I have children who are besotted with dragons, so an opportunity to see Disney’s new film, Pete’s Dragon, before it is released was an absolute treat. Little did I realise just how amazing the experience would be.
The hour leading up to the screening, at Picturehouse Central on Shaftesbury Avenue, was full of ‘fun in the foyer’, with my son having the most amazing dragon face painting that included making his hair look like scales! They had their photo taken, with them superimposed into the movie poster – and it was printed while we waited. Balloon dragons completed their activities – though there were more things to do, but we just didn’t have enough time.
The film was absolutely amazing. As an adult it captivated me from a couple of minutes in … Can you remember when you first saw E.T. for the first time … knowing that E.T. was not real, yet shedding a tear when he fell ill? Well, Pete’s Dragon did the same to me. It’s a REAL film … not animated – real actors (which includes Robert Redford), and I’d love to think a real dragon too!
It’s important not to give the story away, as it’s a film that you simply HAVE to go and see. It’s an emotional rollercoaster … it starts on a very low ‘low’ and you do start to worry (briefly) that maybe it’s not suitable viewing for young children. But then Elliot (dragon) appears, time moves on a few years, and from that moment onwards you are immersed in the film. There are twists and turns all the way through – a predictable scene followed by an action totally unexpected. Let me be honest – three quarters of the way through, having been sipping water all the time, I needed to visit the bathroom … but I didn’t want to miss any of the movie! Eventually I had to make a run for it – and run I did – because I wanted to see what happens next. As I shuffled my way back to my seat I realised that every adult on our row had been crying – they were all wiping their eyes, hoping the dark would disguise them! Thank goodness though for a happy ending!
I’ve seen quite a few films this year – this one has been by far the best. I want to see it again. I want my friends to see it. I want Elliot to come and live in the tree in my garden!
I’ve been told that Pete’s Dragon is a re-make of an existing film. I have to confess I’ve not heard or seen the original. I may well look out for it now, just to see if it’s similar.
You know the bits you read on movie posters – review quotes from newspapers, critics etc? Well, here’s mine:
“Totally Awesome Film. Didn’t want it to end. Love it. Love Elliot” KidzCruises
