Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Love and ‘real’ life: Del Toro puts signature spin on ‘Pinocchio’
WHAT’S NEW ON NETFLIX “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio” (2022)
The delightfully twisted mind of Academy Award-winning director Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth,” 2006) brings his own version of a classic children’s tale to life with the stop-motion animated film “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” premiering Friday, Dec. 9, on Netflix. Working alongside stop-motion legend Mark Gustafson (“Claymation Easter,” 1992), the duo reimagine Italian author Carlo Collodi’s original 1883 book “The Adventures of Pinocchio,” about a wooden puppet named Pinocchio (voiced by Gregory Mann, “Victoria”), made by kindly woodworker Geppetto (voiced by David Bradley, “After Life”). Desperately lonely and longing for a family, Geppetto brings Pinocchio to life by wishing on a star. Although Geppetto loves Pinocchio like his own son, Pinocchio becomes enraptured by the idea of becoming a “real boy” and having real-life experiences. Hoping to make his own wish come true, he embarks on a grand, enchanted adventure, learning about the world and the true power of love. Directed by del Toro and Gustafson, “Pinocchio” is written by del Toro, Patrick McHale (“Adventure Time”) and Matthew Robbins (“Crimson Peak,” 2015). The film’s all-star voice cast is rounded out by Ewan McGregor (“ObiWan Kenobi”), Ron Perlman (“Nightmare Alley,” 2021), Finn Wolfhard (“Stranger Things”), Cate Blanchett (“Carol,” 2015), Burn Gorman (“The Expanse”), Tim Blake Nelson (“O Brother, Where Art Thou?,” 2000), Tilda Swinton (“Suspiria,” 2018), John Turturro (“Severance”) and Christoph Waltz (“The French Dispatch,” 2021).
WHAT’S NEW ON HULU “Back in the Groove” - Season 1
Get back into the swing of things with the new reality dating series “Back in the Groove,” premiering Monday, Dec. 5, on Hulu. Playing off of and taking inspiration from the 1998 film “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” the show follows three 40-something women as they check into The Groove Hotel, a resort in the Dominican Republic where their goal is to “rediscover their youth, live joyously and find love with men half their age” (per Hulu). As they look to build up some self-love, create stronger friendships and maybe enjoy a fling (or two), the series aims to break the double standards that women face as they age. With helpful concierge Pedro Salamanca at the ready to help them with whatever they may need, contestants Sparkle, Steph and Brooke can focus on living their most relaxed, self-indulgent lives. The series’ inaugural eight-episode season is hosted by actor Taye Diggs, who made his big-screen debut in the 1998 film.
WHAT’S NEW ON PRIME “Something From Tiffany’s” (2022)
Give in to the powers that be and settle in for the new holiday romance film “Something From Tiffany’s,” premiering Friday, Dec. 9, on Prime Video. Set in New York City during the magic, excitement and mayhem of the holiday season, one special little box from the iconic jewelry brand, Tiffany’s, has the power to change multiple lives. Happy enough as a couple but not quite ready to make a lifelong commitment, Rachel (Zoey Deutch, “The Politician”) and Gary (Ray Nicholson, “Licorice Pizza,” 2021) are quietly continuing with their lives together. Meanwhile, Ethan (Kendrick Sampson, “Insecure”) and Vanessa (Shay Mitchell, “Pretty Little Liars”) are madly in love and ready to take the next big step to make it official. In a twist of fate, a simple mix-up of gifts sets events into motion that cause all of their paths to cross, leading them all to where they’re truly meant to be. Based on the 2011 book of the same name by Melissa Hill, “Something From Tiffany’s” is written for the screen by Tamara Chestna (“Moxie,” 2021) and directed by Daryl Wein (“How It Ends,” 2021). The film also stars Rose Abdoo (“Hacks”), Javicia Leslie (“Batwoman”), Leah Jeffries (“Beast,” 2022), Jojo T. Gibbs (“Twenties”) and Stephanie Shepherd (“Keeping Up with the Kardashians”).
WHAT’S NEW ON APPLE TV+ “Little America” - Season 2
Get a look at a slice of classic American life when Season 2 of the anthology streaming series “Little America” premieres Friday, Dec. 9, on Apple TV+. Inspired by true stories featured in Epic Magazine, the series’ eight new episodes dig deeper into the funny, heartfelt, romantic, inspiring and surprising tales of immigrants in America. Written and executive produced by Lee Eisenberg (“The Office”) and Sian Heder (“CODA,” 2021), who serve as co-showrunners, and Kumail Nanjiani (“The Big Sick,” 2017) and Emily V. Gordon (“Crashing”), “Little America” is also executive produced by Alan Yang (“Parks and Recreation”), Joshua Bearman (“Argo,” 2012), Joshua Davis (“West Coast,” 2000) and Arthur Spector (“Breaking,” 2022). The Season 2 cast includes Riley Jackson (“A Genie’s Tale,” 2022), Bernard White (“Big Sky”), Bonnie Hellman (“Amsterdam,” 2022), Connor Weil (“K.C. Undercover”), Monika Gossmann (“Mank,” 2020), Peter James Smith (“The West Wing”), Sathya Sridharan (“The Whale,” 2022), Wyatt Lindner (“Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood,” 2022), Mohammad Amiri (“Fighting with My Family,” 2019), Ali Olomi (“Wildcat,” 2021), Lily Mae Harrington (“Single Drunk Female”), James Saito (“Eli Stone”), Elham Ehsas (“Shantaram”), Zachary Shadrin (“The Last Mercenary,” 2021) and Sasha Frolova (“Little Women,” 2019).
WHAT’S NEW ON DISNEY+ “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” (2022)
Tony Award-winning actress and singer Idina Menzel takes fans behind the scenes of her hectic, dazzling life on the stage in the new special “Idina Menzel: Which Way to the Stage?” premiering Friday, Dec. 9, on Disney+. A powerhouse vocalist who’s brought life to characters in famous productions including “Rent,” “Wicked,” “Frozen” (2013) and many more, Idina Menzel still has one major goal to reach for: to headline a concert at Madison Square Garden in her hometown of New York City. In “Which Way to the Stage,” audiences get a joyous, inspirational and in-depth look into Menzel as she’s never been seen before, with cameras following her on a national tour over the course of 16 shows. As she juggles her grueling performance and travel schedule, Menzel prepares to finally realize her dream. Produced by Ideal Partners, the special is directed by Anne McCabe (“Younger”). Menzel, Robbie Chafitz (“The Broken and the Bad”), Wendy Federman (“The God Committee,” 2021) and newcomer Jeff Selikoff act as executive producers.