Disney Movie Review:
42/52 - Lilo & Stitch
Ryan Dosier - Lilo & Stitch (2002) does not boast any big-name
celebrity voices or classic fairy tale or legend backstories. It is a wholly
original tale that relies on expert storytelling, outstanding character
development, and amazing comedy to make a resonating, beautiful, meaningful
film. It stretches the boundaries of Disney animation more than any feature
since Aladdin.
The film combines elements of great sci-fi movies with
bountiful Hawaiian culture, mixes in some stunning animation, and careens along
with an excellent sense of humor. Lilo & Stitch also heavily and
impressively features the music of Elvis Presley. The King’s music accentuates
the film in so many wonderful places and adds another layer to the story. The
original Hawaiian-influenced music is masterful and gorgeous. It is a delight
to listen to and perfectly fits the setting.
From a design standpoint, Lilo & Stitch is at the top of
the class. The designs of the countless alien creatures at the beginning of the
film are dynamite, and the rest of the characters look fantastic as well. But
the true design highlight of the film is the backgrounds, which are all painted
using watercolors and are all perfect. This is one of only two Disney animated features
that use watercolor backgrounds (the other is Dumbo) and the effect is soft,
light, and beautiful.
Lilo & Stitch has some of the most likable, realistic,
and funny characters of any Disney feature. Stitch is a riot right from the
start and carries a lot of the emotional weight of the story very well. He is
surprisingly impressive for a rabid, animalistic character. He becomes more and
more enjoyable and impressive as the film goes on.
But far and away my favorite part of the film is Lilo. This
beautiful, wonderfully weird, deceptively funny little girl is a spectacular
creation. Animated by the amazing Andreas Deja, Lilo is perfection. Lilo is
every weird, misunderstood little kid and I absolutely adore her. She feeds
peanut butter sandwiches to a fish that controls the weather, attempts voodoo
on her friends, listens to Elvis records, and has a book titled “Roadmaps of
Iowa.” Lilo is an amazing character and she’s impossible not to love.
Lilo’s older sister, Nani, is another fantastic character.
She is realistic looking, realistic acting, and cares for her little sister
more than anything. Their relationship is the real soul of Lilo & Stitch
and it works on every level. They are such a realistic, impressive
representation of siblings. It’s truly amazing how well the filmmakers captured
their relationship.
Much like The Emperor’s New Groove, Lilo & Stitch
creates an entirely new tone for Disney animation and animated comedy period.
The film is unending excitement, fun, and humor. There is dialogue comedy,
physical comedy, visual comedy, and so much more. My favorite sequence is the
montage of Lilo trying to turn Stitch into a model citizen—especially when he
hits on the little old lady. Positively hysterical.
But, unlike Emperor’s, Lilo & Stitch is much better at balancing
the comedy with real, powerful emotional moments. The whole story is very sad
and emotional when you consider that Lilo and Nani’s parents have died and that
Stitch has no family. Stitch brings them together and makes them a family again
while creating a family for himself. The story is powerfully moving and
increasingly surprising. It’s hard to see the last act coming, but it all comes
together so well.
It is really, really hard not to adore Lilo & Stitch.
The film is sweet, funny, and tugs your heartstrings the entire time. The
Hawaiian influence is breathtaking with the backgrounds and the music and the
entire culture. Stitch may have become a hugely popular Disney character, but
the entire film deserves a lot more appreciation. There is enough charm and
heart in Lilo & Stitch to fill most of the past handful of Disney movies.
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