Pete's Dragon--Remake Done Right

I did not think the trailer looked interesting for this Disney remake of the less popular red-headed step-child of Mary Poppins--Pete's Dragon. George, I mean, Tarzan, I mean, Pete, lives in the wild, bumps into civilization, industrial people are evil, hippies are good, leave the evil hunters behind after they try and kill his animal friend, basically, Rescuers Down Under with live action. That is what I got from the trailer. And it is that familiar story of boy left bereft in the wild and befriending a strong animal and runs into civilization and his animal friend being captured and rescued. 

Considering all of that, however, it left me quite impressed. The elements are not by any means original, but the way they incorporate those elements far surpassed any expectations I had. The villainous hunter has a genuine life-threatening encounter with the giant angry beast, and justifiably wants to take it down for safety and his own personal glory. They don't sugarcoat him, but they don't make him evil just to be evil. The titular character, Pete, leaves his family and gets lost in the wild after he starts reading and before he knows anyone other than his parents, so his English and social knowledge remains limited throughout, but he knew enough already that he can communicate somewhat. 

Although plot can take obvious steps, the acting, solid CG dragon effects, intimate music, and tight-knit editing and writing keep the story cohesive, enjoyable, and heart-felt. The central concepts such as the wild child, camouflage dragon, and difficult social adjustment- remain the same, but everything else that comes from this movie works beautifully together. I give this movie 4.5 stars out of 5. The attention to detail, realistic writing, and vibrant emotion makes you forget the stereotypical nature of the base story and fall in love with a boy and his dragon. I highly recommend this for the whole family. This new Pete's Dragon leaves the shadow of Mary Poppins, and I hope the new Jungle Book doesn't prevent this one from receiving its own unique, praise-worthy pedestal.

Clyde Northrup

(Pragmus Omega)

Co-Founder and Chief Editor