Do you still believe in magic?  Pete’s Dragon is one of those films that will make you believe again and will even have you glancing at the sky (just in case a dragon soars overhead).

We attended the Pete’s Dragon Premiere as guests of Disney.

Growing up, we had five Disney films on VHS that my sister and I watched on repeat. My absolute favorite? Pete’s Dragon.  When I heard that Disney was re-making the movie……I have to admit I was apprehensive.  Re-makes? I’ve rarely seen one that did justice to the original.

I’m happy to report, that Disney and director David Lowery broke the mold with the 2016 version of Pete’s Dragon.  This beautiful film pays homage to a classic while taking it’s audience on a new journey and even reminding us that there is magic in the world when we chose to look beyond the expected.

Pete’s Dragon begins with a traditional Disney story conflict, the loss of a parent.  In fact, when I attended the Pete’s Dragon Press Junket director David Lowery joked that it was necessary….it is a Disney film, after all.  Within moments, the audience is drawn into the story of Pete who is left in the forest to fend for himself.  As a parent, this classic beginning prompted many emotions from sadness to fear to hope.  No one wants to imagine any child (especially their own) suffering or feeling alone.  

Pete’s Dragon addresses the dynamics of family, both biological and otherwise.  The relationships between Pete and his dragon, Pete and the family he discovers, and the relationships between Meacham (Robert Redford) and his daughter (Bryce Dallas Howard) will have us all reflecting upon the significance of family in our own lives.  I found myself remembering the support and guidance of my own parents, and hoping that I would be able to provide that same loving family environment for my own daughter.

My recommendation:

This is a must see.  Pete’s Dragon will remind adult audiences of the Disney movies we all grew up with, while allowing a whole new generation of children to fall in love with a Disney adventure story.  The focus on family dynamics will tug at the heartstrings of parents everywhere, and feel relatable to children.  Lydia LOVED the film (she’s 2 1/2), and was not scared by the action scenes.  I do suggest that parents screen the film first to decide if their own child would be comfortable with the dramatic undertones.

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PETE’S DRAGON flies into theatres everywhere on August 12th!

The Premiere: 

If you follow along with me on social media, then you got a bit of a spoiler……I had the honor of attending the (green carpet) premiere of Pete’s Dragon in Hollywood earlier this week.  From the pre-party where we got to breathe real dragon’s breath (courtesy of liquid nitrogen rice crispy treats) to the applause from the audience at the end of the film…..it was a dream come true.  I loved seeing the actors dressed in their finest, and was amazed by every detail…..Disney sure knows how to throw a party!

/ dress courtesy of rent the runway / hair and makeup courtesy of beglammed /