Best Disney animated feature in years

Rating: Null/10 (28 March 2003)

I have never seen people's opinions so polarized on a animated feature as I have with Lilo & Stitch. As one who found this feature hilarious, touching, smart, bold (for Disney), true-to-form, gorgeous, and a joy to watch, I can't begin to understand how anyone could be in the opposing camp. And as a native Hawaiian myself, I find it interesting that the only people who found it culturally offensive--some whom I know personally--are non-Hawaiians. Why, a reader asks, is everyone drawn with fat legs? Because some (not all) Hawaiians have thick legs (especially calves). It's refreshing to see these artists and animators unafraid to portray (again, some) local people as they really look. Why does Lilo immediately pounce upon a girl and start beating her up? Because sometimes haoles (an absolutely non-derogatory term for caucasians) are outspoken and don't think about the consequences of their words. Funny how Lilo's character is berated for her actions yet no one says a word about the girl who blurts "you're crazy!"
My advice: Don't let the negative comments expressed by some viewers deter you from watching this refreshingly different and well-crafted animated feature. If the breathtaking watercolor backdrops don't get you, the humor and music will. See it and be your own judge.