Pinocchio (2022) Review

Alongside Marvel & Star Wars it seems like Disney's other obsession is remaking iconic animated Disney films through a mix of Live Action & CGI. The newest version of this habit is Pinocchio, release on Disney+ Day, this new remake of the original classic is out now and I have watched it so here is my review. The premise of the film sees a lonely toy maker wish that his toy would come to life, we now see the adventures of Pinocchio as he tries to become a real boy. 

Main Character

Benjamin Evan Ainsworth voices Pinocchio and he does a completely serviceable job. He is pretty energetic and you can tell that he is really trying his best in this role. But Pinocchio just comes across as a bit annoying, his character is just frustrating to watch at times and the fact that this film is clearly aimed at kids means there isn't much to work with. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Geppetto and he is as good as he can be. The fact that it is Hanks rises this performance, but it is really silly and adds nothing to the film, he even disappears for a while which makes you think that Hanks just did this because he had some spare time. Joseph Gordon Levitt play Jiminy Cricket and he really masks his voice here that I didn't even know it was him till I looked it up and that is good. He is probably over used but there is no denying that he is somewhat entertaining here. There are a few other characters here, but none of them are given enough screen time to really care or learn about them. Though one appearance by an actor I had no idea was in the film was nice to see. 

Story 

The story is all over the place and doesn't really do anything that I like. There is the relationship between Pinocchio and Geppetto, but it is ignored for a large part of the film. It just feels really unfocused with Pinocchio going on these different journeys that do not connect and feel like they're different episodes on a TV show. It would be interesting to see if the original felt like this but it was definitely a criticism here. 

Script 

The script actually has some funny moments that made me chuckle. It even has some modern references dropped in there at times that worked but also came across as quite confusing due to the setting of the film. But the film lacks real heart which for a film like this is essential, it falls short on the emotion and that is a great shame. 

Style 

The film looks pretty good sometimes and pretty poor at other times. Disney pumps plenty of money into this and it does come across well with some spectacle here and there. The CGI for Pinocchio isn't great and the pacing for the film is all over the place. 

Overall

Overall, Pinocchio is a below average film that isn't worth the time for anybody. It seems Disney are pushing forward with these live action remakes but this is one you don't have to waste time with. 

Rating - 4/10

Cobra Kai Season 5 (2022) Review 

Over the last few years, Cobra Kai has been one of my favourite shows and the newest season has come to Netflix and I have watched all 10 episodes in basically one day and here is my review for it. The premise of the season sees Daniel & Chozen attempt to take down Cobra Kai, while Johnny travels to Mexico to find Miguel. 

Main Character

Ralph Macchio & William Zabka are back as Daniel & Johnny and by now I believe they could play these roles in their sleep. They are both fantastic, the characters are also really well handled this season with clear progression. The two of them have clear passion for this project and it conveys on screen with two fantastic characters. 

Supporting Characters

This show has a huge supporting cast so I will only talk about a select through but know that pretty much everybody on this show is fantastic. Thomas Ian Griffiths is back as Terry Silver and he has full control of Cobra Kai now and he is just such a great bad guy. He has tonnes of charisma and the character is fascinating to me, he has been a great addition to the show. But the show stealer for me was Yuji Okumoto as Chozen. He is awesome, he is a great sensei and has real comedic chops. This is the first time he is given the spotlight and it really works, he is just an brilliant addition and I am so glad the show gives him the attention he deserves. The younger actors get the time to shine, Mary Mouser as Sam & Peyton List as Tori are given way more to do this season and their characters progress very well and very naturally which is something the show hasn't always done well. 

Story 

The storytelling of showing the two dojos conflict is brilliant. These two philosophies really clash and apart from certain moments I think the show does a good job of showing some value in both of them. The majority of the characters are developed really well and I liked how they were handled. But this show gets off to a shaky start this season, the characters are split up and one story in particular is pointless and doesn't work like I think they wanted it too. 

Script 

The script is great, it has the right balance of seriousness and humour. It is cheesy at times, but I like it for its charm and its willingness to become personal when necessary. Plus when characters are written as well as this it deserves real credit. 

Style 

The show flows really well, the episodes feel like a breeze and I just have a real enjoyment watching it. The action scenes are excellently filmed and when they want to become quite brutal, they do it very well indeed. Also something they do really well, is their use of flashbacks, I have never seen Karate Kid 2 or 3 but these flashbacks make it really easy to follow Chozen & Silver's stories and the connection they have to Daniel. 

Overall

Overall, Season 5 of Cobra Kai is fantastic. It isn't my favourite season of the show but it is a great watch and as a huge fan of the show it is a must watch and one of my favourite shows out there. 

 Elvis (2022) Review 

After a long wait I have finally had the chance to get back to the cinema and watch one of the biggest films of 2022, Elvis. Here is my review for the film. The premise of the film documents the life of the great Elvis Presley, his rise in music his troubles and his interesting relationship with his manager Colonel Tom Parker. 

Main Character

Elvis has got to be one of the hardest roles an actor can play and the role falls to Austin Butler here and he does a brilliant job. I was watching the film and I totally believed that he was Elvis, whether it was the great performances or the more personal human moments. This is going to be his breakout role for sure and this is just one of those special performances, he is magnetic on screen and this is going to lead to a great career ahead. 

Supporting Characters

Tom Hanks plays Colonel Tom Parker and he is really important in this film. Apart from a bit of a silly accent, Hanks does a really good job in this role. The chemistry between Butler and himself is really well handled and you believe in their relationship and their dynamic. The film is a bit aggressive with its take on the character but Hanks sells the deceit and treachery of his character as well as he possibly can. The rest of the cast do a really good job as they filter in and out of the film. Olivia DeJonge plays Priscilla and she is really good with the chemistry between her and Butler being effective when it is on screen. Helen Thompson & Richard Roxburgh play Elvis parents and they play their roles really well to kind of bring this larger then life personality down to earth which was necessary. 

Story 

The story is at its best when it looks at the rise and subsequent fall of Elvis. Seeing him perform in his prime is so entertaining and mesmerising that you can't help but be excited by it. It shows sides of Elvis that I never knew about and it mostly feels like it treats him as a real person instead of just this huge star. But I can't deny that there are parts of this film I was less interested in and there is way too much of Colonel Tom Parker. His character is sometimes laughable, being like a cartoon villain and I would have preferred to see some other sides of his life instead of focusing so heavily on this one. 

Script

The script is well delivered, it has some really dramatic moments in it and it felt like Butler really encapsulated what I would imagine Elvis being like. There is also some funny moments but maybe not as much as some people wanted, though I enjoyed it. 

Style 

With the film being directed by Baz Luhrmann so you know visually that this film is going to look unique and apart from one or two moments it really works. As I mentioned above, seeing Elvis perform is incredible and it was delivered as promised. My issue is the pacing of the film, it goes a little too long and sometimes drags its heels in for some of its story beats. 

Overall

Overall, Elvis is a great film that will be enjoyed by fans of his and people are novices. I would say find a chance to watch this one as I suspect it will be a big contender come award season. 

Rating - 8/10