Pete’s Dragon

David Lowery's 'Pete's Dragon' tries to recapture childhood wonder but often stumbles through its own nostalgia. While it has its heart in the right place, some pacing issues make it feel a bit sluggish at times.

A Young Boy and His Dragon

'Pete's Dragon' centers on a young boy named Pete, played by Oakes Fegley, who claims to live in the woods with a giant green dragon named Elliott. His encounters with forest ranger Grace, portrayed by Bryce Dallas Howard, lead her to question her father's fanciful tales of a fierce dragon. As Pete's story unfolds, Grace, her friend Natalie, and her lumberjack boyfriend Jack must grapple with the reality of Pete’s past and the existence of Elliott. The film touches on themes of family and belonging, but its narrative could have benefitted from a more engaging conflict and clearer stakes.

Performances with Room to Grow

Oakes Fegley delivers a sincere performance as Pete, effectively capturing the innocence and wonder of his character. Bryce Dallas Howard brings warmth to the role of Grace, but her character ultimately feels underdeveloped, functioning more as a narrative device than a fully fleshed-out person. Wes Bentley as Jack and Karl Urban as the antagonist Gavin add some depth, but their roles often overlap and lack distinct arcs. The standout here is undoubtedly Robert Redford as Mr. Meacham, whose storytelling gives the film a nostalgic touch but leaves you wishing for more substance from the rest of the cast.

A Gentle Approach to Adventure

David Lowery's direction maintains a gentle, whimsical tone, but the film's pacing drags, especially in the first act. The visuals are pleasant enough, with lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest that evoke a sense of magic; however, the CGI for Elliott sometimes feels inconsistent, pulling you out of the moment rather than enhancing it. While the film captures the essence of childhood adventure, the overall visual impact doesn't quite match the charm of its premise, often feeling a bit too safe and familiar.

Heartfelt but Sometimes Slow

Watching 'Pete's Dragon' can feel like a nostalgic stroll through a childhood storybook, and it has its heartwarming moments. However, there are stretches where the pacing slows down significantly, leaving you waiting for something to happen. The emotional beats are there, but they often miss the mark—especially when the focus shifts too heavily towards exposition rather than letting the viewer absorb the magic of the dragon and Pete's bond. The film has its sweet spots, but it also has uneven moments that can lead to some frustrating lulls.