Lilo & Stitch (2002)
Written & Directed by Chris Sanders & Dean DeBlois
It took me a long time to see Lilo & Stitch. Like, 11 years to see it. Once I did, I kicked myself for waiting so long.
The title characters
One of my favorite things about the film is its location, the beautiful islands of Hawai’i. I’ve been there a couple times (and now, am fortunate enough to have family that live there), and I can’t sing it’s praises enough. That beauty is translated extremely well on screen, with flowing watercolors replacing the traditional background mediums of most Disney films.
Another important change happens here, as the main relationship here is between two sisters (an idea that will feature in another certain Disney film coming up soon). Nani, voiced by Tia Carrere, brings such an emotional complexity and strength to the table, that it genuinely made me reflect on myself as a sibling. To get personal for a moment, I try not to believe in regrets, but this film certainly makes me wish I had been a better sibling.
I’m genuinely confused as to why not a single person is concerned or confused that Lilo’s “dog” is performing with them
The music is wonderful, the Hawaiian melodies peaceful, and so spot on. The film, in my opinion, fully embraces Hawaiian culture, and it’s that respect of it that makes me love the film more.
Currently sobbing…
The sci-fi aspects are there, and while obviously necessary to the film, they also aren’t the most original versions of things we’ve seen before. Stitch is a little tiring at first (watching something destroy everything they can is a gag that gets old), but once he starts connecting with his adoptive family, he becomes much more interesting (his “I’m lost” breaks my heart every time).
Lilo & Stitch is a high on the weird rollercoaster of success following the Disney Renaissance, which isn’t so surprising. Then again, making an audience care about a destructive alien and a little girl from an island in the middle of the Pacific is no small feat, and this film does an excellent job.
FINAL GRADE: A-
