When Disney Unleashed a Loveable Alien: 19 Years of 'Lilo & Stitch'

On a delightful day back in June of 2002, Disney sent 'Lilo & Stitch' onto movie screens across the globe. The film managed to woo audiences worldwide, pocketing a cool $275 million at the box office, made fans fall in love with a blue alien and even set the stage for a potential live-action remake two decades later. The Hollywood Reporter’s original review showered praises on this heartfelt animated gem, an excerpt of which is captured below:

"Lilo & Stitch' may not boast the high-tech sheen of some other Disney animations, but what it lacks in flashy tech, it makes up in unbound humor and energy that is more akin to Warner Bros.’ beloved Looney Tunes rather than the typical Disney polish.

The film's irresistible charm is only heightened by a vibrant color palette, an enchanting Hawaiian setting that celebrates the local culture, a genuine sisterly bond and subtle emotional nuances that gently tug at your feelings, resulting in a delightfully fresh viewing experience.

Sealing its widespread appeal, the movie brilliantly blends elements that resonate across various demographics. The dynamic of young Lilo’s character appeals to little girls, while the space and monster adventures of Stitch ignites interest in little boys. Grown-ups aren't left out either with an appreciation for the cultural nuances and overarching narrative.

The narrative heats up after Experiment 626, a troublesome creature from planet Turo who happens to destroy anything he touches, escapes his captors and lands on earth. The focus shifts to Nani (Tia Carrere) who, in her Hawaiian home, is doing her best to care for her little sister Lilo (delightfully voiced by Daveigh Chase), following the absence of their parents.

An unexpected visit from a social worker named Cobra Bubbles (Ving Rhames) further complicates the lives of Nani and Lilo. In a bid to find some comfort, Nani gives in to Lilo’s desire for a pet, resulting in the introduction of the incredibly quirky 'Stitch’ (Christopher Michael Sanders). Scene by scene, the misadventures of this curious trio leads to a string of hilarious and heartwarming moments.

While the madcap antics surely entertain, the movie also subtly provides important cultural insights. It appreciates the roots of its native Hawaiian characters in their truest form. The film deviates from tradition, focusing on the sisters holding their fort without any patriarchal stamp, and provides a glimpse into 'ohana,' the Hawaiian concept of unity and family.

Enhancing the movie's aesthetics is the reintroduction of watercolor backdrops for the characters by director-duo Chris Sanders and Dean Deblois. This, along with a gentle musical score by Alan Silvestri and Elvis Presley hits pepping up the soundscape rounds off a perfect paradise-like setting." - Maintains Michael Rechtshaffen in the original review published on June 17, 2002.