Pinocchio: An Animation Masterpiece! (Netflix)

Co-Writer/Co-Director Guillermo Del Toro is known for his creativity and ability to conjure up amazing visuals.  In his first fully-animated film, Del Toro chooses the stop-motion animation technique, which works extremely well.  The movie is a musical, but the songs aren't intrusive or a distraction.  The story starts out like the fairy tale, but the plot diverges considerably after the first 30 minutes. The film starts out during WWI.  Gepetto (David Bradley) is a wood-worker, with a 10-year old son, Carlo (Gregory Mann).  Unfortunately, Carlo is killed by a bomb, and Gepetto is devastated.  Years later, still reeling from the loss, Gepetto creates Pinocchio (also Mann).  Gepetto makes a wish that Pinocchio could become a real boy, and Pinocchio gains consciousness! I won't say any more about the plot, but it isn't like anything you remember from your childhood.  The film examines many deep issues, such as father/son relationships, mortality and the afterlife, integrity, friendship, and sacrifice, among others.  Robin and I were spellbound for much of the film.  We both consider this movie a MUST-SEE!  I anticipate that this film will win the AA for Best Animated Film.  Who knows, it could even win Best Feature Film (although I doubt it). Bottom Line: Pinocchio is a joy – and I'm not lying!