Back in 1977, Disney almost lost me as a fan when they released Pete’s Dragon. As a lover of all things magical, especially dragons, this version of dragons and ‘magic’ was just NOT what I wanted to see. I was horribly horribly disappointed in their cartoony, musical extravaganza. So when I heard about a remake, I was not holding my breath, but had to admit that the teaser images were intriguing and mysterious.
This version did not disappoint. However, we will all need therapy since it put us through the emotional ringer.
Honestly, I have not sniveled this much at a movie since ET.
From the traumatic beginning, our little hearts are torn asunder by the plight of little Pete and his wonderful, if not slightly wistful relationship with Elliot. Elliot is not related to the dragons we have met on shows like Game of Thrones. He is a combination of your favourite house cat and a lovable puppy. He is a big green dog with wings. He is the dream XXL version of a boys best friend.
And you don’t want anything bad to happen, but like all Disney movies, something bad HAS to happen and things HAVE to change and there were not many dry eyes left in the house after this journey.
I won’t go into too many details. For those who love to take all their very young children to all things Disney, I may think again with this one. The ‘capture’ scene is very intense and there a few very upset young children in the theatre. Even wordly Tara at seven hid behind her backpack.
The cast is great. Was awesome seeing handsome Wes Bentley playing a more ‘normal’ type of character. Robert Redford is wonderful as the ‘grampa’ figure, and they didn’t go too heavy handed with the ‘bad’ guy played by Karl Urban. Even he is well meaning and has his heart in the right place.
I am a HUGE sentimental softy and this pulled on every heart string I have. For Caity too. Her makeup was in as much disarray as mine.
Here is Tara’s take on it all – fresh when we got home:
The movie is a nice gentle introduction into environmental stewardship too. They tread carefully though…but the message is clearly that we need to leave enough wild so magic can still flourish. Check out this fun Activity Book for more about nurturing a love of magic and nature.
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