Year: 2016
Director: David Lowery
Starring: Bryce Dallas Howard, Oakes Fegley, Robert Redford, Karl Urban, and Elliott
Tagline: Some secrets are too big to keep.
Synopsis: Deep in the woods, an orphaned boy lives with a big, furry dragon.
Tagline: Some secrets are too big to keep.
Synopsis: Deep in the woods, an orphaned boy lives with a big, furry dragon.
Review
I've never seen the original movie. Nor do I have any intention or desire to. Sorry. But I'm quite glad I saw this Pete's Dragon.
The easiest way to describe the film are with three "S"s: simple, sweet, and sentimental. I mean each of those in the nicest way. Basically, it is a perfect family film.
The story is simple and straightforward. There are no crazy plot twists or major detours. The film is about Pete, his dragon (Elliott), and the people they come in contact with. We learn more about the other people only insofar as it forwards the main story. Simple is good. The story never tries to be more than it is.
The world of the story is also simpler. I've read the story takes place "yesterday." It's never stated what decade it is. But there are no smartphones. Elliott's picture isn't being tweeted or put on Snapchat. Nobody is Googling "What to do with a dragon." In addition to taking place "yesterday," it takes place "somewhere." The town is given a generic name. It could be a town anywhere. (Well, anywhere with lots of trees and mountains. So, not Arizona or Kansas). Both of those aspects lend nicely to the tone of the story.
It's sort of like a tale your grandpa would tell you before bed.
The story is also sweet and sentimental. Everyone is ultimately good. They want to help Pete and look after him. Even the antagonist isn't a bad guy. He's just a guy who has his priorities a little skiwampus. A main theme of the film is the importance of family, whether it be blood family or adoptive family.
The best part of the film (and why I went to see it) is Elliott. He's big, green, furry, and pretty much the most huggable dragon ever. It's sweet to see him look after Pete. He's loyal and fun. Elliott is kinda like a big dog that also flies and breathes fire. And the animation for him is terrific.
The movie was filmed in New Zealand, so the scenery is gorgeous. This does make me wonder though. Does New Zealand have a dragon problem. The Hobbit was also filmed in New Zealand. Are Elliott and Smaug distant cousins?
Sorry. Nerd tangent.
If you are looking for a good old-fashioned family film, give Pete's Dragon a try. And stay through at least the first part of the credits to hear the song Lindsey Stirling co-wrote: "Something Wild."
*** Spoiler Section ***
I'm not sure it's possible to spoil this one. At no point in watching the film do you not know exactly where it is going to go. It's the kind of film where you know everything will be all right in the end. And it is.
The easiest way to describe the film are with three "S"s: simple, sweet, and sentimental. I mean each of those in the nicest way. Basically, it is a perfect family film.
The story is simple and straightforward. There are no crazy plot twists or major detours. The film is about Pete, his dragon (Elliott), and the people they come in contact with. We learn more about the other people only insofar as it forwards the main story. Simple is good. The story never tries to be more than it is.
The world of the story is also simpler. I've read the story takes place "yesterday." It's never stated what decade it is. But there are no smartphones. Elliott's picture isn't being tweeted or put on Snapchat. Nobody is Googling "What to do with a dragon." In addition to taking place "yesterday," it takes place "somewhere." The town is given a generic name. It could be a town anywhere. (Well, anywhere with lots of trees and mountains. So, not Arizona or Kansas). Both of those aspects lend nicely to the tone of the story.
It's sort of like a tale your grandpa would tell you before bed.
The story is also sweet and sentimental. Everyone is ultimately good. They want to help Pete and look after him. Even the antagonist isn't a bad guy. He's just a guy who has his priorities a little skiwampus. A main theme of the film is the importance of family, whether it be blood family or adoptive family.
The best part of the film (and why I went to see it) is Elliott. He's big, green, furry, and pretty much the most huggable dragon ever. It's sweet to see him look after Pete. He's loyal and fun. Elliott is kinda like a big dog that also flies and breathes fire. And the animation for him is terrific.
The movie was filmed in New Zealand, so the scenery is gorgeous. This does make me wonder though. Does New Zealand have a dragon problem. The Hobbit was also filmed in New Zealand. Are Elliott and Smaug distant cousins?
Sorry. Nerd tangent.
If you are looking for a good old-fashioned family film, give Pete's Dragon a try. And stay through at least the first part of the credits to hear the song Lindsey Stirling co-wrote: "Something Wild."
*** Spoiler Section ***
I'm not sure it's possible to spoil this one. At no point in watching the film do you not know exactly where it is going to go. It's the kind of film where you know everything will be all right in the end. And it is.
Quotable Quotes
- "I know those woods like the back of my hand. I wouldn't miss a dragon." "You missed Pete." -- Grace and Meacham
- "That dragon is mine." -- Gavin
- "We are in pursuit of a --" "Dragon! It's a dragon!" "You can't say 'dragon' over the radio!" -- Sheriff Dentler and a deputy
ISFS
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