{"id":7089,"date":"2016-08-04T08:00:57","date_gmt":"2016-08-04T08:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.cvm.org.uk\/blog\/?p=7089"},"modified":"2016-08-03T19:43:47","modified_gmt":"2016-08-03T19:43:47","slug":"petes-dragon-pg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cvm.org.uk\/blog\/reviews\/petes-dragon-pg\/","title":{"rendered":"Pete’s Dragon (PG)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pete\u2019s Dragon 2016 (PG) – in UK cinemas from 12 August 2016<\/h1>\n

\"pd_ethos_800x350\"<\/a><\/p>\n

I\u2019m old enough to remember the original \u2018Pete\u2019s Dragon\u2019 film, and it also happens to be one of my wife\u2019s favourite films too, so I was really intrigued to watch this new version and see what Disney had done with it.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m quite used to watching films that are suitable for a family audience as I have three children under 10 and we really enjoy cuddling up on the sofa to watch our favourite family movies – this one would certainly feature on that list now!<\/p>\n

The animation has been dramatically improved since 1977 and really helps to re-tell this powerful story following Pete and his friendly dragon, Elliott. The setting is slightly different – moving from a coastal town, to one set in the heart of a large forest in America\u2019s Pacific Northwest, but otherwise the storyline is very similar.<\/p>\n

\u2018If you go through life only seeing what\u2019s right in front of you, you\u2019re going to miss out on a whole lot.\u2019<\/strong>
\nMr. Meacham (Robert Redford)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

It starts with a very young Pete being orphaned and meeting Elliott who takes care of him. Then, years later, he is taken in by a new family and things don\u2019t go very smoothly \u2026 this gives great insight into the meaning of \u2018family’ in it\u2019s widest sense, and the struggles faced by modern-day families. This and other issues are discussed in the excellent \u2018Family Activity Book\u2019 produced by Ethos Media<\/a>\u00a0that will help families, friends and neighbours to explore themes of faith and family that are evident in \u2018Pete\u2019s Dragon\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"pd-fab-cover-3\"<\/a>Produced in collaboration\u00a0with Home for Good<\/a>\u00a0as well as HOPE<\/a>, CPO<\/a> and Urban Saints<\/a>, this community resource encourages you to not only watch Pete\u2019s Dragon in the cinema (from 12 August 2016)<\/em> but then to come back to your house to share together in fun, food and reflection. This booklet can be downloaded here<\/strong><\/a>, or order free printed copies from CPO here<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Robert Redford plays Mr Meacham, an old wood carver, who has spent years telling local children stories about a dragon that lives deep in the woods – but it is not until his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, meets Pete that she realises these stories are not just tall tales.<\/p>\n

It is quite easy to see parallels between believing in the existence of a big furry dragon, who is sometimes invisible, and belief in God who is often not seen either. The children catch on much quicker than the adults. Also, Elliott is not a typical dragon as he protects and cares for the ones he loves, and uses his considerable power to combat evil forces. There are some really great Biblical truths coming through in this film that could lead to some very interesting discussions afterwards.<\/p>\n

\"cpo-pd-fab-order2\"<\/a>Whether you remember the 70s original or not, you are sure to enjoy this re-imagining of a classic tale! Take the kids – either yours or someone else\u2019s, and prepare to be moved, challenged and entertained by this summer\u2019s Disney film.<\/p>\n

See what others thought of it here in this short video featuring clips from the film:<\/p>\n