Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night

Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night is a 1987 American animated fantasy adventure film directed by Hal Sutherland. Featuring an all-star voice cast including notable actors Edward Asner, Tom Bosley, and Lana Beeson. This film presents an alternative narrative to the classical Pinocchio story, set approximately one year after Pinocchio became a real boy.

The storyline is layered and steeped in lessons of morality and courage. It opens with Pinocchio (voiced by Scott Grimes), now a real boy, celebrating his first birthday. His maker, Geppetto (voiced by Tom Bosley), gifts him a jewel box, explaining that freedom comes with responsibilities. As Pinocchio walks through his village, he falls prey to two shady scam artists, Scalawag and Igor. Voiced by Edward Asner and Frank Welker, the pair hoodwink Pinocchio into trading the box for a pharaoh's ruby, a scam scheme.

On realizing his fault, Pinocchio, haunted by guilt, runs away, embarking on a magical journey. His path intertwines with a sentient girl marionette called Twinkle (voiced by Lana Beeson), Lieutenant Grumblebee, and a humorous Gloworm. The supporting characters are charming and diverse, which contributes to the appeal of the movie.

Pinocchio and his new companions navigate through a dreamlike carnival run by a puppet master named Puppetino. This carnival scene is rich in visual imagery, presenting an ethereal fantasy world that straddles between enchanting and eerie. Puppetino is the assistant of the film’s main antagonist, the domineering and cruel Emperor of the Night. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the Emperor aims to reverse Pinocchio's transformation into a real boy and trap him in wooden puppet form forever.

The intrigue intensifies when Pinocchio meets his adversary, the Emperor of the Night, who is drawn as a tall, imposing, shadowy figure, giving him a menacing, diabolical aura. His magical powers and persuasive charisma represent the underlying pull of evil, and it is depicted correctly as a true test of Pinocchio's character growth and judgment.

Very much like the classic tale, the Good Fairy plays a significant role in this narrative too. With her enchanting voice and comforting presence, the Good Fairy is depicted as a guide who helps Pinocchio understand the universal virtues of honesty, courage, and unselfishness.

In this animated fantasy world, the film creators have not only drawn upon the tradition of the original Pinocchio tale but have also incorporated new story elements, enhancing the metaphor of the transformation of Pinocchio from an innocent boy to an individual who recognizes responsibility and the importance of good virtues. The film retains the spirit of the traditional narrative while successfully adding a fresh take to it.

The film boasts of an excellent voice-cast ensemble. Edward Asner, known for his heartfelt and often conflicted characters, brings Scalawag to life with his gruff yet endearing delivery. Tom Bosley, with his comforting and warm vocals, perfectly embodies Geppetto's benevolence and wisdom, while Lana Beeson's Twinkle is heartfelt and relatable, creating a memorable character. Scott Grimes as Pinocchio brings forth the earnestness of a boy navigating the world and learning life's important lessons.

Animation-wise, the creative team has masterfully crafted a world that is visually appealing with an art style that walks a fine line between classic and contemporary animation. The score complements the mood and tone of the story, enhancing the viewing experience.

In conclusion, Pinocchio and the Emperor of the Night may not be a direct sequel to the traditional tale, but it successfully conveys the enduring themes of the timeless Pinocchio story in a unique fashion. The captivating journey that the film embarks upon explores the essence of freedom, responsibility, and the value of good choices. The film is captivating, not just for children but also for adults, making it a worthy watch.