In the tradition of Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Brooksticks, this movie combines live action and animation, courtesy of the animated Pete's dragon friend called Elliott. Set in New England in the early 20th century, nine-year-old Pete escapes his abusive adoptive parents, the Gogans, with Elliott and journey to Passamaquoddy, Maine, where they indirectly cause of ruckus among the townspeople. Pete and Elliott are taken in by lighthouse keeper Nora (Helen Reddy) and her father, Lampie (Mickey Rooney), but Elliott is spotted by con artist Dr. Terminus (Jim Dale), who wants to use Elliott for fame.
The interaction between Pete and Elliott were quite touching and the special effects for animation and live action were neat. The location of the story - in the ocean/harbor sides of Maine - gives you a carefree and lazy-day feel, making you want to relax and contemplate things you've done in your life. The acting is a little off-the-wall, which coincided with a long, drawn-out and excitement-lacking plot that made this movie more on the boring side.
The song, "Candle on the Water," sung by Helen Reddy, is a breath of fresh air in the film - soothing and emotionally connecting that gives a strong message of treading on despite hard times.
Overall, this film is far too long for its lack of intrigue, and more on the whimsical side that is best left for the little kids to watch.
Grade C
The interaction between Pete and Elliott were quite touching and the special effects for animation and live action were neat. The location of the story - in the ocean/harbor sides of Maine - gives you a carefree and lazy-day feel, making you want to relax and contemplate things you've done in your life. The acting is a little off-the-wall, which coincided with a long, drawn-out and excitement-lacking plot that made this movie more on the boring side.
The song, "Candle on the Water," sung by Helen Reddy, is a breath of fresh air in the film - soothing and emotionally connecting that gives a strong message of treading on despite hard times.
Overall, this film is far too long for its lack of intrigue, and more on the whimsical side that is best left for the little kids to watch.
Grade C