Despite state-of-the-art digital technology and creatures from the Jim Henson workshop, this is a disappointing rendition of Carlo Collodi's enchanting morality tale. Martin Landau brings some melancholic gravitas to the proceedings as Geppetto the woodcarver, and Udo Kier is suitably sinister as the puppeteer who lures little boys to his terrifying theme park. Director Steve Barron overplays his hand, however, so the film often feels like a glorified pantomime. The sequences at John Sessions's school and Dawn French's bakery will delight most youngsters, but it's all too brash and loud to be magical.

One of puppet-maker Geppetto's creations comes magically to life. This puppet, Pinocchio, has one major desire and that is to become a real boy someday. In order to accomplish this goal he has to learn to act responsibly. This film shows you the adventures on which he learns valuable lessons.