Disney’s Pinocchio this is not! In fact, compared to that recent “live action” remake from the House of Mouse, this version of the wooden boy brought to life delivers a resounding knockout! That’s because Guillermo De Toro’s Pinocchio is nothing short of an intricate and sophisticated work of art. For one, the stop motion animation is splendid in every way. The detail and craftsmanship is pretty freakin’ mind-blowing when you stop to think about everything that went into it. But, that’s the thing, it’s so well done that you’ll forget that you are actually watching little puppets. Their actions are all naturalistic, not “cartoony” or embellished. Their designs are all enchanting, if not haunting. And, their voice-overs are all impeccably done - Ewan McGregor makes for an especially charming Jiminy Cricket (or, should I say, Sebastion J. Cricket). Now, this wouldn’t be a GDT picture if there weren’t an emphasis on the odd and creepy. The OG story is full of strangeness to begin with, but del Toro and CO really emphasize the often-dark eccentricities of it tenfold. It really is a great way to separate it from the rest of the Pinocchio pact out there. You should also be aware that some narrative elements have been changed in this particular adaptation – some rather big things, actually. I won’t spoil it, but I can see some purists not approving. Regardless, there is certainly going to be no disapproving of the mastery design work and ultimate execution. The events onscreen are also guaranteed to deliver a gut punch of emotion. In fact, I dare you watch and say you “felt nothing” without having your nose grow. Good luck!