Despite breaking domestic budget records, Roberto Benigni's adaptation of Carlo Collodi's novel has none of the eccentric charm it might have possessed had he realised a lifetime ambition in undertaking the project with Federico Fellini. Much affection has been lavished on the costumes, music and effects, while Dante Spinotti's photography cleverly marries Tuscan landscapes and studio sets. The supporting cast similarly manages to be both pantomimic and literate. But Benigni is too old to play the puppet who comes to life and embarks on endless misadventures, with his exuberance only exacerbating his over-eagerness to please.

Roberto Benigni adapts the classic children's tale by Carlo Collodi for the big-budget family-oriented comedy Pinocchio.