Pete’s Dragon
Director: David Lowery
Stars: Bryce Dallas Howard, Robert Redford, Oakes Fegley
Duration: 103 mins
Class: U
KRS Releasing Ltd

Pete’s Dragon is the most recent entry in Disney’s recent undertaking of remaking some of its animated classics in live action. Yet this latest venture from the studio is not a mere cynical attempt to milk more money out of its beloved films of yore. The sympathetic look at the wicked witch from Sleeping Beauty in Maleficent (2014); the feminist slant of Cinderella (2015); and the recent glorious take on The Jungle Book have given the films a modern and at times complex take on the tales in question, sending old fans on a satisfying trip down memory lane. They also draw in new audiences and, with anticipation at fever pitch for the release of the forthcoming Beauty and the Beast, the studio is once again on a roll.

Given the revisionist take on the afore-mentioned films, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Pete’s Dragon, a remake of the studio’s 1977 film of the same name, is told in a good, old-fashioned way, reminiscent of much of Disney’s output of the period – titles like Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Escape to Witch Mountain sprang easily to mind as I watched this.

The film itself is set in an undetermined period (could be any time from the 1970s until now – with nary a smartphone to be seen or used) accentuates its old-school feel.

That is not meant in any way to be a criticism – on the contrary, it is refreshing nowadays for a film to so unabashedly wear its heart on its sleeve and to proudly boast its credentials as solid, clean, family entertainment.

That a giant, green, winged, furry creature has so much personality is a visual treat

The script by David Lowery (who also directs) and Toby Halbrooks is fairly straightforward.

If memory serves, the plot differs from the original film. Here, young Pete (played first as a four-year-old by Levi Alexander, then for the rest of the film by Oakes Fegley) walks away unscathed from a horrific car crash and wanders into a looming dark forest. Threatened by a pack of hungry wolves, he is saved and befriended by a large, green, furry dragon whom he names Elliot.

Boy and beast live contentedly together in the forest, undisturbed by anyone for six years, until their idyll is shattered by workers from the local lumber mill. When Pete is discovered by kindly forest ranger Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard) who naturally wants to find out more about him, Elliot’s existence is threatened.

As a storyline, it is hardly original, with shades of The Jungle Book (boy grows up in forest), ET and the recent BFG (child befriends strange creature) and more. The whole is remarkably straightforward and predictable – what with its typical American small town setting, cute kids, wholesome adults, a bad guy in the guise of trigger-happy lumberjack Gavin (Karl Urban), and the hallmark Disney message of the importance of family, friendship and loyalty.

Yet, it is so charmingly and old-fashionably told, with heartfelt and committed performances from all involved, that it is hard not to get truly engaged by the script. The latter eschews both overblown action sequences on the one hand and maudlin sentimentality on the other to tell its story.

The cast is uniformly great, and young Fegley is a standout as the long-haired wild child of the title, with Howard a hugely sympathetic Grace. Wes Bentley is her reserved fiancé, while Karl Urban resists the temptation to make Gavin a sneering villain. Robert Redford adds some warmth and gravitas as Grace’s dad Mr Meacham.

Pete’s Dragon does not boast the CG grandeur that made The Jungle Book such an exhilarating experience to behold. Yet, the efforts that went into creating Elliot are to be commended. That a giant, green, winged, furry creature has so much personality is a visual treat – he looks like a gargantuan puppy and his big yellow-green eyes speak volumes; as do his nurturing gestures. I was particularly moved when he carefully wrapped his massive wings around Pete. as they prepare to sleep. This is just a small example of the exceptionally plausible bond between child and dragon depicted by the story.

Meanwhile, all impressions of him being a harmless and cuddly creature are momentarily dispelled when he gets really and fierily angry. The film offers more magic when he majestically takes flight and soars skywards, a creature of grace and delight emerging from the lush green and grassy landscape that provides him and Pete with their home.