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Pete's Dragon

19 August 2016English1h 42m
AdventureFamilyFantasy
out of 10
Mixedlukewarm or divided
Monk Score · 7 scored reviews · 1 not rated

A warm, visually charming dragon tale that plays it too safe with its own story.

Verdict tier Mixed, lukewarm or divided, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.

  • Praised: heartwarming visuals and restrained storytelling
  • Criticised: underutilized narrative potential

Audience

User score 7.0 out of 10 from 1 rating, not enough ratings for a verdict yet

Not streaming in India

Top cast

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Critic consensus

What 8 critics are saying

Critical reception for Pete's Dragon is broadly positive, with most reviewers finding it a warm and visually appealing family film. Critics most commonly praised the magical CGI, the film's restrained emotional storytelling, and its old-fashioned charm. The primary criticism, raised by a minority, is that the film underutilizes its more ambitious narrative possibilities, such as the impact of a captured dragon on a town, and that it ultimately delivers less than it promises.

How the 7 scores spread

1 not-rated review isn't plotted

Positive / mixed / negative reviews

Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10

AI-generated summary of 8 critic reviews · may contain errors

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From the papers

Critic reviews (8)

Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated

  1. Top critic

    IBNLive

    Film review ·

    Alternately funny, sad, and exciting, Pete's Dragon leaves you feeling all warm and fuzzy in the end. Those of you that don't have a pet will more than likely be pleading with your parents to let you get one.

  2. Top critic

    Rediff

    Film review ·

    This is a giant-sized film which turns out to be a mercifully modest affair, and one must take advantage of cinema that surprises with pleasantry. This is what Lowery's film does, promising a star and delivering but a gleam. The back of that blond head doesn't even belong to Robert Redford.

  3. Top critic

    Indian Express

    Film review ·

    With this film, there was a chance to tell the story of a town that changes when it manages to capture a dragon, but the film doesn't have its heart set on it.

  5. DNA India

    Film review ·

    It's a family film for children of all ages. And despite its flaws, makes for repeat viewings.

  6. Mid-Day

    Film review ·

    With its old school story-telling charm, uncluttered plotting, magical CGI and restrained performances, this film comes as fantastically alive as is possible for a fantasy to get.

  7. CatchNews

    Film review ·

    It's about kindness, bravery and family values - subjects most recent movies have missed. Overall, if you're among those who still allows their imagination to wander, it's a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.

  8. BookMyShow

    Film review ·

    Pete's Dragon is not so much about the performances as it is about the visual treat and the heart-warming story. There are parallels you might want to draw with The Jungle Book or even E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial but that will not take away any the fun the movie promises. Absolutely, go and enjoy the film. It will make you wish you had an Elliott all for yourself.

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Cast

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