This is the third animated classic Disney film I watched this month. I am right about to tackle the Aladdin trilogy soon. And may even tack on the Lion King trilogy if I am not too burnt out on classic Disney animation by then. Anyhow, Pinocchio is an absolute gem. One of the heavyweights Disney built his empire on and an absolute masterpiece.

In the 77 years that it's been around, Pinocchio still stands the test of time as not just one of the greatest animated Disney films, but one of the greatest animated films of all time. While it's easy to understand why this film remains a classic, it's most important to understand the roots for its main song, which has become the national anthem for the Walt Disney Company.When You Wish Upon a Star is not simply a hauntingly heartwarming melody on its own, but it is also a very important message to those who dream. Although obviously metaphorical (I mean a wish isn't granted just like that), the general idea that it just might is a splendidly happy dream altogether. Everyone has their own dreams and aspirations, and as long as they give the right amount of dedication their dream deserves, then they'll accomplish wonders and earn said goal. Walt Disney himself said it best, "If you can dream it, you can do it.", which perfectly coincides to what the titular character went through to become a real boy.Originally, Pinocchio was supposed to be arrogant and cocky like in the original book this film was based on, but I'm glad they went with the decision to make him more innocent and oddball. When you're a child, you learn the world at your own pace, so the dangers and obstacles Pinocchio encounters are a frightening but vital lesson to understand what's right and wrong in the world. Although Jimmy Cricket isn't the best conscience, he still does his best to keep Pinocchio out of harm's way so the wooden boy can improve and get better overtime. I'm sure at the end of the day, we all want to improve from our mistakes, but we must remember said mistakes so we can have a better knowledge on life. That way we really can prove how loyal and good we are, not unlike Pinocchio.From a technical standpoint, the animation is fantastic for its time, and it still looks breathtaking to this day. Along with fluid and upbeat character animation, the colors are nothing short of eye candy, the backgrounds have a very rich European aesthetic to them, and the effects are so well designed that it's hard to imagine how they crafted them. The use of the multiplane camera is another highlight, as the backgrounds move in a more realistic and brisk pace that gives each piece of art a chance to be seen and judged on its own merits.The characters are also charming and lovable, from the kind hearted albeit absent minded Geppetto, to the deliciously malicious Honest John and Gideon, to the adorable Figaro and Cleo. Whether they be supporters or obstacles for Pinocchio, they all fit the story well enough to drive the film along. However, the villains are another story, as unlike most Disney films, they don't get outsmarted by the protagonists and end up getting away with their crimes. This presents them in a more realistic manner and it's not hard to feel disturbed by their actions. Not to mention, the voice-acting is splendid and each actor gives just the right amount of spunk, personality and even relatability to keep the audience entertained and invested. While many animated Disney films like Snow White, Beauty & the Beast, Fantasia, The Lion King and Zootopia definitely deserve the acclaim they've received, I think Pinocchio will forever be the companies' crowning achievement. The message to follow your dreams while doing your best to be a better person has become a key message for Disney, and considering they are the company where dreams (supposedly) come true, it fits the bill superbly. So definitely have fun with this movie, but also remember how important it is to believe in your dreams so that one day they might come true, and it starts with you getting there.

Jiminy Cricket finds himself at the home of Geppetto, a simple carpenter and toy-maker. Geppetto is old and his only company is his cat, Figaro, and goldfish, Cleo. He has made a toy puppet, Pinocchio, and wishes that the puppet was a real boy. To his astonishment, this comes true. Pinocchio now sets about behaving like a real boy, with Jiminy as his guide and conscience, but the novelty of being a wooden boy soon attracts the attention of some unscrupulous characters.Sweet, fun movie. Iconic too - one of the first movies you associate with Disney. Gave the world "When you wish upon a star", pretty much the Disney anthem.Not perfect though. After a wonderful start it does degenerate into a rambling adventure from a point. Not quite as profound or emotional as some other Disney movies, eg Bambi.Still a great watch though and ideal for all ages.

I suppose an argument could be made for "Fantasia" as well, but certain sequences shine better than others, and it has that boring narrator. Pinocchio makes the best use of the revolutionary multi-plane camera and almost has a 3D quality about it. The most important and dramatic parts are animated with exquisite and exacting detail. The water and fire sequences are hypnotically lifelike and realistic. As he did in other (early) cartoon features, other connecting parts of it are drawn with a "broader" stroke and, while very well drawn, have a bit less detail and treatment, to carry the story along. Much precise and amazing rotoscopic action. Magnificent backgrounds and truly scary moments. Re-released to theaters circa 1955, I was only 5-years-old. The songs and "voice-overs" (mostly uncredited) have never been equaled. The talents of Mel Blanc and Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket. They tell me that The Blue Fairy was drawn to resemble Jean Harlow. An unforgettable musical score and numbers such as "I Got No Strings" and Oscar-winning song "When you wish upon a star". As a 5-year-old I still remember being awe-stuck and truly scared when cigar-smoking Lampwick turns into a donkey on Pleasure Island and everyone is swallowed by Monstro The Whale. I was horrified when Pinocchio "died" until he became a real little boy. Worth viewing (as is Fantasia) on an old-fashioned giant-sized theater screen, if you ever can.