Pinocchio: Unstrung

First Flicks: When the Puppet Gets Pissed

Remote in hand, I start flicking through channels on Pikashow, when all of a sudden, there it is: 'Pinocchio: Unstrung'.

'Horror, Fantasy, Mystery' are typically not genres I associate with uplifting titles, and 'Pinocchio: Unstrung' might be another public domain title getting the 'low budget slasher' treatment. But Rhys Frake-Waterfield manages to create a surprisingly tense world that sets an unsettling tone throughout in the first ten minutes. From the synopsis, I understand that there is a sinister cricket that influences a Pinocchio to go on a violent crusade and carve himself into a real boy, which is similar to the brothers James and Frank. From the premise, it seems that this will be a darker, more violent world of fantasy. Jude Evan Lloyd and Cameron Bell are in the cast with Richard Brake, so from this we can imagine how sinister the performances might be. The first images we see are dark, and we immediately see that this isn't your typical storybook Pinocchio. From the jump, we don't see a need for the Pinocchio mythology to be explained again. This world is a puppet system that is a deranged, twisted entity. From what we can easily surmise, the world sets a dark, sinister fantasy that is going to engage the audience. It doesn't feel like it is trying to be tongue in cheek, so this is good if this has to survive the flip test.

The Long Haul: Does This String Hold?

The ideal runtime for a horror movie is lean, but also effective. ‘Pinocchio: Unstrung’ strikes that balance, with a relentless pace once the “violent crusade” begins. According to audience ratings, the pacing is the film's strength, but the characters also help. People are able to connect with characters in this nightmare. Our protagonist (or antagonist, really) emulating his brother James and driven by Cricket’s evil motives is understandable. For the antagonist of a slasher movie, audience relation is imperative. The practical effects and set pieces will likely come into play, and will be enhanced by HD streaming on Pikashow. Sound design is also crucial to a horror movie and needs to come into play. The sound design should incorporate the sounds of wood. These elements will likely create a grotesque environment that is entertaining, involuntary, and immersive. The mystery elements in the story will likely come into play and expand on the Cricket’s true motives, as well as the true motives behind the transformation of Pinocchio. The ending that’s justified by a “surprising twist” likely means that it is not a shock for the sake of a shock ending. Because of its grotesque nature, audience members are able to binge the movie. Because of the elements described, it is a shocking ending that is greatly appreciated.

Keep or Flip: The Verdict Against Live TV

So, do I leave this on the screen, or do I switch to the cricket match or some stupid reality TV? Honestly, 'Pinocchio Unstrung' has a good case for sticking around, especially for fans of horror. This originally falls into the subgenre of reimagined public horror, but does a good job of ordering itself as a competent, engaging horror experience. It doesn't only rely on a character going rogue and shock value, it attempts to create character and create a story for its antagonist. It does a good job of elevating itself above the schlock. The audience reception, which other attempts have failed to do, states that it is a "really good horror movie", and "a worthy recommendation". For people that enjoy dark fantasy, psychological horror with a body count, a good mystery that slowly reveals, and a good dose of horror, this isn't background noise. This is the film that, if you give it the first 10 minutes, you will want to sit and watch it. It isn't a game changer of the genre, but it does illustrate its purpose well, and defeats are shows on TV. This is great for when you want to have a horror night in.