Right before LILO & STITCH was released in 2002, Disney presented one of its most memorable and humorous advertising campaigns containing a ferocious but adorable little creature name Stitch invading many of the classic Disney films like THE LION KING, THE LITTLE MERMAID and BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (It’s a shame none of these trailers or the funny behind-the-scenes mocumentary on Stitch made the Blu-ray special features). Unfortunately, LILO & STITCH isn’t near as memorable as its clever trailers, but the film does have a few surprising laugh-out-loud moments.
Lilo (Daveigh Chase) is a little girl in Hawaii being raised by her older sister Nani (Tia Carrere) due to a terrible tragedy that killed their parents. The two are being scrutinized by a social service agent (Ving Rhames) who wants to make sure Nani is properly caring for her younger sister. Lilo is a handful as it is and her difficulty level is only heightened when she comes across Stitch, an alien experiment from a foreign planet who was created for destruction. In an attempt to catch the creature, the foreign planet inexplicably sends a criminal evil genius who created Stitch and a goofy scientist whose expertise is having a poor understanding of earth. In order to hide from his captors, Stitch poses as an ugly dog for Lilo.
While the story and actions taken don’t make a lot of sense and are even frustratingly illogical, the characters are quite funny. Lilo is bratty but believable while still being extremely cute. That goes double for the chaotic Stitch who learns from being loved to control his rageful destruction. The themes of sticking by family and the ability to find good in everyone are nice touches if somewhat undeveloped. But the real success of LILO & STITCH are the laughs in the subtle throwaway moments and the relationship of the two leads. Their shared love for The King Elvis Presley, that the film wisely utilizes for the soundtrack, is a source that tickles me endlessly.
LILO & STITCH 2: STITCH HAS A GLITCH – 4/10
Although made three years later, LILO & STITCH 2: STITCH HAS A GLITCH takes place immediately after the action from the original. Lilo, Stitch, Nani and even Dr. Jumba Jookiba (David Ogden Stiers) and Pleakley (Kevin McDonald), the two comedic aliens after Stitch are all back on board. However, this time Jumba and Pleaky are hear to help. From a flashback, we learn that poor Stitch was confiscated before he had finished being created causing a glitch in his system where he uncontrollably goes on destructive paths.
The main strain in the LILO & STITCH 2 is Lilo not understanding why Stitch is ruining their Luau dance. A frustratingly mild problem that could easily by rectified by some simple communication. It’s not that LILO & STITCH 2 is downright terrible, it’s that it is so unnecessary. Coming in at just over an hour, if you love the characters then the film is a nice addition and I suspect a slight fulfillment of just wanting more. But there is no substance or surprises other than a young Dakota Fanning stepping in for the voice of Lilo.
BLU-RAY REVIEW
Video: (MPEG-4 AVC 1080p, 1.68:1) The colors are bright showcasing the beautiful Hawaiian palette. LILO & STITCH is one of the last water color type of animation so be prepared if your child is a bit used to the new age Pixar animation.
Audio: (DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1) Elvis always sounds good, which is a large key to the audio. But the dialogue and action pieces come through clearly and loudly.