The 1977 version of Pete’s Dragon is beloved by many Disney fans, but deep down I don’t understand why. I watched it growing up as a kid and was mesmerized by Elliot, the disappearing dragon, and I guess that was enough to please me enough to say that I actually liked the film. I re-watched it a few years back when it finally debuted on Blu-ray and I was less impressed by what I saw. Still, I think I told myself I needed to enjoy it because of Elliot and its place as a Disney classic live action/animation blend. About a week ago, I finally came to terms with myself and realized that Pete’s Dragon is not very good at all. After watching “Everything Wrong with Pete’s Dragon” from CinemaSins on YouTube, it was nearly solidified for me. Take a look below if you need a refresher – not suitable for work or around children…
So, what does all of this have to do with the new re-make of Pete’s Dragon? Well, I guess what I’m trying to say is that I went into this re-imagining with low expectations. About the only preconceived notion that I had going into this movie was Elliot was going to be just as lovable as in the original. Honestly, it delivered on that opinion and more and left me completely satisfied.
The new Pete’s Dragon has changed in many ways. The story now takes place in the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s/80s instead of the early 1900s in Passamaquoddy, Maine. Also, the movie is not a musical-comedy in any way shape or form. I’d describe it more as a dramatic adventure. Pete, a 4-year-old boy, is left stranded in the forest after a car accident kills his parents. Elliot, a giant disappearing green, furry dragon, crosses paths with Pete and takes him into his care. Six years goes by, but Pete and Elliot remain in the forest as best friends, until a park ranger and group of lumberjacks discovers Pete and brings him back to civilization. Meanwhile, some of the lumberjacks also suspect something larger was living in the forest and ultimately go on a hunt for Elliot. Will Elliot and Pete be reunited? You’ll have to watch the movie to find out.
Here’s my take on the good and bad of Pete’s Dragon:
The Good
The Cast
Pete’s Dragon has an exceptional cast that is led by Oakes Fegley (Pete), who makes other child actors seem slightly less adequate. Fegley remains top notch whether he is sharing the screen with Bryce Dallas Howard (Park Ranger Grace) or the CGI Elliot. He was a brilliant find and will hopefully have a promising future. Also, it’s impossible to talk about the cast without mentioning the supporting performance by Robert Redford. Redford plays Meacham, Grace’s grandfather and somewhat of a town legend for his story about the time he encountered a dragon in the forest. The role is not at all a challenge for a legend like Redford, but that can be said about most of the characters in the film. No one person is given a lot to work with, the exception being Fegley, but everyone for the most part turns in a better than adequate performance.
The Scenery
I know some people out there who would probably defend how wonderful Passamaquoddy is until the day they die, but the Pacific Northwest location wins hands down. The cinematography in this film is brilliant, but a lot of that is due to the breathtaking filming locations. Pete’s Dragon was shot entirely in New Zealand and all you have to do is look at the results to realize what a good choice it is. Sign me up for the next available tour around Pete’s Dragons filming locations, but in the meantime I will settle for the official filming locations website.
Elliot
I said before that I went in with the opinion that Elliot was going to be as lovable as in the original film and I wasn’t disappointed. Truth is, I was actually blown away by what they did with the character. There was quite a bit of hubbub when the character was revealed to have fur instead of scales, but the choice actually feels suitable. I wouldn’t expect a green, scaly dragon to be walking around the forests of the Pacific Northwest, but I could somewhat realistically see a large, hairy beast or dragon fitting in well with the cold, frigid winters. And no pink hair was no problem. Really, Elliot was essentially a giant dog who could fly, communicate, and take care of an orphaned boy and I walked away loving the character more than I ever loved that hand drawn Elliot.
The Bad
The Villain
Remember when I said everyone for the most part turns in a better than adequate performance? The one person who is extremely shallow is Karl Urban as Gavin. To summarize, Jack (Wes Bentley) is married to Grace and has a daughter, Natalie (Oona Laurence), and a brother Gavin. Gavin’s character is similar to a guy who was a popular jock in high school, but then never became anything so he spends his time trying to be number one when really he is just living in the shadows of his brother who became responsible and built a real life for himself. If that was the backstory for Gavin then his character might be slightly more interesting. Instead he is just a one-note villain that is hellbent on capturing Elliot. With a little bit more creativity, I think a more interesting villain or conflict could’ve been created.
The Outcome
The best words to describe Pete’s Dragon are magical and charming. That seems like very high praise, but it really is. It is very similar to 2015’s Cinderella in that it wasn’t probably necessary to remake, but it ended up being extremely enjoyable. In fact, it really did end up being better than the original 1977 film. I would’ve never thought that Pete’s Dragon was worth re-imagining, but it turns out it was because there was a better version out there to be made. While I see the potential for some younger kids to be bored, overall it is a nice late summer flick for families to enjoy just as kids are getting back to school.
