Day 44: Lilo and Stitch

"Does this look infected?": We watch our 44th movie!

1. What movie did you watch?
Lilo and Stitch. The movie was released in 2002 to positive reviews and was nominated for the 2002 Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The movie was created as a smaller and less expensive film following the Disney Renaissance, modeled after the production of Dumbo, another economically-sensible film produced in the wake of the more expensive Pinocchio and Fantasia. Chris Sanders, a head storyboard artist, had created the character of Stitch in 1985 for an unsuccessful children's book pitch, and developed it for an animated feature featuring the character. The animation team visited Kauaʻi to research the locale during production, and their tour guide explained the meaning of ʻohana as it applies to extended families, which become an important theme to the plot. Fun fact: No other animated feature had ever taken place on any of the Hawaiian islands before Lilo and Stitch.

2. Have you seen it before/ how long has it been since you last saw it?
Maddie: This is one of my favorites and another one that I watch pretty frequently to chill out at the end of the day- so I probably saw it about two months ago.
Alexis: I watched it early last Fall, so it hasn't been too long.

3. What memories did it recall?
Maddie: I used to LOVE the TV show spin off of this- so it makes me think back to that.  What a great show- they really filled out all of the characters on it (especially Pleakly who cross-dressed at the drop of a hat).

Alexis: It recalled a lot of fun memories from childhood, but specifically it reminded me of the Stitch's Great Escape ride at Disney World. The second time my family went to Disney World the ride was new, and I was excited to see Stitch and the other aliens, but my sister and I ended up being pretty scared by it!

4. What did you think of it?
Maddie: I loved it! The story is so funny but touching and has great little quirks (like the Elvis obsession). Plus, even though it was done to save money, the use of watercolor is beautiful. This film in so many ways isn't a typical Disney film and that's what makes it amazing.

Alexis: I love this movie, it's so sweet! I love all the elements of Hawaiian and island culture that they included. It feels really genuine, especially with the scenes with the songs. The movie also has the perfect balance of funny and meaningful. Stich's antics are hilarious, and many of the characters have really funny lines, but it also finds the time to portray an important message of finding your own family and accepting others. And I agree with Maddie, the backgrounds and designs are so pretty, overall it's a beautiful movie!

5. Favorite moment:
Maddie: Like most people who love this film, I love Stitch (with Pleakly coming in at a close second)! My favorite Stitch moment would have to be when he gives his classic Ohana speech:

Alexis: My favorite scene is the Hawaiian Roller Coaster ride montage. It's beautifully made, and really fun. Plus I love the song!

6. Any other comments:
Maddie: Sometimes Lilo is my spirit animal:

Alexis: My favorite part of the ending montage: 

Parting thoughts: When will Lilo and Stitch appear on Once Upon a Time?