Opened: December 9, 2022

Directed by: Guillermo del Toro & Mark Gustafson

Starring: Gregory Mann, Ewan McGregor, David Bradley, Christoph Waltz, Tilda Swinton, Ron Perlman, Finn Wolfhard, Cate Blanchett, Burn Gorman, John Turturro, Tim Blake Nelson & Tom Kenny

In the third retelling of Pinocchio within a year following the Italian version and Disney’s live-action remake, Guillermo del Toro’s stop-motion animation version captures the titular character in a new light and redefines what it means to be a real boy.

After losing his son in a bombing raid in Fascist Italy, Gepetto (David Bradley) tries to bring him back by carving him out of wood. Once alive, Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) goes on adventures while learning about life.

Though fantastical elements are still present, this Pinocchio takes on a dark realism with war being at the center.

However, the animation is brilliant. There’s new life breathed into a story that’s all about making things come to life. Pinocchio and the Wood Sprite (Tilda Swinton) are both spectacles whenever onscreen.

Final say: No strings here. ★★★★☆