Filmmakers Rhys Frake-Waterfield and Scott Chambers have expanded their Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU) with Pinocchio Unstrung, a horror adaptation of Carlo Collodi's classic tale. Released theatrically on July 24, the film distinguishes itself within the TCU, offering a more polished and entertaining experience compared to its predecessors like Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey. While not without its flaws, Pinocchio Unstrung stands as the franchise's strongest release to date.
The film reimagines Pinocchio as a wooden figure brought to life by Geppetto to be a companion for his grandson, James, following a tragic loss. Voiced by Jude-Evan Lloyd, Pinocchio develops a fierce protectiveness over James, channeling the instinct of an "alpha" after observing wildlife documentaries. Aided by a nefarious cricket voiced by Robert Englund, Pinocchio begins to eliminate anyone he perceives as a threat to James, all while pursuing his own transformation into a real boy. This narrative setup draws comparisons to the Child's Play franchise, particularly its more comedic and outlandish elements.
Director Frake-Waterfield infuses the film with a whimsical yet vicious tone, presenting Pinocchio as a supernatural outcast seeking acceptance amidst grief. The design of Pinocchio himself, crafted by Todd Masters and MastersFX, is a standout. The fully functional puppet boasts an eerie, inhuman appearance, complete with feathered bark and sunken eyes, evoking shades of Guillermo del Toro's interpretations. The puppeteering brings the character to life with an unsettling realism, amplified by Lloyd's prepubescent voice performance, which balances childlike curiosity with the dawning horror of his actions. This duality prevents the character from being a simple villain, fostering an empathetic connection with the audience.
Despite its thematic exploration of compassion and grief, Pinocchio Unstrung does not shy away from graphic content. The film is a substantial gorefest, featuring creative and brutal kills executed with various implements, including gym equipment, toolshed objects, and Pinocchio's own pointed fingers. The violence is often accompanied by cheeky genre references and a brisk, Chucky-esque energy. The special effects team pushes boundaries with visceral depictions of dismemberment and mutilation, earning comparisons to the brutal artistry seen in Jay Baruchel's Random Acts of Violence.
Richard Brake delivers a compelling performance as Geppetto, grounding the film's darker, more sinister elements. His portrayal hints at an underlying nastiness from the outset, making him a fitting antagonist for the TCU. Robert Englund also provides a memorable turn as the cricket, offering a devilish mentorship akin to a miniature Freddy Krueger. The dynamic between these veteran genre actors helps maintain a balance between shock-value humor and genuine menace.
However, the film is not without its imperfections. While a significant improvement over earlier TCU entries, Pinocchio Unstrung still struggles with some visual aspects, including occasional wonky digital backgrounds. Some supporting dialogue can be overly theatrical, and certain comedic beats do not land as intended. Despite these shortcomings, Pinocchio Unstrung represents a notable step forward for the franchise, demonstrating a commitment to improving production quality and delivering a more engaging horror-comedy experience.