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Pete's Dragon (2016 remake/re-imagining); could it not suck?
Topic Started: Jun 19 2016, 12:46 AM (159 Views)
Night Fury
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I don't know why I'm anticipating this so much. The original was cute and charming, but it's one of Disney's lesser-known IP's and I don't think many people (including myself) were clamouring for a remake. On the other hand, Disney seems intent on remaking their entire catalogue, so I guess it's fair game.

I guess I just need something to fill the void between HTTYD 2 and 3 (I'm sad to say that Race to the Edge isn't cutting it). Based on the trailer, this doesn't look too bad. The relationship between Pete and Elliott (the dragon) has the potential to be very sweet.

Posted Image

Thankfully, this is more of a re-imagining than a direct remake (which would likely be a disaster). The director decided to make Elliott a furry dragon in this version, which I think was a good decision. There haven't been a lot of furry dragons in movies, but who doesn't love Falcor from The Neverending Story? The director also sounds pretty passionate about the project, which gives me hope.

http://ca.ign.com/articles/2016/06/14/why-petes-dragons-director-doesnt-want-you-to-consider-it-a-straight-remake

Some people will complain about Elliott being CGI, but this is 2016 and there's no way they're going to mix traditional animation with live action. It worked in the original -- mainly out of necessity -- but looks very dated by today's standards.

Although I have a soft spot for the original, it's actually fairly mediocre and was widely panned by the critics of the day. However, while some "bad" films are simply bad, Pete's Dragon was one of those films that had an intangible quality that transcended its badness... call it charm, heart, or whatever. Fans of cult films will know exactly what I mean. Hopefully they will manage to capture that feeling in the new one, whether or not the film is Oscar material.

Okay, I am a little concerned about what the ending will be like. The original's ending seems to have been inspired by the lyrics of the song Puff the Magic Dragon, but that was back in 1977 before a gazillion other kids' films had similar endings. There's also the looming question of HTTYD 3's ending, which may end up being a little too close for comfort. With any luck, the director will go for something a bit less predictable.

Anyway, check out the trailer and post your thoughts. Disney's been on a roll lately, so this might actually be good. :)

Trailer: https://youtu.be/fPOamb6d_20

*Edited and added trailer.
Edited by Night Fury, Jun 24 2016, 06:15 PM.
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Night Fury
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Okay, I might be the only person over the age of 10 who is the least bit excited about this film, but the more I read about it the more I like it.

It's definitely more of children's film than HTTYD, but strangely that makes me look forward to it more. Here's an interview where the director talks about his approach to the film:

http://spinoff.comicbookresources.com/2016/06/19/david-lowery-and-bryce-dallas-howard-shed-light-on-petes-dragon/

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Night Fury
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I'm surprised there's so little buzz. I've gone from thinking "this might not suck" to "this could be amazing".

New TV spot: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-kEv4MU17Q

I'm impressed by how well-constructed this is. I can only assume that the lack of interest is because the story appears to be predictable on the surface. Granted, I'm mainly paying attention to the "feel" or the subtext, and not so much what's explicitly shown. Trailers never give away the complete story, but you can pick up clues from the juxtaposition of scenes/music/dialogue. The music is also beautiful -- that's Oakes Fegley (Pete) singing at the beginning.
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Night Fury
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I've got tickets to an advance screening on Wednesday at 7 pm! :D

I can't wait! This is easily my most anticipated movie since HTTYD2, but I have a feeling I might like this one even more. I'm obsessed.

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Tasermon's Partner


Let us know how it goes! :)
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Night Fury
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I really enjoyed it. It's a very sweet, sincere movie that is extremely emotional at several points, beginning from the opening scene. Elliot is a wonderfully realized character and his bond with Pete is touching.

This is definitely not a movie for the cynical. The main target audience here is the under 12 crowd, even more-so than HTTYD. That's not to say adults can't enjoy it, but you need to open yourself to the idea of viewing the world through a child's eyes. But even if you can't, it's hard not to love Elliot.

The movie has a slow pace and a very old-fashioned feel, similar to classic children's films like The Black Stallion. There aren't many action scenes, or a lot of dialogue. I could see some teens and 20-somethings getting bored with it. I think it will appeal more to adults in their 30's and 40's -- those who grew up in the 1970's and 80's. A lot of those people also have young children now, so it's a perfect match for them.

The cinematography is beautiful, with lots of pretty shots of the forest and sky. The soundtrack is also very good - it has a very folksy feel. I never thought I'd hear such music in a modern Disney film, but you can thank indie director David Lowery for that. For that matter, this is basically a David Lowery film that also happens to be Disney film, which explains why it's so different from most contemporary children's films.

Don't expect any references to the original Pete's Dragon - there are none, zip, nada. A few of the themes are similar, but the story is completely different.

It's not a perfect movie. I thought they could have raised the stakes a little and gave the ending a better pay-off. I also wanted more of Elliot and Pete cuddling, but I don't think I could ever get too much of that. :)
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Tasermon's Partner


Does he have the ability to disappear like in the original? And do they breach the topic of whether there are other dragons, or is he just presumed to be the only one?
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Night Fury
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Tasermon's Partner
Aug 12 2016, 11:43 AM
Does he have the ability to disappear like in the original? And do they breach the topic of whether there are other dragons, or is he just presumed to be the only one?
Yes and yes, they do.
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