The setting of the original Pete’s Dragon was sometime in the early 1900s. This new tale occurs in the late 70s early 80s. (All homes have corded telephones and not a cell phone in sight.) Little Pete (Oakes Fegley) is out on a drive with his parents when a car accident befalls the family. The little boy survives, but he finds himself all alone in the woods. That is, until he meets Elliot, a dragon.
Flash forward to six years later… Pete has been living in the forest all this time under the protection of Elliot. He is finally discovered by forest ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who takes him home with her fiancé Jack (Wes Bentley) and his young daughter, Natalie (Oona Laurence). Elliot is unaware of what has happened to Pete and ventures out of the forest to find him. The only person who ever spoke of seeing a dragon before is Grace’s father, Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford), but no one has ever believed his stories.
This movie – not for date night – is strictly a family affair. The original was a hand drawn cartoon character; this new one is CGI all the way. He looks more like a big green puppy dog with wings. Any child would love to play with him. The special effects team that created him did a flawless job. However, like most Disney movies, the 3D effects don’t add to the experience. Save your money and go for 2D.
2.5 Tiaras