THERE is only one notable release in Australian cinemas this week, though it’s likely to be on a fair few “Top 10” lists come the end of 2025.
Lilo & Stitch gets the live-action adaptation treatment from Disney.
It follows the adventures of the alien “Experiment 626” after he crashes in Hawaii and is adopted by an orphaned child and her older sister.
The original animated film had been developed as a sort of “second-run” feature to the film that Disney had expected to be a major success in 2002, Treasure Planet.
As it turned out, that film was viewed as a disappointment while Lilo & Stitch became a phenomenal hit – a scenario that looks set to be repeated following the recent relative box-office failure of Snow White.
The director of the original film, Chris Sanders, lends his voice once again to Stitch, the impossibly strong, indestructible, ridiculously cute yet mischievous metaphor for neuro-diverse children.
While newcomer Maia Kealoha plays Lilo, an imaginative, occasionally rebellious child who delights in the natural world while coming to terms with the loss of her parents.
This film is a surefire family night out, with hilarity, tenderness, adventure and heart that will appeal to even the cynical teens.
Plus Stitch is basically a blue Koala; as Aussies we’re obligated to support this one.
By Lindsay HALL
