchio, Figaro, Cleo, Monstro, etc. Along with this, we do still get many of the same classic songs from the original as well as a few additions, one of which directly relates to our next entry.
Difference #2 – Geppetto’s back story
While Geppetto is putting the final touches unto his newest puppet, he sings a song which supplies a bit more of his backstory. It is revealed that he had a son and wife, who seemingly both have passed away. This adds an emotional punch to everything that he goes through during the story.
Difference #3 – Pinocchio’s Decision Making
The Pinocchio from the old film never seemed to be making the best decisions. In this remake, he tends to choose correctly, but then things get turned around or don’t work out the way he expects. To me, this lent itself to finding Pinocchio a bit more likable and relatable.
Difference #4 – Addition of a Few Minor Characters
Although pretty much all of the original characters show up from the original, there are a few more characters added. The easiest being the townspeople where Geppetto lives. This makes the setting a bit more lively. There are also a few completely new characters. The most important one being Sabina. She is first found working for Stromboli and adds a fun subplot throughout the movie.
Difference #5 – Ending is More Ambiguous
In the original film, Pinocchio receives a definitive ending where he turns into a real boy. While everything that leads up to this point is similar, whether or not Pinocchio turns into a real boy is a question presented form Jiminy. This really leaves the viewer with the question about “What makes a real boy?”
–Why Watch Pinocchio-
If you are at all a fan of the original film, you are most likely going to really enjoy this adaptation. For those who haven’t seen the original, this still provides a very fun film that provides good lessons about peer pressure and doing what’s right. The overarching plot simultaneously fairly linear while also diving into some crazy places. The movie, although dealing with some relatively darker activities, manages to remain pretty light throughout.
The characters are very lively and keep the pace of the movie going strong. Tom Hanks does a wonderful job at portraying Geppetto. Benjamin Evan Ainsworth adds so much to the innocence and vulnerability of Pinocchio. The cast and plot pair very well to honor the original movie.
-Is Pinocchio 2022 Appropriate?-
This is an interesting question since many people don’t think the original movie was appropriate for children. To start with, if your kid (or whoever) can handle the events of the original film, this one shouldn’t be a problem. With that said, we will dive into anything that may be deemed inappropriate.
One difference (as mentioned above) is the addition of Geppetto’s tragic backstory. Although the death of his family is only implied, it still may be noticeable for families who have been through a similar event. Another thing that may be too much for some viewers is Monstro. He is considerably more monstrous in this film and may be a bit too much for younger viewers.
Now for the fun part: Pleasure Island. This is where I was most curious of how they would handle the original. In the original film, Pinocchio smokes a cigar and drinks alcohol. Even though it is portrayed as a bad thing to do, it’s not something that the modern audience would want in it’s kid’s movies. They went by most of this simply by dropping the cigars and replacing beer with root beer. With that said, the kids there are still partaking in many bad/dangerous things. Some of these things include, but is not limited to, throwing fireworks (sometimes at each other), breaking furniture/buildings, lifting signs and using kid’s curse words (stupid, ugly, etc).
Ultimately, Pinocchio has actually tamed down a bit compared to its original while also keeping the majority of the plots and themes.
Favorite Pinocchio 2022 Quotes
“I’m not a conscience. I’m a Cricket. More of an insect than an instinct.”
“I’m almost a real boy and I can become one. All I have to do is…A bunch of stuff.”
“It’s only peer pressure, unless you’re not a peer”
-Quotes from Pinocchio 2022
Pinocchio Discussion Questions
Themes to Discuss: Following Your Conscience, Peer Pressure, What it Means to be a “Real Boy”
- Have you seen the original Pinocchio cartoon? If so, how do you think it compares?
- What led Geppetto to creating Pinocchio and wishing him to be real?
- Sabina learns that as long as she talks to Pinocchio through the puppet, he will trust her. Have you ever found it easier to use something like this to talk about your feelings? A toy, a song, lyrics etc?
- Pleasure island is presented positively at first as the land without rules. Why did this not end up appealing to Pinocchio? Did you find it appealing by the end (minus the donkey part)?
- What did Pinocchio learn about “Being a real boy” by the end of the movie?
Thanks for reading out article answering the question ‘Is Pinocchio 2022 Different than the Original’. Before you go, check out our reviews for the other Disney Remakes:
–Lion King (2019)
–Dumbo (2019)
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