Our Pinocchio: Unstrung review dives into the latest Twisted Childhood Universe slasher, where the beloved puppet becomes a sick serial killer. Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, this cash-in on the public domain classic follows the pattern of his satanic Winnie the Pooh movies.
The Set-Up: Geppetto, Grief, and a Murderous Doll
The story takes place in an English stately home where inventor Geppetto (Richard Brake) cares for his grieving grandson James (Cameron Bell). After losing his parents and a friend to cancer, James is lonely—so Geppetto carves a wooden friend named Pinocchio and brings him to life. Like Chucky in Child's Play, this Pinocchio is a creepy doll with a malevolent grin, instantly terrifying poor James. Yet the two soon bond, with darkly comic moments as Pinocchio learns about human anatomy.
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Plot Turn: A Wish Turns Deadly
James sneaks Pinocchio into school, telling him not to move. But when bullies attack, James mutters, “I wish they were all dead.” Pinocchio takes the wish literally, embarking on a gory killing spree. The film tries for black comedy with grisly deaths—like a dumbbell dropped on a face—but often leans on slasher clichés without real satire.
Comparison: Pinocchio: Unstrung vs. Classic Slashers
| Aspect | Pinocchio: Unstrung | Child’s Play |
|---|---|---|
| Killer Doll | Wooden, animated by Geppetto | Possessed Good Guy doll |
| Tone | Black comedy, but mean-spirited | Darkly humorous, campy |
| Gore Level | High, but fake-looking | Practical effects, more convincing |
| Originality | Recycles public domain character | Original concept |
Key Takeaways: What Works and What Doesn’t
- Strong performance from Richard Brake as the tormented Geppetto.
- Grisly kills try for laughs but often fall flat due to fake gore.
- The film includes a controversial shower scene with an underage actress—a misstep that may disturb.
- Pinocchio’s design is genuinely unsettling, but the script lacks wit.
- Fans of the Twisted Childhood Universe may enjoy the bad-taste horror, but general audiences should skip.
FAQ: Pinocchio: Unstrung
FAQ
Is Pinocchio: Unstrung a scary movie?
It aims for horror-comedy but relies on jump scares and gore. The violence is over-the-top, making it more campy than truly frightening.
How does this compare to other Twisted Childhood Universe films?
It follows the same formula as the Winnie the Pooh slashers—public domain characters turned killers—but with weaker satire and less effective gore.
Should I watch Pinocchio: Unstrung with kids?
Absolutely not. This is a graphic horror film with nudity and violence, rated R or equivalent. It is not suitable for children.
Where can I stream Pinocchio: Unstrung?
As of this writing, it’s available in select theaters and on digital platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV. Check local listings.
Overall, Pinocchio: Unstrung is a nasty piece of work that might appeal to slasher fans craving public domain chaos, but it lacks the cleverness to become a cult classic. For a better horror-comedy about killer dolls, stick with Child’s Play or M3GAN. Read more film reviews and entertainment news on GrandGoldman.com.
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