Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Borget
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Reimagined tale has love story, humor, mild violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pinocchio: A True Story
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 24 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is a mixed bag, with some finding its quotes and humor amusing, particularly the repeated phrase about wanting independence, while others criticize its animation quality, inappropriate content, and lack of good messages for children. Many reviews also express strong disapproval regarding the film's production values, voice acting, and overall suitability for young audiences, leading to recommendations against allowing kids to watch it.
- mixed reviews
- humorous quotes
- poor animation
- inappropriate content
- voice acting issues
- unsuitable for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In PINOCCHIO: A TRUE STORY, the familiar tale starts out the way viewers expect, with Geppetto making a wooden puppet who comes to life. But the story quickly takes a new turn. Instead of a lengthening nose, Pinocchio's love is what grows. Pinocchio (Pauly Shore) is a talented acrobat who loves to ride around his father's home on his talking loyal steed Tybalt (Jon Heder). When Pinocchio helps stop a runaway circus carriage, a blue-haired girl named Bella catches his eye. Pinocchio begs his father for his blessing to join the circus and go explore some of the world. He doesn't realize until it's too late that the ring leader doesn't have good intentions. In an effort to win over Bella, the wooden hero tries to find a fairy who can turn him into a human. But before he can, Pinocchio learns he's been wrapped up in a criminal gang that steals from the audience and is captured once they learn he's on to them. Will he be able to warn Bella about the danger and overthrow the crooked circus leaders? With the help of friends, Pinocchio has to outsmart his captors and learn what's possible with the power of love.
Is It Any Good?
Pinocchio: A True Story is not your average fairy tale. The classic adventure story is retold with a humorous spin and infused with a love story. Though the animation quality leaves a little to be desired, that's made up for with the delightful voice cast. Pauly Shore's spin on Pinocchio is exactly what fans of his might expect, which gives the character an older feel than viewers are used to. Instead of sounding like a young child, Pinocchio speaks more like a man with dry humor. Jon Heder's animal sidekick character provides comic relief as well as good advice.
The magical adventure has talking animals and a simple plot for a younger audience to follow. There's also just enough humor and intrigue that the adults in the room might be able to tolerate yet another Pinocchio story. Though there are lessons of following your dreams and sticking up for friends, they aren't as obvious as they might be in other children's movies. There are many bread crumbs spread throughout the film that come together in the serendipitous conclusion (so much so that it might just have viewers wanting to start it over to watch again).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the story of Pinocchio has been retold many times. Why do you think filmmakers continue to retell stories we've seen before? How does this story of Pinocchio differ from other versions you've seen?
Pinocchio was very trusting of all of the circus performers while his friend Tybalt was more skeptical. Why might it be important to sometimes be skeptical of people you've just met? What are some ways you can build trust with people you're just getting to know?
The movie has a mix of talking animal and human characters. Some of the animal characters seem more violent and use weapons. Do you think seeing non-human characters as villains seems less scary? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 22, 2022
- Cast : Jon Heder , Pauly Shore , Tom Kenny
- Director : Vasiliy Rovenskiy
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Brief violence, some peril and brief language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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