Pete's Dragon (2016)

"Smart and simple aren’t qualities often seen in the same film, much less those aimed squarely at kids such as Pete’s Dragon. Director David Lowery’s Disney remake is a rare delight in how it respects the intelligence of its audience while still offering up lump-in-the-throat emotional beats in service of a welcomely straightforward story."

"One of the year's most delightful moviegoing surprises, a quality family film that rewards young people's imaginations and reminds us of a time when the term "Disney movie" meant something..."

"All the nostalgic Spielberg-y-ness of 'Stranger Things', minus the creepy kids with paranormal nosebleeds."

"It is slightly unfair to say that this reboot of "Pete's Dragon" is middling on a larger scale, but it's not entirely inaccurate either."

"This is a new classic. Like E.T., it'll be watched and loved for many years to come."

"Manages to be sentimental, genuine, and magical all at once."

"Delivers a very real emotional gut punch, no question Pete's Dragon is a double-hanky situation."

"A cinematic enchantment, a low-key 1970s-style kids' movie brimming with sincerity and heart. It's one of the best films of the year."

"Experiencing "Pete's Dragon" is like seeing something thought to be extinct, a creation every bit as magical and mythical as the flying, fire-breathing beast it's named after. That would be the straight ahead, unapologetic family film."

"...the notably darker interpretation turns out to be, like the CG creature itself, a moody, lumbering thing that seldom takes flight."

"A warm, wonderful, big-hearted delight."