RyMickey
Disney Freak
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2000
Saw "Lilo and Stitch" last night. Here's what I thought:
To me, "Lilo and Stitch" is quite a departure from typical Disney animated fare. Although its general theme of family and friendship is reminiscent of Disney classics like "Pinocchio" and "Snow White", "L&S" is irreverent and kooky and is a welcome change to the Disney animated repertoire.
We all know the general plot of the story: alien experiment escapes from his outer space jail, lands on Earth, and befriends a cute little Hawaiian girl. It's true that that's pretty much all there is to the plot. However, I wouldn't expect much more from an animated movie. What makes "L&S" stand out from all other Disney movies is its quirkiness. I'm pretty sure that this is the first Disney movie where you'll see needles being stuck in an alien's head and extracting a pink viscous fluid. I'm also almost certain that you've never seen a Disney movie in which the cute little heroine bites a friend of hers. And then there's the line "Everything's okay...My dog just found the chainsaw" or something to that extent. This ain't your parents' Disney animated movie.
Still, despite (more like because of) the irreverence, "L&S" is Disney's best animated movie since "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (and I realize that with that statement, many of you will totally disregard this review - what can I say except that I find "HoND" to be so un-Disney that I love it). There is a true sense of character connection with the audience especially with cute little Lilo. The fact that this little girl is not perfect (as compared to the nearly angelic Snow White and Cinderella) allows the audience to relate that much more to her and to her plight of growing up without a mother and father. Raised by her sister, Nani, the struggles that these two face raise sympathy and compassion in the viewer. The fact that the two female characters aren't the perfect body type and figure (as opposed to the stick-thin Belle and Jasmine) also gives them an added authenticity. And then there's Stitch, who arrives on Earth, and in the process wreaks havoc on the sisters. It is true that Stitch is probably the most disgusting main character in any Disney movie (evidenced by the scene where he eats his own snot - just another un-Disney-like moment in this flick), but as the movie continues, the audience begins to connect with this adorable hellion, mirroring the fact that the characters onscreen begin to connect with him as well.
The film looks beautiful. The watercolor backgrounds are stunning. The use of Elvis tunes are not overpowering. They simply add strength to Lilo's character (I for one think one of the best scenes in the movie involves Lilo, slumped on the floor, singing along to "Heartbreak Hotel"). In addition, there's a great Wynonna cover of "Burning Love" that ends the movie perfectly. Voice actors are great. Daveigh Chase (Lilo) and Tia Carrere (Nani) are the true stand-outs.
The only true flaw in the movie is the character of Cobra Bubbles (voiced by Ving Rhames). Reminiscent of a man in black (from the movie "Men in Black") he's the social worker that checks in on Lilo and Nani. Although the character is the impetus of some tension in the household, he really isn't given enough to do for the audience to get any real feeling about him.
"Lilo and Stitch" is a different kind of Disney movie, but this reviewer is ready for the change. Although I long for the days of the classic Disney musical to return (which I don't really see happening anytime soon), I am more than willing to forgo that longing if Disney provides me with films that are as different, enjoyable, quirky, funny, and touching as "Lilo and Stitch."
My Rating: A-
What do you all think? Have you seen it yet? Do you think it's too quirky for kids do enjoy?
RyMickey
To me, "Lilo and Stitch" is quite a departure from typical Disney animated fare. Although its general theme of family and friendship is reminiscent of Disney classics like "Pinocchio" and "Snow White", "L&S" is irreverent and kooky and is a welcome change to the Disney animated repertoire.
We all know the general plot of the story: alien experiment escapes from his outer space jail, lands on Earth, and befriends a cute little Hawaiian girl. It's true that that's pretty much all there is to the plot. However, I wouldn't expect much more from an animated movie. What makes "L&S" stand out from all other Disney movies is its quirkiness. I'm pretty sure that this is the first Disney movie where you'll see needles being stuck in an alien's head and extracting a pink viscous fluid. I'm also almost certain that you've never seen a Disney movie in which the cute little heroine bites a friend of hers. And then there's the line "Everything's okay...My dog just found the chainsaw" or something to that extent. This ain't your parents' Disney animated movie.
Still, despite (more like because of) the irreverence, "L&S" is Disney's best animated movie since "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (and I realize that with that statement, many of you will totally disregard this review - what can I say except that I find "HoND" to be so un-Disney that I love it). There is a true sense of character connection with the audience especially with cute little Lilo. The fact that this little girl is not perfect (as compared to the nearly angelic Snow White and Cinderella) allows the audience to relate that much more to her and to her plight of growing up without a mother and father. Raised by her sister, Nani, the struggles that these two face raise sympathy and compassion in the viewer. The fact that the two female characters aren't the perfect body type and figure (as opposed to the stick-thin Belle and Jasmine) also gives them an added authenticity. And then there's Stitch, who arrives on Earth, and in the process wreaks havoc on the sisters. It is true that Stitch is probably the most disgusting main character in any Disney movie (evidenced by the scene where he eats his own snot - just another un-Disney-like moment in this flick), but as the movie continues, the audience begins to connect with this adorable hellion, mirroring the fact that the characters onscreen begin to connect with him as well.
The film looks beautiful. The watercolor backgrounds are stunning. The use of Elvis tunes are not overpowering. They simply add strength to Lilo's character (I for one think one of the best scenes in the movie involves Lilo, slumped on the floor, singing along to "Heartbreak Hotel"). In addition, there's a great Wynonna cover of "Burning Love" that ends the movie perfectly. Voice actors are great. Daveigh Chase (Lilo) and Tia Carrere (Nani) are the true stand-outs.
The only true flaw in the movie is the character of Cobra Bubbles (voiced by Ving Rhames). Reminiscent of a man in black (from the movie "Men in Black") he's the social worker that checks in on Lilo and Nani. Although the character is the impetus of some tension in the household, he really isn't given enough to do for the audience to get any real feeling about him.
"Lilo and Stitch" is a different kind of Disney movie, but this reviewer is ready for the change. Although I long for the days of the classic Disney musical to return (which I don't really see happening anytime soon), I am more than willing to forgo that longing if Disney provides me with films that are as different, enjoyable, quirky, funny, and touching as "Lilo and Stitch."
My Rating: A-
What do you all think? Have you seen it yet? Do you think it's too quirky for kids do enjoy?
RyMickey
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