Pinocchio on Disney+: Why your kids will love this new Tom Hanks version

In the collective imagination, Pinocchio is one of the most famous characters in children’s stories. Carlo Collodi’s story has been adapted into cinema many times. The most famous version is probably Disney’s, released in 1940. At the time, Pinocchio was only the second film from the animation studios, three years after the triumph of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Ninety-two years later, the doll who dreams of being a little boy returns under the direction of Robert Zemeckis, the man behind Future and Forrest Gump. The director discovers Tom Hanks for the fourth time. The actor lends his features to Geppetto, the doll’s father.

from the age of 8

The plot of this new film remains essentially the same as that of the 1940 feature film. This remake features identical costumes for the characters and even introduces some musical sequences as in the original. A few small details differ, such as the arrival of new protagonists to expand the story and changed scenes, which will certainly attract the most experts.

Robert Zemeckis is a special effects regular. He especially likes to combine animation with very real actors. It was the case of Who Framed Roger Rabbit? And he experiments with this technique again in Pinocchio. Visually, the film shoots. Some characters, such as Grand Cockin the Fox, are striking in their realism.

What will they like?

• First, the hero! Pinocchio is a lovable character, happy, even a little naive. There’s no doubt that little ones will love him, as will his travel companion, Jiminy Cricket, a cricket dressed in a costume.

• Robert Zemeckis’ film is full of colors and plans that you dream of. The magic of special effects makes it possible to create a world between imagination and reality. After a few minutes, Pinocchio is forced to leave the mainland and allows a real escape.

• Emotion instilled by Tom Hanks. This new version could be an opportunity for the youngest to discover this great actor with a role accessible to everyone. A good introduction before moving on to other films.

What might be bothering them:

• During his journey, Pinocchio meets some disturbing characters, such as an evil circus owner, a strange coach, and a very impressive sea monster. Don’t worry: the doll always comes out at the right time.

• For one sequence, the trainer, played by actor Luke Evans, mistreats the donkeys. Animal abuse is not an in-depth topic, but this scene can sensitize the youngest moviegoers to the issue of animal welfare.

• As in the original film, this new version features a little boy who turns into a donkey. The sequence is strange, a little scary.

Pinocchio Available on Disney+.