Pete’s Dragon is one of those classic Disney films that holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s musical, heart-felt, loaded with old school animation. Most people my age remember seeing it in the theater and were happily entertained.

The new Pete’s Dragon doesn’t follow that blueprint. This is a reimagining. It deviates dramatically  but tells the story of Elliot and his fire-breathing friend in a new way with soul, conflict and some social commentary. It has a great story set in what I think is the 1980’s, making it vintage much in the way the original did when it took us back to the early 1900’s.

Casting can make and break a movie and this film has superb talent such as Bryce Dallas Howard, Wes Bentley, Karl Urban and the legendary Robert Redford. But the main focus is on newcomers Oakes Fegley who plays Pete and Oona Laurence who won a Tony Award for Matilda.

It is a movie I can recommend without reservation. Just a reminder this is not your dad’s “Pete’s Dragon” so go into it with an open mind, you will be rewarded for it.