Wondering if Disney+’s new Pinocchio remake is ok for kids? While most content in Pinocchio is ok for kids, the whole movie is pretty bland. Parents, just watch out for one scene in the film for kids. Here’s what parents need to know in this Pinocchio Parents Guide.
Pinocchio (2022) Parents Guide
Pinocchio (2022) is a live action and CGI retelling from director Robert Zemeckis. Tom Hanks stars as Geppetto, the woodcarver who builds and treats Pinocchio (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) as if he were his real son. Pinocchio starts as a wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy when Geppetto makes a wish upon a star. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is Jiminy Cricket, who serves as Pinocchio’s guide as well as his “conscience”; Cynthia Erivo is the Blue Fairy; Keegan-Michael Key is “Honest” John; and Lorraine Bracco is Sofia the Seagull with Luke Evans as The Coachman.
What is the Age Rating for Pinocchio (2022)?
Pinocchio is rated PG for scary moments, some language, and rude material which means some content may not be suitable for all kids.
Is Pinocchio Kid Friendly?
Pinocchio (2022) is quite sad and long at almost 2 hours which may be too much for young kids. Parents need to know that there is some language that is not appropriate for kids as well as some scenes that could scare young children. To sum it up, Pinocchio (2022) is not kid friendly for really young kids. However, older kids should be fine if they’re interested in Pinocchio’s story.
Language
There are uses of jacka** and hell as well as other words that young kids may copy like loser, stupid, idiot, brat, blockhead, and jerk. There are also some uses of Deity like “oh g-d.”
Mature Content
Pinocchio (2022) pretty much follows the same script as the original animated version with a few additions.
In one scene Jiminy Cricket touches the behind of a female statue by accident.
The Pleasure Island scene is kids out of control with no parental supervision. They destroy property and commit theft and arson. They turn into donkeys due to their behavior and are seen bullying other children and calling each other names. The kids are also seen drinking root beer (as compared to beer in the original).
This scene also includes dark images and scary creatures that take away the donkeys and chase Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket. There are also creepy clowns and monsters. Young kids may not like this at all. Plus Monstro isn’t exactly a welcoming whale himself. They turned him into a sea monster.
Is Pinocchio Appropriate for Kids Under 8?
Pinocchio (2022) is appropriate for ages 8 and up. Could younger kids watch Pinocchio and be ok? Sure. But I don’t know that it would hold their interest. You may want to put on Pinocchio for Disney+ Day, and see if your kids are interested, but I would be wary of the Pleasure Island scene if you’re going to let them watch on their own.
Sadly, this remake is just not good, and it’s boring. I have mixed feelings about the CGI, because at times, the details are incredible. But visually, I wondered what they did to some of the characters.
Like what did they do to Jiminy Cricket? It was hard for me to watch Jiminy Cricket with what looked like a Nacho Libre mask over his face. He’s my favorite Disney character, and he was visually off-putting. And what in the heck did they do to poor Cleo?
The pacing of the film was so slow and for a film that’s supposed to be about hope and love, it felt void of those and any fun. I did feel a touch of joy with Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Jiminy Cricket. His role as narrator and conscience was the one bright spot (and maybe that Snow White cuckoo clock). Tom Hanks can usually do no wrong for me, but it was difficult to connect with this character. And it’s not for lack of trying. Usually Disney’s storytelling makes me feel, and all I felt was apathy. It’s a bit of a Monstro-sity (ba dum tss).
Pinocchio lacks something fresh and also lacks the charm to even be a good paint-by-numbers remake. While they did change a few things, they changed all the wrong things. I hope I’m wrong about this and that Pinocchio will entertain new audiences and families, but I’m afraid I’m not.
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