Review of Pete's Dragon (2016) by Davecritques — 16 Aug 2016

Live action adaptations have to balance between the adult (reality) and children (fantasy) and on both points this movie only partially succeeds. The children around me grew rambunctious unless Pete was around and there was action.

As an adult, I wished for more character and plot development rather than schematics of a Saturday morning cartoon. ("Zootopia" being one of the best exceptions.) Much more could have been mined from the conflict of loggers and conservationists (especially in light of Canada's recent compromise among government, loggers and conservationists), which would have given some dynamic and conflict to husband (logger) and wife (conservationist), both of whom came off more as devices than humans.

Just look at Spielberg's "ET" or J.J. Abrams "Super 8" for a better balances. Needed a better script and tighter direction.