Dragon delivers emotion, intelligence

through its thematic sensibilities and somewhere-inthe-mid-80s setting, Pete’s Dragon generally avoids unearned sentimentality and onthe-nose culturally specific touchstones (yes, in this regard it’s no Stranger Things).

Instead, this is a gentle tale that brings generations together for an adventure – and, yes, a Flicks.co.nz Steve Newall,

Elliot the dragon is charmingly brought to life through playful clumsiness, tangible presence and wonderfullyanimated non-verbal communication.