Rating: 
Summary: Benigni's Pinocchio - The Anti-Disney
Review: Roberto Benigni has done it again: he pulled off a fantastic experience by bringing a fresh approach to an over-worked genre. And by doing so, he has delivered a humbling blow to the Disney Studios - the monopolist of the genre. This is a children's story worthy of adult viewership. It melds the best of both the cinematic and theatrical worlds to an astounding effect. It is a movies' movie: It would have been viewed enthusiastically at Cinema Paradiso, had it preceded that wonderful memoir. The soundtrack works its magic in this composition of color and light. This is a seminal work, free and clear of any obligation to formulaic convention, while speaking eloquently the lanuage of the medium.
This film, however, is dubbed into English. I would appreciate the option to view it with subtitles in the original Italian.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting ideas, but falls flat on all levels.
Review: Roberto Benigni received extremely harsh critical attack for his recent rendition of Collidi's classic fairy tale of a puppet who wished to become a wooden boy. Part of this is because Miramax decided to cut the film from 110 minutes to 99(!) -- often a bad mistake, as it can damage the effect of a film. But they added another slapping blow by overdubbing the character voices. In a foreign animated film, this works more successfully because an animation cel stands on its own. Unfortunately, it's not so in the case of live action. The line-readings of the voice actors clash horrendously with the moving mouth of the foreign language, and, here, in PINOCCHIO, it's just really awful. I only listened to bits and pieces of the dub, and although the voice cast is certainly talented and does a respectable job (except for Breckin Meyer as Pinocchio himself), their words are so poorly synchronized with the moving mouth that the results come across as disastrous. Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting ideas, but falls flat on all levels.
Review: Roberto Benigni received extremely harsh critical attack for his recent rendition of Collidi's classic fairy tale of a puppet who wished to become a wooden boy. Part of this is because Miramax decided to cut the film from 110 minutes to 99(!) -- often a bad mistake, as it can damage the effect of a film. But they added another slapping blow by overdubbing the character voices. In a foreign animated film, this works more successfully because an animation cel stands on its own. Unfortunately, it's not so in the case of live action. The line-readings of the voice actors clash horrendously with the moving mouth of the foreign language, and, here, in PINOCCHIO, it's just really awful. I only listened to bits and pieces of the dub, and although the voice cast is certainly talented and does a respectable job (except for Breckin Meyer as Pinocchio himself), their words are so poorly synchronized with the moving mouth that the results come across as disastrous. Although the film holds well together in its native tongue and uncut version, one cannot help but wonder just what went wrong with this production. PINOCCHIO is definitely an ambitious picture; the costumes, set designs and cinematography are all strikingly beautiful. There are also lots of staggering special effects shots, from a carriage drawn by mice to an enormous shark in the sea. Such effects made the movie the most expensive in Italy --$45 million in total--; and Benigni should consider himself fortunate that it broke even in box office receipts. In America, however, it didn't have the same reception. Either because of the cutting and disastrous dubbing (despite the presence of big names in the cast such as John Cleese, Eric Idle, Cheech Marin, and Glen Close), or the fact that people could not accept this version, the movie was a dismal failure. Part of the problem is the decision of having Benigni himself playing Pinocchio. I mean, come on! Benigni is WAY too old for Pinocchio, and a lot of the other "kids" in this picture are played by grown-ups! Somehow it didn't come off on me as glaring that such was the case, but I can just imagine why critics and film buffs would slamdunk this film for that cause. There are plenty of interesting concepts and ideas for the film; the Blue Fairy's costumes are gorgeous, and the image of a butterfly present in the film is very nice, but that's not enough to save this poor, troubled picture. There's hardly a sympathetic character in the movie; Pinocchio is supposed to be disobedient, yes, but here he's portrayed as a crazy maniac, refusing to behave or do anything good until he is goaded into it. The Talking Cricket is not much better. If you were spoiled by Jiminy Cricket from the (far superior) Disney version, prepare to be shocked - he not only looks a man with artificial antennas placed on his head, he also acts condescendingly. Instead of being encouraging, he comes across as a sarcastic, unhelping little jerk who just badmouths the "boy" instead of coaching him. Granted, I'm aware that this is true of the original Collidi tale (Disney "softened up" Pinocchio's personality for his film), yet here it's executed so awkwardly that it becomes difficult to become involved in this film. It also is not a very clear, focused picture: it's too dark and menacing for youngsters and too insane to appeal to older audiences. A modern misfire, this version of PINOCCHIO is more likely to be remembered for its cinematography rather than its misguided story and below-average dubbing. (Even on the Italian original, there is some gratingly bad acting.) Surprisingly, even though Miramax butchered this film in its theatrical release, they certainly produced a great package with this DVD. It's a two-disc set, complete with a very gorgeous transfer, and two different versions of the movie. One disc is the horribly recut U.S. release while the other is the uncut Italian version. Strangely, even an English language track is offered on the second disc as well, and it includes all the stuff that was cut from the U.S. premiere! Very interesting indeed, even if the dubbing still can't hold a candle to some of the better ones I've heard (mainly from animation films, because they don't have the same lip-sync problem that live-action ones do). Sadly, though, even the presence of the uncut version doesn't change the fact that this movie is a disappointing experience. It's gorgeous to look at, but it's certainly not a classic by any means.
Rating:
Summary: Watch the Italian Language Version
Review: The DVD has both the English language (dubbed) version and the Italian language (sub-titled) version. The Italian version is the one to watch since Bengini speaks with his own voice. Watching the English language version with Bengini speaking like some Valley-Guy is a bit like watching John Wayne speaking like Pee Wee Herman. Unlike the Disney version, this film seems to be a faithful adaptation of the original Pinocchio story. Here, Pinocchio is presented as a total pain in the a$$ and is meant to be a cautionary tale for young boys on how NOT to behave. And because Bengini is so good at being irritating, that may have something to do why many people hate this film. For me, it had it's moments but not enough to make me recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Pinocchio the joyous one!
Review: There is nothing more beautiful in the world, enough to lose one's head. A sunset with a long nose, a starry sky that lies, a river searching for its father, a beautiful blue forest. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, it's very mean, generous, magical, universal, a picture of freedom, of unrestrained desire to live, of pain and joy - a joy so powerful and sweet that it restores the souls in every spot on earth. Pinocchio - nothing more beautiful in the world.
Rating: 
Summary: Couldn't End Fast Enough for Me!!
Review: This film was TRULY painful to watch!! The scenes seemed totally unrelated and character development was weak so it was impossible to connect with or really care about any of the characters. Also, I am surprised that this dark, gloomy, bizarre and somewhat scary movie is rated "G". The scene where Pinnocchio is eaten by the whale was too much for my 3-year old. What was up with the "Blue Fairy"??-- I never understood her relationship to Pinnocchio. AWFUL, AWFUL movie-- don't spend money to see this one! Worst thing I've seen in a very long time! I'd pass on the video release also, but at least with the video you could FF to the end!
Rating:
Summary: This film is underappreciated
Review: This is a very well crafted and entertaining movie, but of course must be watched in Italian, with the subtitles. If you like Benigni you will certainly enjoy this film--as usual he shines with comedic brilliance. The movie is absolutely hilarious in some parts, and very touching in others. Benigni's acting is great, but there are also great performances by the supporting cast members. This movie is beautifully photographed and cleverly written and it's a shame it was released in 'dubbed' form in the U.S. Dubbed movies are always bad, but the actor who did the voice for Benigni's Pinocchio was just not a good choice at all!
Rating:
Summary: worst movie of the year
Review: This movie is horrible. The dubbing of the movie in English couldn't have been worse. Watching Roberto Benigni jump around in his pajamas and bread hat for almost 2 hours was so very painful. If I had not been with my 2 children I would have left after 20 minutes. Avoid this movie like the plague.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful, contrary to what others think
Review: This movie was amazing. This is a movie from another country so it is differnt than what we in the US are used to. The costums were beautiful along with the story. All involved in this had amazing talent! I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys something new and different.
Rating: 
Summary: Missed its potential, but not as bad as critics say...
Review: This movie's notoriety as the "worst film of 2002" peaked my curiosity. I was actually disappointed to hear how bad it was because I grew up loving the original Italian Collodi story of the live wooden puppet. Having seen the SUBTITLED version of the DVD, I must say the film is not nearly as horrific as some critics would have people believe. While I agree that it is very hard to buy Roberto Benigni in the title role as a young boy/puppet, much of the film is presented as 'theater' and thus asks the audience to suspend belief. The characters of the Fox and Cat, and many others rely not on actual animal makeup but features which create an illusion of their characteristics. In this sense, the film is quite ingenius and imaginative. The sets and costumes are beautiful and the script and story line are very faithful to the original book. That said, this film is a hard one to market to any audience because it is an adult (or 'art')version of a children's story, produced in another language. Sadly, in spite of its strengths, the film was doomed to fail in America because most children know only the animated Disney version of the story, and most parents do not wish to see a 50-year old playing the lead in a children's fairy tale. A shame, because while far from perfect, the film is not the disaster that many have proclaimed it to be.
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