See it at the Movies

PETE’S DRAGON 

By Don Fowler
Posted 8/18/16

* * * *

(Delightful Disney family film)

Disney’s delightful remake of the 1977 cartoon feature is done in live action this time around, and it is a family film not to be missed.

Oaks …

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See it at the Movies

PETE’S DRAGON 

Posted

* * * *

(Delightful Disney family film)

Disney’s delightful remake of the 1977 cartoon feature is done in live action this time around, and it is a family film not to be missed.

Oaks Fegley is a name you won’t easily forget. The charming young boy plays Pete, a car crash survivor who wanders into the forest, where he is befriended by a dragon.

The action shifts six years later, as we watch the 10-year-old romp through the woods with “Elliot” by his side.

Shift to the Pacific Northwest mill town, where Robert Redford is telling the local children about the legend of the Millhaven Dragon, which he claims to have seen as a boy. His daughter (Bryce Dallas Howard) is the local forest ranger, dedicated to saving the forest from being destroyed by greedy loggers. She and her daughter run into Pete and bring him back to their home, where he tells them about his dragon friend.

Conflict between the loggers and the forest ranger lead to the capture of the dragon and the ultimate battle to free him.

The story unfolds nicely, with good messages, a few scary moments, conflict and a wonderful final resolution that had two senior citizens sobbing behind us. It is a great tale of innocence, told with imagination and love. The performances are excellent, and the creative depiction of “Elliot” the dragon is among Disney’s best. Thank Disney Studios that good family movies are still being made.

Rated PG, with nothing to worry about.

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