Want to wipe away those tears that were shed for supposed summer blockbusters like Suicide Squad, Jason Bourne and BFG? Pete’s Dragon is the answer to your problems.
Disney has had its hands full for a while now, with Star Wars and many new additions to its live action and musically-unchallenged films that keep popping up every, single, year. But what gets older audiences to come back for more is their classic “remake and sequel” formula.
Oh yes, following the general norm, their “re-run” game is quite strong. With additions to their collection that include, Frankenweenie, The Wizard of Oz, Cinderella and many other successful films (or were they), you can expect a 60-year-old man muttering to himself in a theatre today, “I remember watching this on television!”.
Let me put it out there, Pete’s Dragon deserves the upbeat response towards it. And why wouldn’t it, with it being a happy, family friendly adventure?
A supposed classic that was long forgotten because of its mediocrity, the 1977 film is translated into a modern day set up, replacing a ‘cartooned’ up Elliot (the Dragon) for a CGI one.
Director David Lowery is an animal that was given a sheep to play with. Yes, this is his first venture behind the cameras of a smoother tale, and manages to deliver not only an intriguing, selfless story but gives great direction to a strong, young leading actor by the name of Oakes Fegley who plays Pete himself. While he isn’t seen sitting often beside his dragon in this adaptation, it is established from the get-go that their friendship is irreplaceable even though they are miles apart.
You have to understand something for a second. Objectively speaking, the film works on multiple levels. With its dramatic music, sweet scenery and endearing characters, one’s heart is only going to break a million times if anything goes south. But from a personal standpoint, it was entertaining, but only to a certain degree.
Let’s face it, it’s highly improbable for a five-year-old to survive in a forest for five years without the slightest detection of an infection. Some may argue jokingly that he did thanks to his fluffy teddy bear of a dragon, where I would say that it’s the same dragon who was never found eating, making it seem all the more imaginary.
Surely this is nitpicking at this point, but it’s quite safe to assume that almost everyone noticed this children’s film was soaked with A-list actors. How did the remake of a not-so-liked film attract faces like Karl Urban, Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford, we shall never know.
With that being said, the film sets them up as supporting actors for a children’s film, like how children are depicted in an action blockbuster or intense drama filled film. This representation leaves little room to appreciate their acting skills, considering they are all a shiny bunch.
Also, unlike other children friendly adventures, this one takes a slow paced route, allowing you to get used to the characters which can get dull occasionally, with far too many repetitive moments.
Although, the magic of the film lies inside Robert Redford’s wise words, the greatest thing you can receive from this movie is to believe without seeing. And that’s what will fuel the hearts of the youth today, who will laugh and be enthralled by the magic that follows these words.
Lowrey even plays it right by hinting at the negative side to losing loved ones with his camera visuals as opposed fully revealing them, which gives great way to appreciate the upside of moving on, finding a new family and being happy.
Pete’s Dragon is a delightful classic for children of all ages, that will swoop their hearts away with the friendship that Pete and his dragon share. While it’s corny on occasions, it emphasises and sets itself as an adventure of a lifetime with heartwarming visuals that will get your entire family collectively pumped up this weekend.
