Review rated by 23 Ciao members on average: very helpful
Setting: Hawaii. An orphaned girl called Lilo (who happens to be an Elvis fan) is having a hard time of it - she can't make friends and her adult sister Nani is having trouble convincing the social worker (an interesting character) that she is capable of being Lilo's guardian. So to cheer her up, Nani lets Lilo have a puppy. Lilo selects an odd-looking blue one - or rather, she is selected - and she names him Stitch.
Only problem is, Stitch is actually an evil little alien fugitive - a genetic experiment gone awry, whose only purpose is destruction. And his creator is after him, under orders to bring him back. Stitch intended to use Lilo for his own protection, but as their friendship deepens he slowly comes to learn what really matters.
This is a quirky and extremely funny film, but its underlying theme is the poignant Hawaiian concept of 'ohana' or family. Aliens + Hawaii + broken family + Elvis might seem like an odd concoction for animation, and indeed it is, but Disney pulls it off with flair and humour.
The animation in 'Lilo & Stitch' is colourful and lively rather than visually beautiful. Don't expect many breathtaking and dramatic landscapes such as those in 'The Lion King' or 'Dinosaur'. Instead, look to the characters for the outstanding artwork. Both humans and aliens each have expressive, instantly recognisable faces: Lilo's innocent and honest big-eyed smile, Stitch's evil toothy grin and oversized ears, the alien environmentalist's single eye and nervously twitching antenna.
The characters' personalities and voices are no less appealing. Many of the humans' voice talents are Hawaiian, making for highly believable and distinctive characters. Chris Sanders, who conceived the idea and wrote and directed the film, also voiced Stitch - an outstanding piece of voice acting. Stitch sounds truly alien, often jabbering away to himself in his own language, and yet it is not difficult to feel sorry for him when the script calls for a softer voice.
Stitch is also great fun to watch - his unpredictable behaviour is guaranteed to amuse children as well as adults who appreciate Disney humour. Stitch doesn't completely steal the show, though; there are many superb one-liners from the humans, most of which will go straight over children's heads. For a comparison of the humour, think 'Emperor's New Groove' or, to a lesser extent, 'Hercules' or 'Aladdin'.
Enjoying the soundtrack depends to some extent on liking Elvis. Only one of the songs is sung by an actual character in the style of Disney's older animation - this film's songs are mostly performed in voiceover, by either Hawaiian choirs (very lovely) or, of course, the King himself. The score is pleasant with an interesting Hawaiian theme, but nothing to rave about.
This film is rated PG for 'mild sci-fi action', but I can't find anything in 'Lilo & Stitch' that would seriously upset even a young child. Very small fry may have a little trouble keeping track of the fast-paced plot, but it shouldn't stop children of any age thoroughly enjoying this. For a Disney fan this is unmissable; I would also recommend it to any adult who enjoys a witty, original and effective piece of animation.
![Lilo&Stitch [DVD] [2002]](http://images.ciao.com/ide/images/icons/no_pic_generic_S1.gif){kind=icon}
17.10.2002 07:49
I must ask my Goddaughter if she's seen this one yet, Susan
14.10.2002 10:06
I was going to give this one a miss (aliens? Hawaii? Just what are they popping over at Disney) but now I can't wait to see it!
11.10.2002 17:54
You can't beat Disney films, can you?! Louise.