Ohana: family.

Rating: 9/10 (2 July 2002)

If you choose to believe in the Disney tradition of family and all that it stands for, then this is THE film to see this year.
Clever, charming, funny and witty are just pieces of what makes this film so good. The other parts are brilliant animation, superb background work and a sound track that is second to none.
Not since the Disney film `Dumbo' has watercolour been used as background -- and never more effectively.
The use of watercolour goes beyond effective -- it is magnificent. The backgrounds of the scenes envelop and surround the viewer with warmth and familiarity -- even if you have never been to Hawai'i.
The voice casting is surprising -- yet so appropriate: Tia Carrere as Nani, Kevin McDonald as Pleakley, David Ogden Stiers as Jumba and the incomparable Ving Rhames as Cobra Bubbles the enforcer' are all completely correct. As a film watcher you could not ask for anything more. The only credit missing is Daveigh Chase as Lilo -- the heart and soul of this great film.
There is much to praise here: the story, the animation, the soundtrack and all that makes a truly good film but suffice it to say that this if a film that you really do need to see. It will bring laughs to both children and adults and tears to anyone that has ever had an emotion.