Reviews & Ratings for
Pete's Dragon More at IMDbPro »

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60 out of 94 people found the following review useful:

It may not have much in common with the original, but it's a joy of a movie for people of all ages

Author: john schneider from Austin, Texas
10 August 2016

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

Aah, where to begin. I was five years old when the original came out and it was the first ever film I saw on the big screen. For that experience alone I'll treasure the "old" 'Pete's Dragon' forever.

Now to the "new" film. I'm not normally into family movies, but because I hold such a deep love for the original, I just couldn't resist to go to a pre-screening of this remake. If they didn't honor the original, at the very least I could voice my opinion afterwards on the internet. I needn't have worried - although it may come as a shock to some viewers that the film doesn't have much in common with the original at all. But this new 'Pete's Dragon' is about as far away from a cheap cash grab as it could be.

Unlike the original, the new film starts on a somber note (think the beginning of The Jungle Book, Tarzan or Bambi) in that a little boy is orphaned by an accident and left alone in the woods. But just like the best fairy tales, I feel a good story often needs some darker themes: for without those, the joyous moments wouldn't feel as intense and rewarding. And this is very true here, for what follows is a tale of friendship, adventure, magic and wonder like I hadn't seen since those wonderful Spielberg films in the eighties.

The story is sentimental - but never cheesy - and that is one of its greatest strengths: it dares to have a heart but it's not the kind of over-sugary tripe we so often get from big studios. The film's biggest asset, though, is easily Elliot. I had feared (because I had seen a trailer) that Elliot would be a cringe-worthy CGI creature of the worst kind, but the trailers really did the special effects wizards a bad service: the dragon design is perhaps the most beautiful (and I'm not ashamed to say it: cute) I've ever seen.

It blends perfectly with the natural surroundings (gorgeous New Zealand forests) and while this particular dragon has more traits of a playful, over-sized dog than of a dinosaur, it looks so realistic you believe you can touch and feel Elliot's fur (the 3-d works great for this film), and his face is so expressive you forget you're watching a CGI character.

All in all, this really is a film I can whole heartedly recommend to people of all ages, but if you have kids, watch it as soon as possible, you won't regret it. Despite going down a very different route than the original, it's still a throwback to a different era when Disney made the best quality family films (which were so good they are still immensely popular today), utterly devoid of the now so common cynicism, and full of heart, joy and wonder. 9 stars out of 10.

51 out of 86 people found the following review useful:

Pete's Big Green Dog

Author: svorva from United States
28 August 2016

I worry about taking pot shots at a movie like Pete's Dragon. No one wants a twentysomething's jaded take on a kid's movie. I am aware I am not the target audience. The ticket vendor's surprise at my selection was no surprise to me. What can I say? The other option was an anthropomorphic hot dog. I took the chance because a children's film can be a light fantasy. Disney has taught everyone that "fun for the whole family" is not a death sentence. So when I criticize Pete's Dragon, understand I am not assailing aspects of the genre, e.g. the simplistic plot. That's not the movie's goal nor should it be my point. Pete's Dragon fails because it is utterly devoid of wonder.

True, wonder is a pretty squishy concept. Fortunately for me, my sense of wonder need not go on trial. That's because of my official co-reviewer, the kid who sat immediately next to me in the otherwise empty theater. He looked about the same age as Pete, our protagonist. I regret not asking. Regardless, I understand why this story could be appealing to my new colleague. Pete is tragically separated from his parents, but is rescued by a forest dwelling dragon. Pete names his new friend Elliot and together they spend their days playing in the woods and sleeping in a tree/cave/house. It is an idyllic existence, but it is ruined by the interference of other humans. Pete is threatened by greedy loggers and, the Nazis of family movies, child protective services. However, our hero finds some allies in ranger Grace (Howard) and her storytelling father (Redford). The entire movie scored two responses from my associate. First, a chuckle when Elliot gets a dosing of soot from a chimney. Second, a genuine chortle when an EMT dropped a stretcher. That part was my favorite too. Almost Two hours, two laughs. I refuse to believe this is the best Disney can offer. Admittedly, my second did applaud at the close, but this reaction was not half as enthusiastic as when his dad bought him a Slurpee.

Now hopefully I can take over explain what went wrong. First, the titular dragon. It is a dog. Elliot the big green dog. Elliot chases his tale. Elliot sneezes on people. Elliot is a dog. Whyyyyyyyyyyy? This is one of the most pathetic attempts at satisfying the boundless imaginations of children I have ever seen. Even the flying shots are derivative, all rendered in CG that just screams "I was meant to be seen in 3D." Well I'm cheap. All the other characters were equally tedious. Any idiosyncrasy or characteristic would have been appreciated. You can learn all there is to know about these personalities in 15 seconds. For the remainder of the movie, they will never surprise you, or charm you, or do anything worthy or remembrance. Part of the reason I attended Pete's Dragon was to gather data on the condition of Redford's career. I dread saying this, but this another performance suggesting he is washed up. Then again, in the role, Redford might never have stood a chance. Watching him mug like he was witnessing the second coming because a dragon turned a lighter shade of green was embarrassing. Another sad waste of talent was the cinematographer. The forest itself was the most magnetic character in the film. The natural beauty set a tone, only to be beaten down by the ham-fisted elements. So yes, I guess there was some wonder. Not enough to be redeemable. Pete's Dragon is a soulless morality tale on the importance of the nuclear family. Its grand aspiration was being inoffensive enough so you could bring your children. Disney can do better and we should watch better.

33 out of 60 people found the following review useful:

A boring and bland tale

Author: mohanvijay
20 August 2016

I was pretty underwhelmed after watching the movie. Disney needs to rethink what live action movies they are making. The jungle book was renown and popular and almost everyone knew about the same and it was a good retelling of the story nothing spectacular but enjoyable. Pete's dragon at least for me was a film that I had no prior knowledge about and after seeing the film the content of the original story seems to be pretty bland. This is a film purely for kids below 10 years. The dragon is very well animated but the acting by the child actors is average at the best. the "villain" is shoehorned just for the sake of it. The content just was not riveting enough and it is a boring and bland 2 hour movie with some moments which will draw out an emotional response and those are very few and far between. If you have kids go watch it with them they would surely enjoy it. The theater I went had majority of the audience in the 6-10 year group and there were enough giggles and awes to know that they were enjoying the movie. Only recommended for kids.

12 out of 21 people found the following review useful:

A Remake way better then the Original.

Author: Aussie Movie Reviews from Australia
8 October 2016

7/10. This is a remake of Disney's 1977 classic, in which a lost little boy (Pete) finds friendship with a dinosaur called Elliot. Now I must say up front that I really was never a fan of the original, I found it dull and boring. It is not a big classic like a lot of other Disney films, but it still has a big following of people that love it. However I am very glad that they went back 39 years later and remade it, I really liked this film and thought it was a great film for the whole family, with heartfelt moments, funny moments and also action scenes that were good fun for adults and children. I have heard criticism of the way this film starts off, with Pete losing his parents, but honestly this is not a put off for young children and is made in a way that is not sad. My two young kids were not afraid in this film at all, and absolutely loved it. Director David Lowery does a fantastic job in this remake for families. Oakes Fegley who plays Pete really does a great job for a young boy, I think he might be one to watch in the future. Pete's Dragon #petesdragon https://m.facebook.com/Aussiemoviereview/

25 out of 47 people found the following review useful:

major disappointment

Author: cmunts1993 from Dorset, England
25 August 2016

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

if you are a fan of the original Walt Disney's Pete's dragon 1977 you will most likely be very disappointed.

the story is a complete change, well i say story there isn't much of a story in this film i don't want to give anything away but the only thing that is the same in the re-make is that there is a boy called Pete and he has a friend who is a dragon called Elliot.

I've actually thought that i might not watch any of the new live action remakes that Disney are going to release but i'm worried that they will be completely changed just as this one was

i wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone

VERY DISAPPOINTED :(

6 out of 10 people found the following review useful:

Kid again

Author: bp96-137-679777 from United States
18 November 2016

Liked this a lot. I was 4 when I first saw Pete's dragon way back in '83 or whatever back in England. I remember how much I loved the idea of Pete's dragon. I watched the original a few years back and realized that it was a fairly average musical with an animated dragon. But still!!!! I remember how great the story or idea of a personal dragon was. The modern spin is very sentimental, but never cheesy. Everything was great; from casting to special effects. I really enjoyed this movie. If you remember the old Pete's dragon from back when you were a skid, you'll love this movie. To be completely honest, there were several tear jerker moments. I guess they really nailed down the aspects of a child becoming suddenly orphaned. They also did a really good job if propelling the story so that it never sat idle. Robert Redford played the integral old timer part, but played it exceptionally well as to be expected. It is also relevant to mention that I typically do not review movies I have just seen immediately after I have seen them. This film made an exception for me.

6 out of 10 people found the following review useful:

Packs some emotional heft

Author: jezfernandez from United Kingdom
14 November 2016

This updated version wasn't quite what I was expecting, though surprisingly good. The dominant theme is friendship and family and they explore this through a rather subtle tension. Pete loves Elliot, but he also needs a family (which he finds in surrogate form through Bryce Dallas-Howard, her fiancé and his young daughter).

The threat feels shoehorned in, as Karl Urban's inexplicably vengeful logger decides to hunt down the dragon and do...well, he hasn't really thought that one through. It's a weak plot device that sells the story a little short, but is ultimately forgivable. I had a sizeable lump in my throat at several points in the film, and I'm not one for sentimentality. Director Lowery handles the emotion well, particularly through an inspired folksy soundtrack.

There are distinct shades of ET here, as a boy comes to terms with the impossibility of a critical friendship. Not a lot really happens in this movie, but what you get is well paced and thoughtful.

Well worth a watch.

19 out of 37 people found the following review useful:

I really wanted to like this movie

Author: samyoung-82648
6 September 2016

This movie was a major let down. I really like movies with heart. However, this movie just reeks of bad acting, terrible dialog and weak story telling.

Robert Redford was unbelievably bad. His acting came across as insincere and his dialog was stiff. Dallas Bryce Howard was much better in this movie than Redford. However, the way she engaged the young boy (Pete) was more like a textbook than what I would expect someone to do.

This movie ultimately fails because the acting isn't genuine and the dialog is just plain terrible. It achieves feel good, but, it insults the intelligence of the audience. The Jungle Book was much better dialog. Don't talk down to kids. They are not stupid.

I hope Disney take more risks like this. However, they need to tighten up the dialog and acting a lot.

Ultimately, this movie is more like a C grade TV show. They need less insulting of the audience's intelligence.

6 out of 12 people found the following review useful:

Family friendly remake of 1970's animated film

Author: orthoclin from Canada
27 September 2016

Walt Disney Pictures seem to have set out to make all of their animated treasures into live action features.(The recent Jon Favreau Jungle Book for example). This film is not remake of the 1970's mixed live action animated musical of the same name. It is not a musical. It is live action with a well thought out plot, a great cast including Robert Redford and new young talents. It is a great story ,that tugs at your emotions and though directed to the pre-teen age group I found it captivating as well. The visuals were great and the Dragon extremely well done. Yes the environmentalist theme underlies the story here, but their is really no villain. This movie looks great on the big screen and is best seen there . The beginning may disturb the younger child less than 6 or 8 years of age, so just a word of caution to those with young children :this film is not for them. Still,this is one of the best films I have seen this year

28 out of 56 people found the following review useful:

Warning: A traumatizing experience for a kid

Author: iulia-carp
24 August 2016

*** This review may contain spoilers ***

If you have small children - don't take them to this movie! I took my nephew last night to Pete's dragon. How on God's green earth is it remotely acceptable for a movie for children to start with the following scene: a 5 years old boy and his parents, in a car, going on an "adventure", and suddenly, a deer shows up in the middle of the road, the father sees it too late, pulls off the road, the car crashes, landing up side down, then the kid is all alone, crying, petrified, next to the car with his dead parents inside, then he runs, gets surrounded by wolves who chase him, in the middle of a deep dark forest, and eventually the dragon shows up to the rescue! The car crash scene and the wolves chase is disturbing for an adult, let alone for a 5 year old! The movie had a huge impact on my nephew, who woke up in the middle of the night shouting uncontrollably and could not stop for 5 minutes! It's the first time he gets such a reaction, when he was able to speak, he started to mumble random stuff about cars crashing, parents dying!!! How did you guys ever thought such images and such a message would be OK for a kid to see? I hope that you will get sued and pay in full for such a stupid idea! So please don't take a kid to this movie! As an adult, the story is boring and pathetic. If it wouldn't have been for my nephew traumatizing experience, I would rate it a 4

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