At two hours and 14 minutes, the movie is a lot longer than it needs to be. On the other hand, Elliott (whose beeps and bomps and chomping sounds are supplied by Charlie Callas) is very sweet and emotive, and you don't often see children's musicals as ambitious as this one any more.
The film seems to be pitched at shrieking level, as if that’s the only timbre children can register.
40
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
The film lacks the emotional complexity and classic status of previous Disney films.
37
Washington PostGary Arnold
Washington PostGary Arnold
"Dragon" was apparently meant to be a big, rousing musical comedy-fantasy, but it's staged and photographed without musical-comedy energy, flair or coordination. [17 Dec 1977, p.D7]