Lilo and Stitch

Yes, I finally saw the 2002 animated movie: 

Will people be AGHAST that I hadn’t tackled Lilo & Stitch before? Probably so. The live-action version coming out next weekend is the reason why I finally pulled the trigger. No, I won’t be checking out the remake, as what’s the point? That goes for any studio who does this, not just Disney. Yes, I do know the irony that the directors of this then made How to Train Your Dragon, and both received this treatment. Allegedly, they will stop needlessly remaking animated pictures due to the colossal fiasco that was Snow White. 

Through cultural osmosis, of course I knew “O’hana means family,” along with most of the main characters, the Elvis songs & Stitch being Experiment 626. It escapes and lands in Hawaii, where Lilo adopts the critter. Yeah, there are silly moments and I couldn’t even begin to fathom why a key supporting human character is named COBRA BUBBLES. Be that as it may, I was still charmed by Lilo & Stitch.

The bedrock of the film was the relationship between misfit 6-year-old Lilo and her teenage sister/guardian Nani. Through the struggles of the latter attempting to not lose the former to foster care, they have an entirely believable sister relationship. Thankfully, there are plenty of laughs also, between them and especially all the alien antics. Entertaining action beats plus a gorgeous water color animation aesthetic made the film an enjoyable ride-which was over in less than 90 minutes.

Another key aspect that was appealing: Lio’s love of Elvis and the inclusion of several Presley songs. There were also subtle and not so subtle nods to Hawaii & its culture. While not spotlighted, I noticed that they gave love to Duke Kahanamoku, a multi-time Olympic medalist in swimming turned surfing legend, sheriff of Honolulu for almost 30 years, and many other accolades. My family and I went to Hawaii in 2000 for vacation; then, there were statues and restaurants named after him in the area.

I’ve heard good things about the sequels and TV shows that were spawned from the success of this picture; I likely won’t delve further in this universe yet it was a relief that I was charmed by a movie that had serious, heartfelt moments married to an amusing tale where I both was enchanted by Stitch and rooted for the sisters.