LILO & STITCH

Starring the vocal talents of: Tia Carrere, David Ogden Stiers, Ving Rhames, Jason Scott Lee, Kevin McDonald, Chris Sanders and Daviegh Chase
Directors: Dean Debolis and Chris Sanders
Running Time: 88 mins
Certificate: U

Out to buy on DVD 27th March

Growing up with her sister Nani (Carrere), Hawaiian Lilo (Chase) didn't really have any friends and was very lonely. Noticing her unhappiness, Nani took her to the dog pound to find her a canine companion. The problem is that the one she chooses is no ordinary dog because the reason he grabs her attention is that he can talk, is blue and is very funny look but Lilo sees past all his imperfections and calls him Stitch (Sanders). But Stitch isn't the loveable puppy Nani wanted her to get. He is in fact the most dangerous creature in the Universe and is wanted by the Galactic authorities.

At last Disney has produced a traditional 2D animated movie that is a match for the standards it set itself in the 1990s with Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Tarzan and The Lion King.

Lilo & Stitch is Disney getting back to its best. After the backfires of Atlantis, Mulan and The Emperor's New Groove and their reliance on Pixar's 3D animated classics Toy Story and Monsters Inc to keep their grip on the animation dollar, Disney's traditional animation arm really needed a hit and with this movie they have taken a giant step in recapturing that classic period.

The animation is superb, with an excellent diversity of characters and some beautiful backgrounds. Lilo is extremely cute and alien characters are both inventive and traditional. The mixture of computer generated effects and traditional cell animation is seamless, bringing depth and speed to the spaceship and surfing sequences.

The movie's major plus point however, is its characters. They are all very well defined, having their own values and personality traits. Lilo is lonely but self-reliant with a passion for Elvis, Nani has been forced to grow up very quickly but want longs to have a normal life and Stitch is all anger and violence but he just wants to be loved.

The story is as touching as it is outrageous. The interactions between Lilo and Stitch jump from comical to heart-warming and back again. The overall message of acceptance and family, or Ohana in Hawaiian, is a heart felt one in this time of change.

As family entertainment, Lilo & Stitch is a great movie. This is Disney getting back to its best, while the movie isn't as good as Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan or The Little Mermaid it isn't far off but with an Elvis soundtrack it gives them a damm good run for their money.

Deleted scenes, DisneyPedia: Hawaii - The Islands Of Aloha: Explore the fascinating world of the Hawaiian Islands with your hosts Lilo & Nani Create Your Own Alien Experiment Game
'A Stitch In Time: Follow Stitch Through The Disney Years' featurette
Hula Lesson: learn the ancient art of hula for yourself with this featurette hosted by Mark Keali'i Ho'omalu, a real life Hula Master
'Burning Love': a behind the scenes featurette with Wynonna
'I Can't Help Falling In Love With You' music video from A-Teens
'The Look Of Lilo And Stitch' featurette
'On Location With The Directors' featurette
Teaser trailers
Interactive menu and Scene access