The cheerfully whimsical and adventurous **Pete’s Dragon** receives a polished update for modern audiences who may have missed the original 1977 live-action animated musical, which left a lasting impression on younger viewers. Disney's familiar style is applied to director David Lowery’s reimagining of a boy and his dragon. The remake balances nostalgia with contemporary elements, creating an engaging family story filled with magic and warmth. Writers Toby Halbrooks and Malcolm Marmorstein, along with Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), infuse the children's tale with a sense of wonder. While the storytelling feels straightforward, following familiar patterns in kids’ entertainment, **Pete’s Dragon** remains consistently gentle and precise in its approach to lighthearted fun. Whether recalling the classic from four decades ago or appreciating Lowery’s current vision, viewers will recognize that the heart of this sweet and uplifting story centers on Pete, a runaway boy, and his loyal dragon companion, Elliot. The adult characters are also important, as their roles help explore themes relevant to both children and adults. Orphaned and living alone in the woods, 10-year-old Pete (Oakes Fegley) had become feral. His difficult situation improved when he befriended a giant, green dragon named Elliot. Primarily, Elliot served as Pete’s guardian, offering protection and friendship to the boy without parents. The two share a strong bond of affection. The woods became their cherished playground. Enter Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) and his daughter Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard). They have an unexplained connection to Pete and Elliot's existence. Meacham has been telling local children stories about a dragon living in the Pacific Northwest, while Grace works as a Park Ranger for the area he describes. She will soon meet Pete, who is eager to share his experiences of life with his large dragon friend, Elliot. This intrigues Grace because Pete’s description of Elliot resembles the fictional monster Meacham tells stories about. Regardless of Pete's situation, Grace feels compelled to investigate. Pete’s unusual circumstances also capture the attention of Grace’s fiancé Jack (Wes Bentley) and her 11-year-old daughter Natalie (Oona Laurence from “Southpaw”). Together, Grace and Natalie are determined to uncover the truth about the boy and his enormous dragon companion, which echoes Meacham's fanciful tales. **Pete’s Dragon** adheres to a well-established formula for children's stories, as seen in recent films. The story draws its emotional depth and warmth from a vulnerable child seeking belonging, especially when dealing with the absence of parents. Fortunately, **Pete’s Dragon** joins other animated favorites like _Finding Dory_, _The BFG_, _Stranger Things_ and even _Jungle Book_. A solid foundation of family support is essential during formative years. Ultimately, **Pete's Dragon** highlights growing pains, feelings of isolation, and quiet despair—an important message within a lighthearted fantasy. Young Fegley skillfully carries the heartfelt story on his shoulders as Pete. Laurence is equally effective as Natalie, whose bond with her imaginative friend Pete is heartwarming. Elliot, the dragon, is essentially an oversized, friendly creature who would be entertaining at a children’s birthday party. Redford and Howard also deliver important performances as the older characters who unravel the mysteries surrounding the boy and his enormous companion. There's no need to harshly criticize **Pete’s Dragon**, as its thrills and lessons about resilience should resonate with young viewers. **Pete’s Dragon** (2016) Walt Disney Pictures 1 hr. 30 mins. Starring: Oakes Fegley, Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oona Laurence, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban Directed by: David Lowery MPAA Rating: PG Genre: Children’s Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Action and Adventure Critic’s rating: *** stars (out of 4 stars) **(c) Frank Ochieng** (2016)

Source on TMDB