Review: PETE’S DRAGON is a Wonderfully Magical and Emotional Adventure
I was never really heavily invested in Disney’s original Pete’s Dragon movie. I’ve only seen it a couple of times and it’s one of those classics I never really connected with. One of the main reasons I was interested in seeing this remake in the first place was that it was written and directed David Lowery, who directed a great little indie drama called Ain’t Them Bodies Saints. I’ve gotta say, he did an incredible job bringing this story to life for modern audiences!
Lowery brought the characters of Pete (Oakes Fegley) and his dragon Elliot to life in amazing ways through his writing and direction. There wasn’t much talk between the characters but you could tell that their whole world revolved around each other. They didn’t need to talk to understand each other or know how they were feeling. The character development with these two characters was so strong, and you instantly fall in love with them and their relationship. Fegley was also extremly charming in the role of Pete. He did such a fantastic job playing this character.
I do have to point out that this movie is very sad. It starts out sad, there’s a lot of sadness in between, and it ends on a bittersweet note. I took my eight-year-old daughter to see the movie with me and when I asked her what she thought about it, she said she loved it, it made her cry a lot, but that it was the “best saddest movie” she’s seen. Both those statements are true: she cried a lot, and I have to agree with her on Pete’s Dragon being one of the best saddest movies.
This film is very different from the original and I actually thought it was so much better than the first one. The film had some pretty heavy coming-of-age themes that will obviously have an effect on kids. I know I’m kind of making this movie seem like a downer, but it’s also a fun feel-good movie that will have you rooting for Pete and Elliot in their adventure and search for happiness.
I won’t get into the specifics of the story because I don’t want to spoil anything for you, but through a series of events Pete and Elliot find each other and live in the woods together for six years. 10-year-old Pete is found as a Forest Ranger played by Bryce Dallas Howard is searching the woods while a team of lumberjacks from a local mill, including Wes Bentley and Karl Urban, come through cutting down trees. Pete’s discovery leads him and Elliot on an adventure of self-discovery and survival. Along the way, they make new friends who help them on their journey.
As for Elliot, I loved how they handled the character and his dragon design. I wasn’t sure if it would work when I first saw it, but the design was perfect for this film and I can’t imagine it being any different. I should also mention that the CG animation used to bring the character to life was flawless. I really enjoyed the fact that they gave the dragon the mannerisms of a dog. So anyone with a dog as a pet will be able to, in a way, connect with the character and why Pete is so attached to him. Audiences are going to love Elliot because he’s so damn lovable!
Pete’s Dragon is such a well-made film with such likable characters — you’ve got to see it. I know a lot of people aren’t interested, but you should give it a chance if you’re on the fence. You’ll be glad you did.
Pete’s Dragon opens in theaters on August 12, 2016.