REVIEW: PETE’S DRAGON is a Fun, Amazing Family Adventure!

When Disney relive our childhood lives by bringing beloved classics in live action such as Alice in Wonderland, Jungle Book, Cinderella and re-imagined Maleficent as an unusual hero, it proves that there are still kids lying within our hearts and as they continue to bring back the magic with their latest outing, Pete’s Dragon shows a promising take on the 1977 animated film but is it able to capture the magic?

After losing his parents in the forest, Pete lived there most of his live with a dragon, whom he calls “Elliot”, a friend a protector. One day, when the lumberjack crew found him, seeks to find out where he belongs and his companion.

What makes the film’s story work is it its straightforward approach of family, it tells us that family is a sense of belongingness that it’s not only defined by blood. Bryce Dallas Howard and Wes Bentley’s characters for example aren’t married but there’s a sense of parenthood that they were able to bring in to their chemistry and not just love interests or whatnot and also, I think it’s something to do with being adult by handling situations in a more practical manner.

The bond between Pete and his dragon companion Elliot is what makes the film stand on its own, there’s a sense of belongingness between these two that connects you to film and while Elliot the dragon is mostly a companion, he is parent, friend and a protector and the narrative elaborates that special dynamic throughout.

Elliot is film’s star. The director, David Lowery and screenwriter Toby Halbrooks gave the dragon a humane personality: gentle, compassionate creature with a big heart that won the audience and it was executed well and also, I’d like to give a shout out for the CG artists who did a tremendous job on designing the dragon in a seamless furry texture, animated-like, with an adorable dog-like facial and physical aesthetics that adds the warmth.

While there were cheesy moments, Pete’s Dragon works best as it lets your mind escape and it allows you to use your imagination and just believe and that’s what family adventure genre that’s meant to be. I think Disney is in the right direction and looking forward for their upcoming adaptations.

 Pete’s Dragon is now showing in cinemas. Special thanks to Walt Disney Studios Philippines for the invite!