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Review: 'Pete's' reboot is a treat for youngsters

Brian Truitt

In an era when most everything gets rebooted regularly, it’s almost shocking that there hasn’t been a Pete’s Dragon reimagining before now, since the 1977 original is a happy-go-lucky yet dated and trippily goofy musical.

Elliot and Pete (Oakes Fegley) in 'Pete's Dragon.'

Even though it sets aside the show tunes, Disney isn't ruining any childhoods with its fresh new boy-meets-dragon team-up (*** out of four; rated PG; in theaters nationwide Friday). Co-writer/director David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) embraces a throwback nature by setting the simple and sweet tale in the '70s-era Pacific Northwest but utilizes the most modern technology in crafting his gigantic, whimsical green star.


'Pete's Dragon' introduces a furry, ungainly new star


Bryce Dallas Howard and Robert Redford star in 'Pete's Dragon.'

Cinematographer Bojan Bazelli beautifully captures Elliot's lush wilderness home, and the CGI title beast is a fuzzy wonder with a winning and expressive face that's worth the admission price. Elliot is unlike most every other movie dragon in that moviegoers will just want to pet him the whole time. They'll also question if he’ll ever be able to fly right since he has to parkour off tree branches to help him take wing — a charming character quirk that gives Elliot some extra humanity.


Stars make 'Pete's Dragon' premiere a family affair

Like its predecessor, Pete’s Dragon skews heavily kid-friendly, though there are some moments where Gavin and his buddies are hunting Elliot with tranquilizer guns that could bother youngsters instantly invested with a really cute dragon. (With the exception of Redford, the movie's men don't come off very empathetic or friendly.) Yet Lowery knows his audience — even in a harrowing accident sequence, he turns the camera away and implies carnage rather than showing it.
