Pete’s Dragon review – a feel-good film that will warm your heart

‘An orphaned boy lives in the forest with Elliott a friendly dragon.’

Pete’s Dragon is Disney’s next instalment of what is quickly becoming a long line of live action remakes of their classic films, this one being of the 1977 film of the same name about a boy and his dragon. Directed by David Lowery and set in the early 80’s it’s a remake that actually does a good job of re-telling a familiar tale for a new audience. Jon Favreau’s The Jungle Book (2016) surely set a high standard for future Disney remakes and although Lowrey’s film might not have surpassed it, Pete’s Dragon is a valiant effort and is an enjoyable movie experience.

More of a re-imagining than a direct remake, Pete’s Dragon tells a different story than the original. For one thing, the origin of Pete is changed and tweaked which is shown in a heart-breaking opening scene where after a car crash leaves him orphaned and alone in the forest, he is found and raised by a dragon who Pete names Elliott.

After six years of peaceful living in the woods with his furry friend he is finally discovered by Bryce Dallas Howard’s Park Ranger who brings him back to the local town. Whereas the original was presented as a fun musical adventure, Lowery’s film is a far more poignant affair. Gone are the toe tapping songs, and the light tone is replaced by a more thoughtful and sombre approach.

Whether intentional or not, you can’t help but feel Lowery was also influenced by Spielberg’s E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial as he’s film follows similar narrative beats to the 1982 classic, like dealing with loss and saving your otherworldly friend from bad grown-ups. It’s also similar in the way the film is able to create a great sense of wonder and awe that will make you tingly all over and really pull at the heartstrings. This feeling is also helped by a great whimsical score by Daniel Hart.

Additionally, Lowery isn’t afraid to use a very laidback pace and he seems in no rush to tell his story, which only adds to this more mature tone. It’s a brave approach as this slow pace can put off the little ones who need a bit more action to keep their attention. Saying that, there are some good set pieces showcasing Elliott’s abilities as a dragon and particularly a final scene on a bridge, but overall Pete’s Dragon is more about the characters and the story.

Pete’s Dragon is also aided by strong performances, especially that of Oakes Fegly who plays young Pete. Any child performer who can act well against an imaginary dragon and create a convincing chemistry between them is worthy of praise. He also brings a mature performance and is able to convey all the emotional complexities that would come from what Pete is going through.

Robert Redford also fits perfectly as that wise old grandfatherly figure who believes in dragons. Elliott himself is a great CGI creation. Beautifully rendered in a photo realistic manner and given a dog like demeanour making him feel incredibly friendly and believable. It really helps bye into his friendship with Pete.

‘Pete’s Dragon is classic storytelling at its best.’

A movie designed to lose yourself in and totally immerse within this idyllic world Lowery has created. Although it might not appeal to the very young due to the slow pace, it does have a certain eighties nostalgic charm that many will find appealing. Plus, it has a dragon in it.