Review of Pete's Dragon (2016) by Ki-Seon P — 30 Aug 2016

Dragons. Why do they mystify me so much? As Kermit the Frog once sang, What's so amazing about them that keeps me 'dragon-gazing' (okay, paraphrased, I know)? Well, I guess I've always been fascinated with their mystery, their intrigue, and the many ways they've been used in animated cartoons, video games, and so much more.

But in terms of movies, dragons apparently do nothing but make me cry. But in the end, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Probably the first dragon movie I ever saw was the original Pete's Dragon, originally released in 1977 but I watched on the Disney Channel growing up. I thought it was wild, it was interesting, and it was cool how the animated Elliott was a figment of Pete's imagination so the town couldn't see him, but was still lovable in his own regard. It was a decent movie, but I was more impressed with the dragon than anything else.

But THIS movie - the Disney remake - is actually far better and superior to the original, and I don't say that about remakes very often, if at all.

From the very start, you realize that there's not going to be a Quossomoddy here. Oh no. You're quickly introduced to Pete and how he ended up in the woods, and how he found his big green friend. But then you're introduced to all the other elements that make this movie astounding. You're introduced to the family, Jack, Natalie & Grace, who stumbles upon Pete and try hard to introduce him to human living while learning more about his 'friend'. But you're also introduced to the 'villain' in Gavin and his fellow mill workers who will stop at nothing to take Elliott down once they discover him themselves. The intense dynamic between the two sides leads to powerful moments, developing relationships, emotional reunions (hence the moment at the end where I cried), and so much more. There's not a moment in this movie I was bored. Ever. The movie may start off slow, but trust me, it's worth the wait when things get really good.

Disney, you crushed this. Many may remember your original version of this movie, but I only remembered the dragon. With this, not only will I remember Elliott, but I will remember so much more because you packed more into it that will leave moviegoers fixed to the screen and their hearts racing the whole time. If you don't feel like soaring into the screen and flying with Elliott yourself by the end of this film, something is WRONG WITH YOU!

Disney, you magnificent bastards! Dragons, you magnificent creatures! It all adds up to, in my opinion, one of the best family films of 2016!!!