Is Pinocchio 2022 safe for kids? Is the new 2022 live action Pinocchio film on Disney+ OK for children? Read the Pinocchio Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and parent review to the all-new Disney movie starring Tom Hanks, streaming exclusively on Disney+. No spoilers! #Pinocchio May contain commissioned links.
Pinocchio Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
Eek. Another Disney live action movie, this time premiering exclusively on Disney+. You know what that means – I cannot tell a lie.
Anyone else grow up watching the 1940 Disney classic children’s book adaptation animated film, with absolutely no idea just how CRINGE it was for kids? The cigar smoking, beer drinking, theft, mayhem, running away, (ahem, remember that, Turning Red naysayers?) and that’s aside from the HUGE mental health issues all around. It was weird then, and even more disturbing to watch now as an adult.
All this to say that I can’t think of a single person who claims Pinocchio as their favorite Disney movie. But it’s 2022, and Disney live-action movies are still the trend. (But, why?!) With Tom Hanks on board, one can only “Wish Upon a Star” that Pinocchio is one of those few and far between live-action reimagined movies that actually captures our hearts.
Or is Disney’s nose growing?
In this Pinocchio Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch this new live-action Disney Pinocchio parents guide to the film. A no-spoiler parent review of Disney+ Pinocchio, how does this 2022 version compare to the original? Or does this classic adaptation face a Dumbo-sized crash landing?
Read the Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio Movie Review now streaming on Netflix.
The Visuals
From 1940 animation to 2022 CGI technology, I think that we can all agree that visually Pinocchio has had a huge facelift. The sharp details, the realism, the colors – Pinocchio brings the old children’s fairy tale to life and connects the audience to the reimagined film in a way that the old animation style never could dream of.
Add a dash of Tim Burton vibes (not quite live-action Dumbo level, but you know where I’m going with this), a few familiar CGI animal sidekicks, and a thick mustache (Is Tom Hanks really 66-years old now?). Visually Pinocchio is already a cinematic triumph without ever having to press the play button on your streaming device.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, there are a few scenes with bright flashing lights that may be triggering for some viewers. Those who have seen the original Pinocchio film can estimate where these scenes will occur.
The Story
Directed by Academy Award® winning director Robert Zemeckis and starring Academy Award® winner Tom Hanks (“Toy Story“) as Geppetto, Disney+ brings the 1883 children’s fairy tale book by Carlo Collodi to life, retelling the adventures of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet, on a quest to become a real boy. The new 2022 Pinocchio co-stars include Academy Award® nominee Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet“) as the Blue Fairy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt (“Inception“) as Jiminy Cricket, Keegan-Michael Key (“Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers“) as ”Honest” John, Academy Award® nominee Lorraine Bracco (“The Sopranos“) as new character Sofia the Seagull, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth (“Flora & Ulysses“) as Pinocchio and Luke Evans (“Beauty and the Beast“) as The Coachman.
As far as the story goes, if you were hoping for a complete Pinocchio story makeover, you will be sorely disappointed. Pretty much following the original 1940 film blueprint of an 1883 book, this modern day adaptation of the classic does little for script “wow” moments. A few updated jokes, some pop culture references, slightly expanded background story/character building, a new song (yes, it is still a musical film) and a couple of Disney Easter Eggs, it’s a simplified, true-to-the-original, wholesome Pinocchio movie that doesn’t deviate very far from honoring the classic and yet dated vibe.
I stress that 2022 Pinocchio went directly streaming to Disney+. That’s no coincidence from a marketing standpoint. Disney wasn’t going for a blockbuster theater release remake here. Again, if you’re looking for amazing story arcs or plot holes filled, this isn’t the live-action Disney film for you. But honestly, does Pinocchio’s character, story and emotion really resonate with any modern day child?
Pinocchio PG Rating Explained
Is Pinocchio safe for kids? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings, especially PG. And as we all know, not all PG ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how movie ratings have shifted over the years with G-rated movies a thing of the past.
With film ratings unpredictable these days, even PG ratings oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, there’s a wide age range between 0-12 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie is family friendly – and safe for the everyone to watch together on Disney+ Day.
Why is Pinocchio rated PG? In this Pinocchio Movie Review| Safe for Kids, this 2022 live-action Disney film has a PG rating for “peril, scary moments, some language, and rude material.” Is Pinocchio ok for kids? Should parents be worried about taking their kids to see another questionable crude humor PG rated Disney movie? Let’s breakdown that MPAA rating for parents in this Pinocchio Parents Guide.
Language. As far as language in the 2022 Pinocchio, overall it’s very mild for a PG-rated Disney film. But considering how the original 1940’s film had zero language references, the bad language count is quite the increase. “Bollocks,” jackass,” and the spoken phrase of “H-E-double hockey sticks” is about as bad language as you get. Followed by phrases and mild insults including “Oh G-d,” “shut up,” “loser,” “jerk,” “scum,” “stupid,” “blockhead,” and “what the cuss?” Compared to today’s film standards, Pinocchio has very mild language overall.
Violence. The most disturbing part of Pinocchio is the scene we’re all thinking about. Includes visuals for dangerous acts and stunts that kids are participating in including mayhem, theft, arson, destroying personal property, injuring and insulting other children, imprisonment, and running away. Tim Burton-like themes including creepy clowns, dark characters/villains, dark scenes, multiple monsters, mild suspense, and peril that may be nightmare territory for young kids.
Adult Themes. Inferences to adult mental health struggles, grief, death, and loss. Physically disabled person with leg brace may be hard for young kids to see. Animal poop is mentioned and touched (ew). While more toned down on the drinking beer (multiple references to “root beer”) and the obvious absence of smoking (thank goodness!), the illegal acts mentioned above and potential trauma mentioned here may bring nightmares.
Pinocchio Age Rating for Kids
At a runtime of 1 hour 45 minutes, Pinocchio is close to the lengthy side for a children’s movie. While the pace is moderately fast for Pinocchio’s adventures with action, there is quite a bit of dialogue and slow moments that may lose the interest of wiggle worm kids.
Having that pause button at your family’s fingertips may come in handy to give your kids breaks between scenes. For PG live-action film, Pinocchio is a more kid-friendly movie for Disney, with roots in children’s fairy tales and happily ever after.
It’s a good time again for me to highly recommend updated settings to your Disney+ channel, especially with so many new options becoming available to stream for Disney+ Day on September 8th.
The closest relation to the new live-action Dumbo, the 2022 Pinocchio movie remake is a calmer, true-to-the-original child adventure movie with heavy dialogue, a period setting, and some unrealistic elements despite the upgraded CGI and live-action visuals. With a slower pace, overall dated story, and scary themes, this movie still has a chance of creating childhood trauma and nightmares that may stick with your kids into adulthood (not like I’m speaking from experience or anything).
This 2022 live-action Disney film starring Tom Hanks has a PG rating for “peril, scary moments, some language, and rude material.”
No end credit scene. But you may notice a difference in the ending.
Based on my Pinocchio parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Avatar 2 for kids younger than the age of 7-8 years old.
Considering the full PG rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Pinocchio to kids younger than the age of 7-8 years old. I still recommend parents to prescreen the new Pinocchio film for multiple questionable adult themes, creepy scenes that may induce nightmares for kids, and rude humor.
The Overall
I’m still scratching my head over who thought a Pinocchio live-action film would be a “good idea.” But if I’m letting my conscience be my guide, then my conscience says that 2022 Pinocchio still feels just as weird for a kids movie. Watch for the nostalgia, but don’t expect this to be a Monstro whale of a movie. Tom Hanks as Geppetto – chef’s kiss. His character’s inner life struggles and my visceral empathy for him was easily my favorite part of this film. But after that, *shrugs shoulders.*
It’s as simple as this: if you are hoping for a Pinocchio adaptation and NOT a reimagination, then congratulations. You get pretty much a live-action replica of the beloved 1940 film. Hitting the nostalgia feels for the “older generation” adults, I struggle to find Pinocchio as a character and story who truly resonates with our kids today.
A classic film adaptation for Pinocchio lovers (is that even a thing?), this wooden puppet feels like a “one-watch” and done kind of kids movie with enough creepy moments to give our kids another lifetime of nightmares. Lacking audience connection, emotion, and life lessons that kids today can really appreciate and grasp, Pinocchio falls short of being an instant classic for a new generation. But hey, that could be my childhood trauma talking.
Follow Disney’s Pinocchio on social media:
- Website: https://ondisneyplus.disney.com/movie/pinocchio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyPlus/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/disneyplus
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneyplus/
- #Pinocchio
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Disney’s Pinocchio, a new 2022 live action film premieres on Disney+ Day, Thursday September 8, 2022 streaming exclusively on Disney+. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to a special movie screening in exchange for this Pinocchio Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Disney. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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