When I was a kid, I was in love with the older version of “Pete’s Dragon” that starred a beloved animated Elliott, who captured everyone’s heart with his goofy little sounds and sweet face. I can remember riding my bike down to the theater on our military base to watch it for $1 with all my friends during summer break. Back then a giant animated dragon in the midst of real people was fabulous technology. But now…
Disney has amazed me once again with its ability to bring something to life that I never thought I would see. I went into this 2016 version of Pete’s Dragon knowing that I would see a dragon, but I never realized they would bring so many of the beloved qualities of the original Elliott to life! His eyes, his mannerisms, and even his goofy sounds. Every part of what makes this dragon special is still there, multiplied by about a thousand. And suddenly I was a kid again.
Today’s Pete’s Dragon has a new tale with new characters that are wonderfully played by incredible actors. Bryce Dallas Howard plays Grace, the loving mother figure that is much needed in sweet Pete’s life. Pete has been living in the woods for quite some time after a tragic loss that he wouldn’t have overcome without Elliott. Pete is played by Oakes Fegley, who captured the character of a lone child beautifully. Acting as Grace’s father, Meacham, is the one and only Robert Redford. He’s the only person in the small town that has seen the friendly giant Elliott, though nobody actually believes him.
Without giving anything away, I can say that there are many moments where you either laugh or cry or shake your fist at the screen in frustration. There are good guys, there are bad guys, and then there’s Elliott. He is gentle and fun and the perfect best friend. I wanted nothing more than to be a kid again — to climb on the back of this sweet soul and fly away into the clouds. Could anything be better?
Take the family and see this movie. You’ll feel light-hearted and happy by the end, and your children will be where you were about 30 years ago — in love with a dragon named Elliott.
Merrie is a writer for the Jen is on a Journey and you can also find her at her blog, Sleepless Mornings: Merrie is the mother of two beautiful children, newly married, a scrapbooker, a baker, and always fun to be around!
Movie passes were offered in exchange for honest review, all opinions my own.
