surprisingly good

Rating: 9/10 (24 May 2003)

all i heard for months was how adorable lilo & stitch was. time after time i have heard this about a movie, then come to find that the movie was far less than i expected. so when i finally got around to seeing lilo & stitch i was more than surprised. the film was not only adorable but was, for the most part, a very real and touching family tale. while the opening and ending action is mostly for the kids, the central story of lilo, her sister, nani, and their unusual new pet, stitch is fun for all. i couldn't help but laugh out loud at times, and yes, i even cried. the characters and relationships are not only well-developed, but are also, generally believable for a story that deals with aliens. fun and heartfelt, lilo & stitch is a near-perfect mixture of laughter and tears that balances the real with the outrageous and rides the wave of success clear in to shore.