Lilo & Stitch (2002)
An alien lands on earth and learns the meaning of "family"
Starring: Chris Sanders, Daveigh Chase, Tia Carrere, Ving Rhames, David Ogden Stiers, Kevin McDonald, Jason Scott Lee
Director: Chris Sanders & Dean Deblois
Running Time: 82 minutes
US MPAA rating: N/AUK BBFC rating: u
Animation, Family
On DVD "Genetic Experiment 626" is a small but dangerous creature created by a rule-breaking alien scientist, Dr Jumba Jookiba, in an illegal military genetic experiment. Strong and aggressive, the creature has only one weakness - the high density of his body makes it impossible for him to swim in water. He was programmed by his creator to be drawn to densely populated cities, where his purpose is to unleash destruction and chaos. Described as the "flawed product of a deranged mind", the creature is sentenced by the court of the United Galactic Federation to be banished to a deserted asteroid, while his scientist creator is jailed. However, the irrepressible creature steals a spaceship and escapes.
He is tracked to Earth, which the aliens consider to be a nature reserve because it is home to an endangered species - the mosquito. The creature lands on one of the Hawaiian Islands. Surrounded by water on an island which has no city, the creature cannot fulfil its purpose, and is instead mistaken for a dog and adopted by a little Hawaiian girl called Lilo. The scientist who created the creature is sent to retrieve him, accompanied by Pleakley - an expert on matters to do with Earth, who is keen to protect the planet and its mosquitoes
On earth, the creature learns about "ohana" - the Hawaiian concept of family - from Lilo and her sister, Nani, who is also her guardian. Lilo and Nani have problems of their own, since they are about to be split up by intimidating social worker Cobra Bubbles. The arrival of Stitch and his pursuers, and the chaos they cause, only serves to add to their worries
Parents will enjoy some of the "tips of the hat" to other films - Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii, Men in Black, Godzilla and Jaws, for example.
DVD Extras: Music videos: Suspicious Minds (performed by Gareth Gates), I Can't Help Falling in Love with You (performed by A-Teens). Other extras: Sneak peeks of other Disney films, Disneypedia on Hawaii, Create Your Own Alien Experiment game, A Stitch in Time, Hula Lesson, "Burning Love" - Behind the scenes with Wynonna, Trailers, Deleted Scenes, On Location with the Directors, Animating the Hula, The look of Lilo & Stitch.
It's Got: An intelligent script that doesn't talk down to children.
It Needs: A warning that some of the aliens may be a little too frightening for the smallest children.
Alternatives: Treasure Planet, Titan AE, Monsters Inc.
Summary: Contains nothing that is really new but is an entertaining animation for families, containing some surprisingly sophisticated social concepts, which adults should enjoy watching with their children.
Review by Andrea Chee
Review Date: 5th January 2003
External Links
Lilo & Stitch at the IMDB
