Adventures of Pinocchio, The (live) MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +2

This fabulous new adaptation of the classic PINOCCHIO tale is more true to the original Italian children's classic, but it has some modern day variations to appeal to today's children. It starts in a small European town in the 1880's where Geppetto (Martin Landau), an elderly puppet maker, carves a boy puppet who magically is able to walk and talk. Named Pinocchio (voice of Jonathan Taylor Thomas), he desperately wants to be a real boy and sets out on a grand adventure, accompanied by a wisecracking, comical cricket (voice of David Doyle). This involves him in comical incidents in a classroom, a wild spree in a bakery, the leading part in a rousing theatrical puppet performance, a destructive binge in a medieval theme park and a fierce confrontation with a sea monster. All the while, though, he is developing responsibility and a heartfelt love for Geppetto. He also learns that when he tells a lie, his wooden nose grows embarrassingly longer. The musical background, scenery and the animation of Pinocchio's character are superb. The action and fun never let up and modern day children will find it fascinating and exciting.

The magical elements in this fairy tale are pure fantasy, and the story teaches the importance of truthfulness and responsibility. Pinocchio learns to tell the truth and apologize when he doesn't. He also shows a deep respect for Geppetto who loves him as his own son. When Pinocchio joins a mob of rowdy boys tearing up a medieval theme park, he finds out that when boys act irresponsibly they can get into a lot of trouble. There is no foul language and no sexual situations, although some buxom women wear low-cut dresses. Some striking and kicking is unnecessarily severe, and the scenes of the villain turned into a sea monster that attacks Pinocchio could upset small children. Although this version of PINOCCHIO is intense and fast-paced, overall it will be a positive, exciting experience for young persons, as well as adults.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: New Line Cinema, 888 7th Ave., 20th Floor., NY, NY 10106