Pete’s Dragon

Why Is Pete’s Dragon Rated G?

In this animation/live-action mix, a young orphan relies on an oft-invisible dragon to be his best friend. Scary-looking adults and angry townsfolk verbally threaten (with great detail) a child with violence and chase him. Slapstick-style comedy depicts property damage and people being knocked over or run down and falling into sticky substances. Kidnapping (and dragon-napping) is attempted. A character is stuffed in a sack, while others are trapped in nets and tangled in ropes. A harpoon cannon is used to try and kill a character. A boy is accused of pulling off a woman’s petticoat (the article of clothing is shown). A boy is seen in his underwear. A child is disciplined at school with a dunce cap and lashes to his hand. Characters purposefully misrepresent products that they are trying to sell. Men sing about catching a dragon and cutting up his body (with some graphic lyrics) for parts that will be used for making medicines. A potion for early puberty is used as a bribe, and stud fees are mentioned. Many main and background characters are shown drinking in a tavern. Main characters are frequently depicted as intoxicated, and their drunken actions are played for comedy. A dragon also tastes alcohol, and then burps fire that singes a couple of men. Sailors are shown in peril during a storm at sea.