Pete's Dragon

Movie review by Sarah Wenk, Common Sense Media
Pete's Dragon Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 7+

Offbeat live-action/animation mix with lots of drinking.

G 1977 128 minutes
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Parents say

age 6+

Based on 8 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Pete's Dragon combines animation with live action for what is generally a family friendly film. There are some problematic elements, especially with regards to alcohol. Extravagant drinking imagery pervades, especially with Mickey Rooney's grandfatherly character. Other characters are repeatedly shown drinking or talking about drinking. Even Elliott the dragon himself imbibes of a flask. There are some fight scenes, though they are made up more of comical roughhousing than anything scary or violent. However, there are a few songs in which the villains joke about either cutting up Elliott for medicinal ingredients or abusing/killing young Pete, and there is a scene of a teacher hitting a student. Many of the adults, including Pete's abusive adoptive family are portrayed as buffoons, but overall, there are a number of positive takeaways from the story.

Community Reviews

mmoravan
mmoravan Adult
November 12, 2021
age 7+

Didn't Age Well

I remember loving this film as a kid, but re-watching it as an adult I was shocked by some of the content. Other reviews have mentioned the prevalence of drinking, and I agree. Another element we ended up needing to discuss as a family was violence against women -- in an early pub scene rowdy drinkers man-handle the sole woman in the bar (picking her up by the waist while she struggles, blocking her from reaching her father, and passing her around). It's nothing noteworthy from that time -- the film was originally rated G -- but that's the point. It contributes to normalizing intoxication as an excuse to touch a person without her consent. That is NOT a take-away on appropriate behavior that I want kids to learn. I would still show them the film -- I think it's useful for kids to be exposed to other cultural norms -- I just wish I had been prepared in advance to discuss this issue with them.

This title has:

Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
1 person found this helpful.
Renee W.
Renee W. Adult
October 30, 2021
age 6+

Aged terribly

Wow, I remembered this as a fun dragon movie. Viewing it years later as a parent…woof. Child abuse, child traffickers, kidnapping. LOTS of drinking, but this didn’t bother me as much as the other stuff..but it is definitely excessive. Lots of cringe moments. I don’t think we will watch this again.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

This Disney musical about a boy and his dragon centers on Pete, an orphan who has been sold to an abusive backwoods family. Pete is befriended by Elliott, a rotund, friendly, and often mischievous dragon. Together they run away to a small Maine town, where they meet Lampey the lighthouse keeper (Mickey Rooney) and his daughter Nora (Helen Reddy). Of course the bad backwoods family comes looking for Pete, and there is another complex subplot involving a quack doctor (Jim Dale) and his often-drunk sidekick (Red Buttons) who have their own plans for Elliott. There is a disastrous first day of school for Pete (in which his hands are hit with a stick by his teacher), many mishaps involving the mayor, and some wet cement that gets mucked up over and over again.

Is It Any Good?

The interaction of people and animation in PETE'S DRAGON is surprisingly good, but the movie itself falls rather flat. The biggest problem is the songs, which are utterly forgettable, which is not a great feature for a musical.

The story is a good one and there's a certain sweetness to the proceedings, but also a combination of predictability and noisy chaos that will make this better viewing for kids than for their parents. The message, about finding love and security in a crazy world, is a good one, and children will find this an entertaining and enjoyable viewing experience.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what they'd do with a dragon of their own. Would you want people to know about it or keep a secret? Does keeping Elliott a secret help or hurt Pete?

  • Does Pete's situation with the Gogons give an accurate portrayal of adoption? How does Pete create his own family?

  • Why does Dr. Terminus want Elliott? What are some real examples of endangered or extinct animals that are hunted for their medical (or perceived medical) advantages?

Movie Details

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