Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Review - Now in Theaters!

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Rated PG-13)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an all-new adventure returning us to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.

Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) stars in the central role of wizarding world magizoologist Newt Scamander, under the direction of David Yates, who helmed the last four Harry Potter blockbusters.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them also stars Katherine Waterston (Steve Jobs, Inherent Vice) as Tina; Tony Award winner Dan Fogler (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Jacob; Alison Sudol (Dig, Transparent) as Tina’s sister, Queenie; Ezra Miller (Trainwreck) as Credence; two-time Oscar nominee Samantha Morton (In America, Sweet and Lowdown) as Mary Lou; Oscar winner Jon Voight (Coming Home, TV’s Ray Donovan) as Henry Shaw, Sr.; Ron Perlman (the Hellboyfilms) as Gnarlack; Carmen Ejogo (Selma) as Seraphina; Jenn Murray (Brooklyn) as Chastity; young newcomer Faith Wood-Blagrove as Modesty; and Colin Farrell (True Detective) as Percival Graves.

Hawaii Dad Blog Review:
I saw the first Harry Potter movie when it came out 15 years ago, so when my son and I went to see Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the prequel to the Harry Potter series, I did so with a near-blank slate. I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to follow along and would miss all the references to the hugely successful franchise.

The movie takes place in 1926 New York. An Englishman, Newt Scamander, arrives on a ship carrying a bottomless suitcase full of rare, magical creatures. He brings them into the states although such beasts have been outlawed by MACUSA, the American magicians organization. Newt wishes to release a giant phoenix-like creature into the wilds of Arizona to prove that these fantastic beasts are not the danger that they are thought to be. This is not a good time for his mission because MACUSA is trying to lie low amidst growing anti-magic sentiments from No-Maj Americans. Leading the fear-mongering against wizards is Mary Lou Barebone, who preaches with her adopted children around town. Her creepy "son," Credence, meets secretly with the powerful Percival Graves who seems to be playing for both teams.

Newt Scamander is followed around by Tina Goldstein, who has been recently demoted by MACUSA, but feels that Newt may be her ticket back into their good graces. Newt runs into Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj who inadvertently releases the fantastic beasts from the suitcase. Together, the three try to capture the creatures before they get into too much mischief.

MACUSA has bigger worries than Newt's escaped beasts. There is an evil force wreaking havoc around town. Does this have anything to do with Gellert Grindelwald, the dark wizard whose name is dropped throughout the movie, but is only briefly seen? Or is someone else not who he appears to be?

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was an entertaining movie even for a Harry Potter newbie. It was a visually fun movie to watch and the story was definitely setting itself up for the sequels to follow). My son enjoyed the humor throughout the film, and said his favorite part was when the portly Jacob struggles to fit into Newt’s suitcase. I do wish that he and I had seen the original eight films because I think we would’ve appreciated this movie even more. That being said, Fantastic Beasts was able to stand on its own and promises to be the start of something magical.

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Doctor Strange Review - Now in Theaters!

Doctor Strange Synopsis:
Marvel Studios presents “Doctor Strange,” the story of Doctor Stephen Strange, the Master of the Mystic Arts, who made his first appearance in Marvel comics in 1963.

The story follows world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange, whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

Marvel Studios’ “Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch (“The Imitation Game,” “Black Mass”), Chiwetel Ejiofor (“12 Years a Slave,” “Triple 9”), Rachel McAdams(“Spotlight,” “Southpaw”), Benedict Wong (“The Martian,” “Prometheus”), Michael Stuhlbarg (“A Serious Man,” “Jobs”), Benjamin Bratt (“Traffic,” “Piñero”) and Scott Adkins (“El Gringo,” “Expendables 2”), with Mads Mikkelsen (“The Hunt,” “Casino Royale”) and Academy Award® winner Tilda Swinton (“Michael Clayton,” “Julia”).

Hawaii Dad Blog's Review:
Doctor Strange is an origin tale, which is good because I had no idea about the character's back story. Stephen Strange is a brilliant, but arrogant neurosurgeon who gets into a horrific car accident in which he mangles his hands and loses his ability to do his work. In self-pity mode, he lashes out at those who try to help him, including fellow doctor and former girlfriend, Christine Palmer, who seems to still care for Strange. Doctor Strange soon learns of a man who was able to heal himself after breaking his back. This promise leads Strange to Kathmandu where he meets Mordo and his master, the Ancient One. Despite Mordo's advice to "forget everything you know," Doctor Strange is skeptical. That is until the Ancient One takes him on a psychedelic mind trip through time and space that leaves the Doctor begging to learn.

Doctor Strange's brilliance and competitive nature combine to make him a fast learner. Combine that with the feeling that he was somehow destined to be a master sorcerer and it's easier to buy his rapidly advancing ability. He needs to be a quick learner because he soon has to match up with the Ancient One's traitorous former student, Kaecilius, who has stolen pages from her ancient, mystical book. He uses the rituals in these pages to summon the powerful Dormammu of the Dark Dimension where the laws of time and nature do not exist.

The visual effects in this movie are stunning.  During fight scenes, buildings are turned and manipulated to create an avalanche of bricks and mortar. Traveling through time and space is visualized as a kaleidoscope of hallucinogenic shapes and color patterns. All of these special effects are even more enhanced with the use of 3D. I don't think I've ever seen a movie where the use of 3D technology was better used or more vital to the visual feel than with Doctor Strange. I strongly recommend paying the extra money to get the full experience!

My 7-year old son enjoyed the movie, often referring back to how Doctor Strange would "teleport" and fight a "big alien face." However, the concepts and dialogue were definitely over his head when the movie delved into the mysticism and mythology that only a true comic geek could love. There is also quite a bit of cursing in the movie.

I think the Doctor Strange story will be an interesting one to watch over future, inevitable sequels. I am also curious to see how Doctor Strange will be integrated into the Avengers world, as a mid-credits scene hints at.

Doctor Strange is in theaters now.

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Storks Movie Review - Now in Theaters!

Storks (rated PG) is now in theaters!

Synopsis:

Storks deliver babies…or at least they used to. Now they deliver packages for a global internet retail giant. Junior (Andy Samberg), the company’s top delivery stork, is about to be promoted when he accidentally activates the Baby Making Machine, producing an adorable and wholly unauthorized baby girl.

Desperate to deliver this bundle of trouble before the boss gets wise, Junior and his friend Tulip, the only human on Stork Mountain, race to make their first-ever baby drop – in a wild and revealing journey that could make more than one family whole and restore the storks’ true mission in the world.

In Storks, Andy Samberg voices Junior, the top delivery stork at Cornerstone, an Amazon-like business of storks that ceased delivering babies in favor of delivering goods to improve their bottom line. Junior is in line to be promoted when his boss, Hunter (Kelsey Grammer),  tasks him with firing the sole human at Cornerstone in order to be promoted.

That human is eighteen-year old Tulip (Katie Crown), the last baby ever made by the company.  Junior is too kind-hearted to fire the accident-prone, but good intentioned Tulip, so he instead assigns her to the mail room, instructing her to never leave. 

However, a baby request letter gets processed, resulting in the "production" of a baby, and  Junior and Tulip start out on a mission to deliver the baby to its family.

The movie jumps between the story of Junior and Tulip to that of a family made up of busy realtor parents (Ty Burell and Jennifer Aniston) and their neglected son, Nate (Anton Starkman).

Nate sent the baby request letter after finding old brochure for the Cornerstone baby delivery service. Nate designs modifications to the family's house to better receive a stork-delivered baby (think giant bulls eye and slide from rooftop to open window). Although his parents believe that the baby delivery service will not come through, they eventually help Nate bring his designs to life, while enjoying the long overdue family-bonding experience.

Storks took a little while to kick into gear, but when Junior and Tulip, with baby in tow, start on their search for the family, the movie gets a substantial boost and a lot of laughs.

Along with the laughs was the message – family, in whatever shape or form, is important.

I was pleasantly surprised by Storks, and my son loved it, as was evident by his constant laughter throughout the movie.  

Thank you to the sponsor for providing screening tickets.

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Kubo and the Two Strings Review

Kubo and the Two Strings is an epic action-adventure set in a fantastical Japan from acclaimed animation studio LAIKA. Clever, kindhearted Kubo (voiced by Art Parkinson of “Game of Thrones”) ekes out a humble living, telling stories to the people of his seaside town including Hosato (George Takei), Hashi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa), and Kameyo (Academy Award nominee Brenda Vaccaro). But his relatively quiet existence is shattered when he accidentally summons a spirit from his past which storms down from the heavens to enforce an age-old vendetta. Now on the run, Kubo joins forces with Monkey (Academy Award winner Charlize Theron) and Beetle (Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey), and sets out on a thrilling quest to save his family and solve the mystery of his fallen father, the greatest samurai warrior the world has ever known. With the help of his shamisen – a magical musical instrument – Kubo must battle gods and monsters, including the vengeful Moon King (Academy Award nominee Ralph Fiennes) and the evil twin Sisters (Academy Award nominee Rooney Mara), to unlock the secret of his legacy, reunite his family, and fulfill his heroic destiny.

Hawaii Dad Blog's Review:

“If you must blink, do it now” advises the young voice at the onset of the movie, Kubo and the Two Strings. This is good advice, as the movie is full of excitement and adventure, and so much intricate detail.

The thrilling and beautiful opening scene is of a woman holding a shamisen (a Japanese three-stringed guitar) while riding on a small boat in a violent storm. When a large, imposing wave rises in front of her, she strums the instrument and a blast of energy splits the wave allowing her to pass. Eventually, the rough seas overcome her and she is knocked overboard. She washes up on shore where it's revealed she had a companion – a one-eyed baby named Kubo.

The next time we see them, Kubo is now a young boy who lives in isolation with his mother, whom he tends to. She is practically catatonic during the day, but is more alive for a short time each night where she tells her son stories and warns him to never stay out after dark lest her sisters and father come for his remaining eye (as grandpa already took his left one, according to his mother). The mom's stories are so fantastical - are they really about Kubo and their family, or is she just crazy?

Kubo goes into the nearby city where he plays the shamisen and also tells stories for the townsfolk. As he strums, pieces of origami paper form into the characters from the story to act out the tales. Of course, Kubo stays out too late and is confronted by his creepy aunties. They attempt to apprehend him, but his mother intervenes, allowing Kubo to escape.

Kubo awakens to a talking monkey who tells him that the city has been burned and that his enemies are close. The monkey explains that she is Kubo's toy, brought to life by his mother's last bit of magic. They encounter a samurai beetle who claims to have once served Kubo's father, Hanzo. The group sets out to find Hanzo's magical armor which could be Kubo's only chance at defeating his grandfather, the Moon King. The quest leads to encounters with monsters and evil beings, and simultaneously unveils Kubo's family mysteries.

Kubo and the Two Strings had a good blend of humor, action and emotion. The interaction between the monkey and the beetle was especially funny. My five-year old son and I laughed a lot throughout the movie. The action was thrilling, but may be too much for younger viewers (my son was a little fearful of the evil aunties).  Some children may also require comforting in the sadder moments of the movie.

All the voice actors did a great job, but the real star of Kubo and the Two Strings is the stop-motion animated company, LAIKA.  LAIKA is responsible for Coraline and Paranorman, and with Kubo, they've now set the bar very, very high. The attention to detail, especially with elements of the Japanese culture, is impressive.  It is mind-blowing to think about the time and effort that went into making this beautiful movie, which my son and I really enjoyed.  

Kubo and the Two Strings is now in theaters.

Thank you to the sponsor for the screening tickets.

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Pete's Dragon - Activity Sheets

Pete's Dragon will be in theaters next month!

Check out the fun activity packet below (click on the image to access a PDF file).

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The BFG Review - Now in Theaters!

About The  BFG
The talents of three of the world’s greatest storytellers – Roald Dahl, Walt Disney and Steven Spielberg – finally unite to bring Dahl’s beloved classic “The BFG” to life. Directed by Spielberg, Disney’s “The BFG” tells the imaginative story of a young girl and the Giant who introduces her to the wonders and perils of Giant Country. The BFG (Mark Rylance), while a giant himself, is a Big Friendly Giant and nothing like the other inhabitants of Giant Country. Standing 24-feet tall with enormous ears and a keen sense of smell, he is endearingly dim-witted and keeps to himself for the most part. Giants like Bloodbottler (Bill Hader) and Fleshlumpeater (Jemaine Clement) on the other hand, are twice as big and at least twice as scary and have been known to eat humans, while the BFG prefers Snozzcumber and Frobscottle. Upon her arrival in Giant Country, Sophie, a precocious 10-year-old girl from London, is initially frightened of the mysterious giant who has brought her to his cave, but soon comes to realize that the BFG is actually quite gentle and charming, and, having never met a giant before, has many questions. The BFG brings Sophie to Dream Country where he collects dreams and sends them to children, teaching her all about the magic and mystery of dreams. Having both been on their own in the world up until now, their affection for one another quickly grows, but Sophie’s presence in Giant Country has attracted the unwanted attention of the other giants, who have become increasingly more bothersome. Sophie and the BFG soon depart for London to see Queen Victoria (Penelope Wilton) and warn her of the precarious giant situation, but they must first convince the Queen and her maid, Mary (Rebecca Hall), that giants do indeed exist. Together, they come up with a plan to get rid of the giants once and for all.

Hawaii Dad Blog's review:

As in many of Roald Dahl's other books, The BFG features a child who, with the help of a kind adult (or giant in this case), must overcome the cruelties of others.

The child in The BFG is Sophie, an orphan who one night spots a giant outside the orphanage window. The giant grabs her and takes her back to Giant Country. Once there he explains that he took her because he feared that she would tell other humans about his existence. He also tells her that there are other giants that eat humans. Being the Big Friendly Giant, he instead survives on the foul tasting vegetable called "snozzcumber".

Dahl's children's titles have always displayed a playful use of language and The BFG is no exception. Aside from the "snozzcumber," we learn about a drink called "frobscottle" and its trademark downward bubbles that could cause a case of "whizzpopping" complete with a cloud of green gas. As expected, the "whizzpopping" scenes scored a lot of laughs with the young ones in attendance, and this was my son's favorite part of the movie.

The BFG takes Sophie with him on his missions to collect and deliver dreams. He also must protect her from the other people-eating giants who are much bigger than him and torment him at very opportunity. Sophie tries to convince him to stand up to the bullies, but he's haunted by the memory of a friend he lost at the hands of the bad giants. Ultimately, the two join forces, and even get some help from the Queen of England, to carry out their plan to conquer the evil giants.

The BFG, which is the first Disney film directed by Steven Spielberg, is a smart and beautiful movie with fantastic effects, but it also contains abstract ideas and themes that may go over some children's (and adults') heads.  

The BFG is definitely worth watching, especially for little ones who appreciate a wonderful story, and for adults who have of a fondess of the Roald Dahl books that captivated them when they were children.

Thank you to the sponsor for providing complimentary screening tickets.

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The BFG - Activity Sheets + The BFG Dream Sweepstakes

The BFG hits theaters next week!

Below are some fun activity sheets you can download (click on the image to get a PDF file)!

You can also enter The BFG Dream Sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for four to England & France from Adventures by Disney!

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/thebfgmovie/videos/vb.190161344487458/401143140055943/?type=2&theater

*To enter the sweepstakes on Facebook, fans need to leave a comment in the post sharing their dreams.

Twitter
https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios/status/745356281104334848

*To enter the sweepstakes on Twitter, fans need to comment in the post with #TheBFGDreamSweepstakes

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Central Intelligence Review - Now in Theaters

Central Intelligence (Rated PG-13)
The story follows a one-time bullied geek, Bob (Johnson), who grew up to be a lethal CIA agent, coming home for his high school reunion. Claiming to be on a top-secret case, Bob enlists the help of former big man on campus, Calvin (Hart), now an accountant who misses his glory days. But before the staid numbers-cruncher realizes what he’s getting into, it’s too late to get out, as his increasingly unpredictable new friend drags him through a world of shoot-outs, double-crosses and espionage that could get them both killed in more ways than Calvin can count.

Hawaii Dad's Review:

Central Intelligence starts out in 1996 where Robbie Weirdicht (Dwayne Johnson), an overweight student with braces, is taken by bullies from the gym showers and thrown naked in front of the student body during the final assembly of the year. The prank interrupts a speech by the valedictorian / class president / all-star athlete / most likely to succeed, Calvin "The Golden Jet" Joyner (Kevin Hart). While the rest of the students and some of the faculty laugh and chant a homophone of Robbie's last name, Calvin removes his letterman jacket and gives it to the embarrassed victim to cover up. 

Fast-forward twenty years and we find that Calvin is an accountant with a small office who gets passed up for promotions. His twenty-year high school reunion is looming and Calvin does not want to go because he feels he hasn't lived up to the expectations that come with the "most likely to succeed" title.  He is feeling down about his situation when he gets a Facebook friend request from a Bob Stone. Bob turns out to be Robbie, who now has the physique of a professional wrestler. Bob still idolizes Calvin and is so grateful for his act of kindness twenty years earlier. 

Calvin is later told by CIA agent, Pamela Harris (Amy Ryan) that Bob is a rouge agent that the CIA is trying to bring in. Calvin doesn't know who to believe - the very official Agent Harris or the buff, former high school misfit. Through numerous and hilarious twists and turns, the truth is finally revealed near the end of the movie.

I really enjoyed Central Intelligence and found myself laughing out loud several times. Kevin Hart plays the usual frantic and frenzied character that he does so well. Dwayne Johnson gets the majority of the laughs as the muscle-bound softie who is still a nerd at heart.  Amy Ryan does a good job as the serious CIA agent.

This movie is geared towards those in their 30s and 40s who were in school during the 1990s, but it would appeal to people of all ages.  Some adult language makes the movie not suitable for very young kids.   

I recommend you watch the movie Sixteen Candles if you haven't seen it yet before watching Central Intelligence - that way you won't miss what I thought was the funniest moment of the film.

Mahalo to the sponsor for providing screening tickets.

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The Jungle Book Movie Review

Disclosure: Complimentary screening tickets were provided.

Directed by Jon Favreau (“Iron Man”), based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories and inspired by Disney’s classic animated film, “The Jungle Book” is an all-new live-action epic adventure about Mowgli (newcomer Neel Sethi), a man-cub who’s been raised by a family of wolves. But Mowgli finds he is no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voice of Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home he’s ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera (voice of Ben Kingsley), and the free-spirited bear Baloo (voice of Bill Murray). Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, including Kaa (voice of Scarlett Johansson), a python whose seductive voice and gaze hypnotizes the man-cub, and the smooth-talking King Louie (voice of Christopher Walken), who tries to coerce Mowgli into giving up the secret to the elusive and deadly red flower: fire. The all-star cast also includes Lupita Nyong'o as the voice of the fiercely protective mother wolf Raksha, and Giancarlo Esposito as the voice of wolf pack’s alpha male Akela. “The Jungle Book” seamlessly blends live-action with photorealistic CGI animals and environments, using up-to-the-minute technology and storytelling techniques to immerse audiences in an enchanting and lush world. The wild adventure swings into theaters in 3D on April 15, 2016. For more information, check out Disney.com/thejunglebook.

Hawaii Dad's review:

Director Jon Favreau does a great job telling the story of the "man-cub," Mowgli, who grows up in the jungle raised by wolves and his friend, Bagheera, a black panther. Mowgli is encouraged to act like the wolves and to stop using his "tricks"- inventions and tools that only a human brain and opposable thumbs could create.

Mowgli draws the attention of the feared Bengal tiger, Shere Khan, who was burnt by a human and now looks to take revenge on the man-cub. It is decided that Mowgli and his friends will be safer if he were to live with other humans. Bagheera escorts him on his journey until an attack by Shere Khan leaves Mowgli on his own.

Mowgli meets the hypnotic python, Kaa, and the scary King Louie along the way, but, unsurprisingly, it's Baloo, a lovable sloth bear, who steals the show.  Baloo shows Mowgli that his tricks can be beneficial - especially for a hungry, but lazy bear. A familiar song shared between the two friends is a nice touch in the movie.

The most amazing thing about The Jungle Book movie is that the setting of the movie - the lush jungle and all of its flora and fauna, was almost entirely digitized. The animators also did an impressive job in creating animals that were life-like, yet embodied the essence of the different vocal performers. For instance, when King Louie started talking, I initially couldn't put my finger on who was doing the voice, but when I saw the his eyes, I knew it was Christopher Walken.

The movie was just mesmerizing! 

I really enjoyed this new version of The Jungle Book. The "embrace what makes you different" theme was nicely conveyed. 

My nine-year old son also enjoyed the movie as well, and said he liked the scenes involving Baloo the best because he was so funny. 

The scenes with Shere Khan might be too intense for little children, but overall The Jungle Book is a great family-film. 

I'm eager to now watch the 1967 Walt Disney Animated Classic, and I really think the 2016 could one day be considered a classic as well.

The Jungle Book is in theaters now.  Click here to find showtimes.

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The Jungle Book - New Featurette and Activity Sheets

The Jungle Book opens up next week!

In the meantime, here is a new featurette, as well as some new activity sheets (click on image to access a .PDF file)!

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Marvel's Captain America: Civil War New Trailer

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in twocamps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Sebastian Stan, Anthony Mackie, Don Cheadle, Jeremy Renner, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Rudd, Emily VanCamp, Frank Grillo and Martin Freeman, with William Hurt and Daniel Brühl.

Anthony & Joe Russo are directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The screenplay is by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely. Get ready to pick a side and join the nonstop action playing out on two fronts when Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” opens in U.S. theaters on May 6, 2016.

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Disney's Pete's Dragon - Teaser Trailer

Check out the teaser trailer for Disney's Pete's Dragon below!

A reimagining of Disney’s cherished family film, “Pete’s Dragon” is the adventure of an orphaned boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who just so happens to be a dragon. “Pete’s Dragon” stars Bryce Dallas Howard (“Jurassic World”), Oakes Fegley (“This is Where I Leave You”), Wes Bentley (“The Hunger Games”), Karl Urban (“Star Trek”), Oona Laurence (“Southpaw”) and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier”). The film, which is directed by David Lowery (“Ain’t Them Bodies Saints”), is written by Lowery & Toby Halbrooks based on a story by Seton I. Miller and S.S. Field and produced by Jim Whitaker, p.g.a. (“The Finest Hours,” “Friday Night Lights”), with Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Great Gatsby”) serving as executive producer.

For years, old wood carver Mr. Meacham (Robert Redford) has delighted local children with his tales of the fierce dragon that resides deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest. To his daughter, Grace (Bryce Dallas Howard), who works as a forest ranger, these stories are little more than tall tales…until she meets Pete (Oakes Fegley). Pete is a mysterious 10-year-old with no family and no home who claims to live in the woods with a giant, green dragon named Elliott. And from Pete’s descriptions, Elliott seems remarkably similar to the dragon from Mr. Meacham’s stories. With the help of Natalie (Oona Laurence), an 11-year-old girl whose father Jack (Wes Bentley) owns the local lumber mill, Grace sets out to determine where Pete came from, where he belongs, and the truth about this dragon. Disney’s “Pete’s Dragon” opens in U.S. theaters on August 12, 2016.

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