Pinocchio

Disney might forever claim the most popular big-screen adaptation of Pinocchio, but the distinct new take from innovative auteur Guillermo del Toro might become the definitive version.

Exploring the darker spiritual aspects of Carlo Collodi’s 19th century novel and adding layers of sociopolitical allegory without sacrificing its kid-friendly charms, this adventure uses dazzling stop-motion animation to supplement its fresh narrative approach to the iconic tale of childhood innocence.

This version is set in Italy during the onset of World War II, with the familiar setup involving lonely puppeteer Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley) fashioning a marionette from a log, only to have him magically spring to life, spurring a father-son relationship that forms the heart of the story.

“Sometimes people don’t understand things that are different,” Geppetto tells Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) as he begins attending school and socializing with strangers.

Impressionable yet naïve, Pinocchio is torn between his loyalty to three different men with ulterior motives, uncertain who he can trust. A greedy showman (Christoph Waltz) kidnaps him to star in a stage production for Mussolini, while a fascist military officer (Ron Perlman) insists he join the war effort.

During his surreal quest for freedom and acceptance, he instead relies on chatty sidekick Sebastian J. Cricket (Ewan McGregor), who becomes a guardian angel of sorts when he’s not being stomped upon.

Reflecting the craftsmanship of a longtime passion project for the filmmaker, the sumptuous animation includes crisp background details and character features, from the macabre creatures to the more rudimentary Pinocchio.

The film uses the source material as a launchpad for an array of stylish visual flourishes within its intricate fantasy world that also enables Del Toro to delve into his fondness for quirks and gadgets while he seamlessly weaves supernatural elements into the story.

Accompanied by mostly forgettable songs, the screenplay effectively modulates grief and regret with playful mischief — as Cricket supplies most of the comic relief. Meanwhile, the esteemed voice cast includes John Turturro, Tilda Swinton, and Cate Blanchett.

Youngsters might relate to the anthropomorphic protagonist’s curiosity and resourcefulness under such desperate circumstances. However, it might be too vivid and harrowing for smaller children, who probably aren’t the target demographic for a retelling this thematically complex, anyway.

While it rarely feels grounded enough to heighten the emotional stakes as intended, this Pinocchio carves an evocative coming-of-age saga distinguished from its predecessors.

Rated PG, 114 minutes.