Hilarious, Moving, A True Classic

Rating: 10/10 (15 June 2002)

I had a chance to see a preview of "Lilo and Stitch" and I want to recommend it as a must-see movie for this summer. The opening of the movie has some great comic-action moments, somewhat inspired by "Star Wars" as genetic experiment '626' (Stitch) escapes the clutches of the Galactic Federation.
The movie really shines when he crash lands on Hawaii and becomes the "puppy" of Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl who lives with her sister. Lilo sees the world in a creative, amusing, and truly different way, and that makes it hard for her to make friends. She's a great character, and her relationship with her guardian/sister is truly realistic and also fun.
This movie has the combination that makes Disney movies great -- comedy and heart. You'll laugh as Stitch, designed to destroy, tries to find a way to cope with the fact that there is nothing around him on this beautiful Hawaiian island to destroy. You'll sniffle as he tries to find his greater purpose, and you'll cheer as he uses his awesome powers to help Lilo and make things right.
The animators did a truly wonderful job of making a beautiful movie. From the water color backgrounds which capture the Hawaiian locale perfectly, to the digital spaceships and vehicles, to the animation of the graceful hula, to the hyper-kinetic Stitch. This is a beautiful movie and a joy to watch.
Stitch is my favorite animated character of all time. He can be a crazy, caffeinated monster to a truly touching and lost creature. I dare you not to sniffle at least once during this movie. The story works on so many levels, and is a true Disney classic.