When Disney announced they were doing a remake of Pete’s Dragon I was pretty excited. This is a movie from my childhood and I couldn’t wait to share it with my daughter. While the movie is amazing there are a few parts I feel parents should be made aware of.
The first 5 minutes of the film can be intense for our young audience. You are transported to the 70s, Pete and his parents are on a road trip. It’s a bright sunny day, they are traveling down a road through a heavily wooded area, Pete and his mother are reading a book. It’s a touching moment as mom helps Pete learn to read. All of a sudden a deer runs in the middle of the road! Dad tries to avoid the deer, over corrects and a horrible car accident occurs. Scene fades out.
Next, we see Pete packing his favorite things into his backpack. He’s crying. His parents are not outside the car with him. Next thing you know, Pete is running through the woods being chased by a pack of wolves! Just when you think poor Pete is a goner, a big green dragon appears! The dragon saves Pete from the wolves and they become the best of friends.
Wow! Intense! Peyton was glued to the edge of her seat watching the movie. I did not remember this part from when I was little. Disney did a wonderful job drawing you in and making you feel like you were right there with Pete. As a mom, I wanted to rush in there and beat the wolves off. But you can’t. All you can do is sit back and watch as poor, little Pete is being surrounded by snarling wolves.
The movie fast forwards 6 years to when Pete is grown up. He’s playing in the woods with Elliot and still reading his book from when he was 5. Elliot and Pete are the best of friends! While they were out, in the woods, playing, they come across some men. The men are clearing the land. Elliot knows to stay away and fades into the background. But Pete is curious. He wants to know more! Then he’s spotted.
I’m not going to ruin the rest of the movie. But I can tell you this is a tear jerker. Disney is known for their engaging and emotional movies. Pete’s Dragon is just that. Emotional. There were moments I was happy and moments I was crying. Peyton was even crying!
The other two moments that I think may be hard for young viewers is towards the end. There is a fight scene where people ( I won’t tell you who) are trying to capture Elliot. It was hard for Peyton to sit by and watch that. Then a scene where Elliot starts to fight back. Both scenes are intense. If you have a sensitive child they may be too much.
Even though we both cried throughout the movie we both loved Pete’s Dragon. The actors made you feel like it was the 70s and we were living in a logging town watching this all transpire.
If you are looking for a movie the whole family can watch Pete’s Dragon is a good choice. There are emotional highs and emotional lows. But your whole family will be drawn in and experience what Pete and Elliot felt. Those are the best types of movies.
Pete’s Dragon is showing in theaters nationwide. Check your local theater for times.
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