Common Sense Media Review
By Tom Cassidy
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense Pinocchio cartoon "sequel" has scary scenes, threat.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In PINOCCHIO AND THE EMPEROR OF THE NIGHT, Pinocchio (voiced by Scott Grimes) has been a real boy for a whole year. But when a sinister carnival comes to town, he runs the risk of being turned back into a puppet.
Is It Any Good?
A cross between a 1980s cute and cuddly Saturday morning cartoon and a 1970s psychedelic rock album cover nightmare, this animated adventure is an impressive piece of art. But as a kids' movie, Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night's suitability depends on personal taste with its dark edges potentially proving too much for some. Disney's 1940 version of Pinocchio has its own moments that send kids into a tremor -- the scene in which Pinocchio turns into a donkey for one. But this loose sequel turns up the heat. When a desperate Pinocchio is turned back into a puppet to a dizzying synth carnival music soundtrack, while a demonic villain towers over him, it is particularly harrowing.
Amid the horror, its morals stand up and it's a fun watch, with some more cheerful antics balancing out the heavier moments. The morality of the movie is solid, with Pinocchio promising to try his best. Friendships are formed and the loving father/son relationship is open and honest, with Geppetto (voice by Tom Bosley) regularly telling Pinocchio that he loves him. The movie ends on a great tone of mutual respect that's to be admired and is to the film's credit.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the more scary scenes in Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night. Which bits did you find most intense? Did the fantasy element make it any less scary? How to choose a scary movie for your kid.
Pinocchio's nose grows every time he lies. Talk about the notion of lying. What are the repercussions of telling lies in real life? Why is it important that we tell the truth?
Some of the kids drink a liquid that appears to make them drunk. Do you think the film glamorized drinking? Were there consequences? Why is that important?
How does this version of the story compare to other versions of Pinocchio? Which ones did you prefer and why? Why do you think this is a story that keeps getting retold?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 1987
- On DVD or streaming : October 12, 2019
- Cast : Scott Grimes , James Earl Jones , Tom Bosley
- Director : Hal Sutherland
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Indigenous Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New World
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Adventures , Friendship , Puppets
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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