Lilo & Stitch (June 21, 2002)

I have watched this movie countless times as well as its numerous sequels and TV show. It tells the story of Lilo, a young and misunderstood girl who is seen as weird by her peers. She is taken care of by her older sister, Nani because their parents died in a car crash. She adopts an alien masquerading as a dog whom she names Stitch. Stitch (or 626 as is his code name). He was created as an illegal genetic experiment. He is intended to be imprisoned by the galactic council, so he escapes to Earth. Stitch starts off mostly evil- wreaking everything and generally being mean. But slowly he learns what it means to be a friend and part of a family. His evolving relationship with Lilo is the cornerstone of the film. I tear up as he wonders what his purpose in the universe is; though he was built to destroy he wants more. Lilo tries to teach him to be good- Elvis Presley is used as a ‘model citizen’ for him to emulate and it cracks me up. One day, after Him, Lilo, Nani, and David (a friend of Lilo and Nani (and a love interest for the latter)) surf and he sees how they care for each other, and how he has no family and is essentially an outcast he changes. He becomes nice and caring and sentimental; It is such a beautiful journey. The phrase “Ohana means family, and family means no one is left behind or forgotten” is a staple of this film and a universal sentiment. This film wonderful navigates between these moments of sentimentality to moments of humor with a dash of action and adventure. The art style is amazing. The humans are drawn in such a unique, and chunky style- with various body types (rarely seen in these disney animated movies). The Hawaiian setting is also magical. It paints a tropical paradise in all its gorgeous vivid hues. The water, in particular, is so lively and fluid- it makes me want to swim and surf right alongside the characters. This contrasts wonderfully with the alien technology which is incorporated in a believable manner. Lilo & Stitch is a must-see film, the best to come out of Disney Animation during the early 2000s because it has beautiful animation, a heartwarming story, and great characters.

Final Rating: 10/10