Pinocchio

First off, I saw the Italian version of Pinocchio, subtitled in English. After watching the Italian version on DVD, we decided to switch to the English-language track to hear what it sounded like. It was like fingernails on a chalkboard...As unprofessional as watching a dubbed Godzilla movie.

Anyway, after hearing all the incredibly negative press about this film, I'm not sure why we rented it. But when my family got a free rental, we decided to choose a movie that we wouldn't actually pay money for...and we chose Pinocchio. First of all, the movie is certainly not an excellent, 5 star affair. But it is a decent film that entertained the three of us for close to two hours. Strong Points- Technically speaking, the film is beautifully made with beautiful sets, cinematography and scenery. These are not enough to entertain anybody but the most pompous film critic of course. The best part of the film for me, was the very faithful adaptation of the original classic story (foolish American audiences may say too dark...and yes, I am an American). It brought back fond memories for all of us, of the original story we had enjoyed as children. And Kim Rossi Stuart as the doomed Lucignolo (not Leonardo) is charming. Weak Points- Well, as many commenters have noted, Roberto Benigni is simply miscast in the role of Pinocchio and the sight of a 50-year old man playing a little boy does get annoying. But even so, he's not half as bad as they say he is. All in all, it's an entertaining, if average, film as long as you have the brain cells to read the subtitles. Just a quick trivia note....one of the reasons the English dubbing is so bad (in my opinion) is that it was incredibly rushed. Benigni was supposed to dub his own voice, but dropped out at the last minute and was replaced my Breckin Meyer. By this time, the US release date was fast approaching, the film was directed at a childrens audience and the studio felt it couldnt release a childrens movie with subtitles. *** 1/4 stars.

Gee, Roberto Benigni plays Pinocchio. Yes, the veteran Italian actor plays the role that supposedly has to be played by a minor. So you can guess the outcome.

Now, don't get me wrong. Benigni is a great actor and tries to do his best but sadly, he was uncalled for this role.

His acting is very good but it would have worked better in a theatre play. His physical acting is also very good but I doubt it works for an audience of children.

The art direction and cinematography is also great but sadly, it can't carry the whole movie on.

Watch this one if you are a fan of Benigni, otherwise, you will get bored very soon.

I am so relieved to finally watch a movie that tells the story along the lines as it was originally told rather than rewriting it and watering it down or sugar coating it to make it more acceptable for those who can't take dark situations from a child's story. This movie, with its sets, not-so-mind-blowingly-overdone effects, and layout makes it a very charming retelling of the classic tale, though I have sadly seen the horribly done dubbed version and wish to see the subtitled one instead. People would be turned off seeing grown men playing as boys, especially by Roberto Benigni playing the titular character... however, once you watch it, you can see how well they play the part, giving the whole movie a rather different kind of charm where grownups play boys. I find it sad that this charming movie is bashed and even nominated a Razzie just because they only minded the dubbing or the fact it's nothing like the Disney movie. Give this movie a chance and watch it in a different way if you are truly an aficionado for the classic tale; you will then really love this film.

I must admit I admired the set designs and the effects of this film, which were quite colorful and entertaining. The film started well and I settled in expecting to be amazed.

Then Pinocchio spoke, and I saw Roberto Benigni as the wooden puppet who longed to be a boy. WOW was that bad casting! I couldn't keep track of the amount of times I winced in pain and rolled my eyes as Benigni, a middle-aged man, ran around like a spoiled brat spouting things many 3-year olds have outgrown. I must admit I wanted to make kindling of this puppet.

Worth seeing for the set pieces, costumes and effects. Too bad we can't edit out the parts with Pinocchio!

5 out of 10 (all 5 for the sets and costumes).

First a warning - do not watch the dubbed release of this film - it's terrible. Watch the original Italian version with English subtitles - it makes all the difference in the world. Visually stunning while only partially flawed by Benigni's casting of himself in the lead role (you have to like him to like the movie), this film is wildly entertaining - more in the vain of Terry Gilliam's The Adventures of Baron Munchausenthan the Disney classic Pinocchio.