Pinocchio
The Players: Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Carlo Giuffre; directed by Roberto Benigni (Life is Beautiful)
The Skinny: A classic retelling of the beloved children’s story, Benigni plays the title role as the little wooden puppet who desperately wants to be a real boy. Despite guidance from the beautiful Blue Fairy (played by Benigni’s real-life wife, Braschi) and the love of his father, Gepetto (Giuffre), Pinocchio’s curious spirit leads him into one wild adventure after another.
The Bottom Line: As Italy’s official entry into the Academy Award’s foreign film race, Benigni may try and duplicate his winning streak he had with his 1997 Holocaust gem Life is Beautiful. He’ll have some stiff competition this year, but it would be worth the price of admission to once again see the guy clamor over the seats at the Oscars if he wins.
Opens: Dec. 25
