Pete's Dragon Review: A Heartfelt Tale, Missing Its Dragon's Fire

Introduction

The 2016 reimagining of Pete's Dragon arrived with a quiet hum of anticipation, promising a fresh take on a largely forgotten 1970s classic. Audiences were ready for a heartfelt adventure, a story of a feral boy, Pete, discovered after six years in the wilderness, and his extraordinary, unseen companion. The premise itself, a modern Tarzan tale with a mythical twist, set the stage for something potentially magical.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

At its core, Pete's Dragon is undeniably a heartfelt narrative about a boy finding his place and a new family. It aims for the emotional "feels," and by its conclusion, it largely succeeds in delivering them. However, the film struggles significantly with its titular character, Elliot the dragon. Despite the movie bearing his name, Elliot feels conspicuously absent, almost shoehorned into the narrative rather than being its driving force. Unlike films where an extraordinary presence, even with limited screen time, defines the story—think of the indelible impact of ET in "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial"—Elliot often fades into the background. There's a substantial gap in his screen presence, pushing him out of sight and, unfortunately, out of mind for much of the runtime. By the time he re-emerges in the final act, the emotional connection between Pete and his dragon, and by extension, the audience, feels underdeveloped. The film focuses heavily on Pete's integration with his new human family, leaving Elliot as a secondary, almost generic, plot device.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

Stripped down, the story of Pete's Dragon becomes a familiar "boy finds family" trope. While this theme can be powerful, here it feels somewhat generic, lacking the unique spark that the presence of a dragon should inherently provide. The narrative often slows to a crawl, making it difficult to remain invested in the unfolding events or many of the supporting characters. The pacing issues are compounded by a curious creative choice regarding the young co-star, Natalie (played by Oona Laurence). Her dialogue often sounds far too mature for a ten-year-old, dispensing "pearls of wisdom" that feel out of place and detract from the authenticity of the interactions. This decision forces an adult-like gravitas onto a child, when an actual adult character, perhaps played by Bryce Dallas Howard or Karl Urban, could have naturally filled that role.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

David Lowery's direction attempts to balance the fantastical with grounded emotion, but the execution often leaves the audience wanting more. The initial promise of an interesting take on the classic tale gives way to a more conventional, and at times, unengaging experience. While the film certainly has its moments of warmth and emotional resonance, particularly towards the end, the journey to get there is marred by a lack of consistent character engagement and a narrative that struggles to justify its own title. The creative freedom seems to have been applied unevenly, resulting in a film that feels both heartfelt and strangely hollow in its central premise.

The Final Verdict

Pete's Dragon ultimately lands as a "fine, safe time" for families, particularly if viewed with a relaxed critical eye. It delivers on its emotional beats of belonging and connection, but it's a journey that often meanders and struggles to maintain interest. The film's biggest misstep is sidelining its most unique element—the dragon—in favor of a more conventional human drama. While it might offer some magic by the end, many viewers might find themselves wishing for more of the titular magic throughout.