Pete's Dragon

Name: Pete's Dragon
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Released: August 12, 2016
Duration: 103 min
Rating: 71
Cast: Aaron Jackson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Karl Urban, Marcus Henderson

2016

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 42 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 179 Ratings

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6.7

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6.7	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 179 Ratings

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Pete's Dragon

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Movie Details & Credits

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures | Release Date: August 12, 2016 | PG

Starring: Aaron Jackson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Isiah Whitlock Jr, Karl Urban, Marcus Henderson, Oakes Fegley, Oona Laurence, Robert Redford, Wes Bentley

Summary: For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). PeteFor years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon.… Expand

Director: David Lowery

Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 103 min

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Critic Reviews

100

Drew McWeeny

Aug 16, 2016

Our best fables and fairy tales are the ones that speak truth, and this version of Pete’s Dragon easily takes its place on any short list of the great films for young audiences as a result. Read full review

Michael Phillips

Aug 10, 2016

[Lowery] has made a larger, very different movie without losing his instincts, his directorial stealth or his ability to finesse his actors' performances, in this case in the vicinity of an achingly expressive and unexpectedly furry dragon with a little bit of bulldog in him. Read full review

The Playlist Kevin Jagernauth

Jul 27, 2016

It’s a lovely film that resonates all the more so in a summer of louder, more cluttered movies, and knowing that Disney had the confidence to allow Lowery’s vision to flourish is the icing on the cake. Read full review

Lawrence Toppman

Aug 10, 2016

If the cast were less likeable, the predictability of the story might become wearisome. (Of course, it’s not likely to be predictable if you’re 9.) But all the actors, especially young Fegley and Laurence, engage us. Read full review

Joe Morgenstern

Aug 11, 2016

Mr. Lowery is very good with actors, and he lets much of his film unfold at a pace that may, in these frenzied times, seem rather leisurely. I thought the pace was fine, and admired him for giving his characters time to breathe. Elliott breathes fire, and the film around him breathes humanity. Read full review

Mike Scott

Aug 10, 2016

Where the original was a goofy, campy bit of stylized storytelling, Lowery's becomes a nicely realized, feel-good love song to fantasy and magic, buoyed by solid, updated visual effects, a strong cast (including two wonderful child actors) and a throwback sense of wide-eyed wonder. Read full review

Michael Rechtshaffen

Jul 27, 2016

Haphazard plotting and seriously undernourished character development aside, none of the emotional stakes have been planted deeply enough to elicit audience involvement in young Pete’s plight. Read full review

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User Reviews

Moviereviewer15

Aug 12, 2016

It's Disney's best remake alongside Jungle Book. Go see it. It's worth all your money to see the story of an orphan boy and his pet dragon best friend.

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

skeptic303

Oct 19, 2016

I am well aware that for many, Disney's best live-action remake was with The Jungle Book earlier this year. But I respectfully disagree, and my case in point is Pete's Dragon.
Pete's Dragon stands as proof that live-action remakes don't need to be dark, as it covers its themes effectively,I am well aware that for many, Disney's best live-action remake was with The Jungle Book earlier this year. But I respectfully disagree, and my case in point is Pete's Dragon.
Pete's Dragon stands as proof that live-action remakes don't need to be dark, as it covers its themes effectively, even with a light touch. Pete is a great character, adopted into a lifestyle he is no longer adapted to. What separates this film from other films Disney released is its unwillingness to be a stereotypical kids film. That is, it doesn't try being energetic or reach for laughs as many kids films do nowadays. In fact, it isn't meant to be very entertaining. Rather, it is a moving experience.
Despite how refreshing it is to watch something like this and how great it develops and focuses on its themes and characters, it does fall a bit short of cinematic greatness. I think it should have been even more emotional by letting its final scenes play out a little longer and its final scene in particular is a bit cheap. Otherwise, I found it highly watchable, touching, and great. It is truly my favorite Disney live-action remake or retelling, and I'll grant it an honorable seal of approval.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

AlexanderLuthor

Dec 20, 2016

I'm really glad I took my 4 year old son to see this film. It filled him with joy and wonder of the forest and a curiosity for dragons. What more could you ask for in a children's film?

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

darkbloodshed13

Mar 16, 2017

Pete's Dragon is a wonderful tale of a boy and his dragon. It's based off the Disney classic of the same name. Most will point out that the is far from the original, and they would be right. But is that really a bad thing. Don't get me wrong I love the original and I recommend that movie toPete's Dragon is a wonderful tale of a boy and his dragon. It's based off the Disney classic of the same name. Most will point out that the is far from the original, and they would be right. But is that really a bad thing. Don't get me wrong I love the original and I recommend that movie to any one. Yet I do have to admit that it can come across as corny for modern audiences. While the new one is perfect for the modern day movie buff. The characters are great and the story is amazing. Plus the visuals are brilliant. In conclusion if your looking for a movie that the entire family will enjoy than give this movie a watch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

EpicLadySponge

Aug 12, 2016

Like Disney's latest Jungle Book movie, Pete's Dragon does nothing to offer its original a big treat. However, I have not even noticed a single change which is good, but at the same time, this Pete's Dragon failed to surprise me like usual like what I did with Disney's attempt to reboot itsLike Disney's latest Jungle Book movie, Pete's Dragon does nothing to offer its original a big treat. However, I have not even noticed a single change which is good, but at the same time, this Pete's Dragon failed to surprise me like usual like what I did with Disney's attempt to reboot its Jungle Book movie. It's begging mysticism for those that wanted a great Pete's Dragon movie or just wanted to stay tune for Disney's next live-action reboots of certain movies.… Expand

2 of 7 users found this helpful25

ohnomrbill

Aug 18, 2016

i was expecting a better movie. this is probably a good movie if you have very young kids. there are elements that are good, like the boy is very cute and the dragon is cool but it ends up being a movie about the environment and not a good one at that. i was sorry i saw this and glad when iti was expecting a better movie. this is probably a good movie if you have very young kids. there are elements that are good, like the boy is very cute and the dragon is cool but it ends up being a movie about the environment and not a good one at that. i was sorry i saw this and glad when it was over. i think they ran out of ideas for the ending as well. this was nothing like nor as good as the jungle book!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Jcondic

Dec 4, 2016

Pete’s Dragon is sweet and from the heart. This is an adventure film for the whole family. Oakes Fegley controls the screen. Lowery shows his range as a director and it’s exciting to see.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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