Pinocchio 3000

The idea behind this updated version of the classic story is excellent, turning Pinocchio into a robot boy who longs to be human. Backing this up is some great computer-generated animation that stands up to competition from Pixar hits such as Toy Story. However, the story is woefully thin and the voice talents of Whoopi Goldberg and Malcolm McDowell can't add anything to a predictable plot. Most of the comedy relies on physical humour by Mayor Stromboli's two stupid robot sidekicks, which is funny for the first five minutes. The moral of the story is presented in a heavy-handed way and there are no in-jokes to keep the parents happy, so repeat viewing by your young ones will become very dull, very quickly. Strictly one for the kids.