Disney Pete’s Dragon Review
This past week, I had the pleasure of walking the Red Carpet for the premiere of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon. The 2016 “Pete’s Dragon” version is a reimagining of the 1977 cherished live-action/animated musical that tells the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliot, who just so happens to be a dragon.
Nobody could survive in that forest for six years; at least not alone,” Mr. Meacham in Pete’s Dragon.
The legendary actor Robert Redford is the town’s wood carver Mr. Meacham who is seen telling the local children his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest.
His forest ranger daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) of course doesn’t believe his stories until one fateful day when she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley).
Bryce Dallas Howard is Grace and Oakes Fegley is Pete
From the opening scene that starts rather idyllic showing a young boy and his parents driving through the forest that ends tragically with Pete’s parents being killed to the first meeting of the dragon, I was hooked. Fast forward to present day where the young boy spots Grace the forest ranger in the woods that the movie moves into the next chapter of the boy’s life.
Without young Oakes Fegley acting, would this be believable? I think not. His interactions with the big green dragon are quite exciting to watch. Not only did I love his interactions with Elliot the dragon but watching his facial expressions when he sees a girl his own age for the first time, is just so credible and engaging.
What I liked about the movie was the underlying story of family, what it means to be a family and how being a family can come from the most unexpected place.
Your kids will love all the scenes with Elliot and Pete. Who wouldn’t want to ride a dragon right? Their scenes are funny and not that different from kids and their pets except Pete’s pet is a big furry green dragon.
I have to note that Disney has done an amazing job of making Elliot the green dragon quite realistic looking. Let’s face it, if you don’t think it’s a real dragon, no amount of great acting is going to draw you into the story. When Pete’s runs his hand through Elliot’s fur, I got chills it was so realistic.
Of course, life in woods as fun as it is has to come to an end. The last half of the movie centers on Grace, the park ranger trying to save Elliot from those who want to capture and harm him. Lots of action and car chase scenes ensue. It’s quite dramatic but you know it has to end happily right.
Do I recommend the movie? Yes, I think that Disney has done a really good job of reimagining a classic movie from our youth for a new generation. Your kids will root for Elliot the dragon and I am sure will want their own dragon as a pet. It’s a wonderful film with themes of family, being able to persevere in challenging situations and friendship. And of course, it’s all about believing and opening your mind to the possibility of the impossible.
I will warn you that for younger kids the opening scene where Pete’s parents die in the car crash may be too much for them. Definitely for kids 5 and up if you have don’t have a sensitive 5 year old.
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Pete’s Dragon opens in theatres Friday, August 12
Disclosure: NYC Single Mom’s travel and accommodations to attend the the Pete’s Dragon event is being covered by Disney. As always, all opinions are 100% my own
This was such a sweet movie! I’m so happy I got to share it with my kids today <3
That’s great. I wasn’t able to see it with my daughter but I can’t wait till she can see it.