Pete’s Dragon Adds A Modern Light To A Disney Classic

Walt Disney Studios’ latest live action film, Pete’s Dragon, is the retelling of the 1977 classic about a young boy, Pete, and his dragon, Elliot, whose world collides with civilization after a run in with another child. Pete with the help of Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), a non-believing park ranger who discovers Elliot and Pete (Oakes Fegley), realizes his world doesn’t have to be just he and Elliot anymore. With its beautifully haunting music, stunning scenery and adorable green dragon, Pete’s Dragon seems to have everything a film needs to be great. However, it is missing one key ingredient: depth to the story.

The characters are underdeveloped, the story is rushed, and the chemistry between characters is forced. The target demographic is children so these things seem unnecessary. The story gets straight to the point from the very beginning and skims the surface the rest of the way. It intertwines heartfelt moments with tear jerking scenes in order to distract the audience from realizing the relationship between park ranger, Grace and Pete is a little too comfortable for a child who has been alone with a dragon for six years.

Even with the lack of depth, the film is still lovely. Fegly and Oona Laurence (Natalie) are just too adorable for words and Howard is delightful as Grace. The folk like music throughout the film is exceptionally beautiful, especially when Oona takes sings the tale of Elliot, and the scenery adds to the poetic effect.

Overall, Pete’s Dragon is a magical film that will leave viewers with smile. What the films lacks in story, it makes up in heartwarming moments and breath taking scenery. It’s definitely a good end of summer film for families of all ages.

Source: B