Reel Critics

Van Novack

If you are a big fan of animation, as I am, the post “Little Mermaid”

boom in production of feature length cartoons has been a mixed blessing.

The resurgent popularity of animation has given us such gems as “Beauty

and the Beast” (the first and only animated Best Picture nominee), “The

Lion King” and “Aladdin.” Even noble failures such as “Final Fantasy”

were worth the effort. Unfortunately, the public’s hunger for animated

features has resulted in a glut of efforts best forgotten including

stretching already horrible Saturday morning cartoons into 90-minute

ordeals.

Disney, the founder and still king of feature length animation, has

been in somewhat of a rut lately. With the exception of some

collaborative efforts with Pixar (“Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.”), Disney

has been falling back on its laurels by playing it safe and producing

cutesy marginally successful films. However, I am pleased to report

Disney has thrown off the shackles of tradition and produced a

risk-taking and most pleasing effort in the current release “Lilo and

Stitch.”

This movie is the story of two outcasts, one desperately searching for

a sense of belonging, the other not even aware of this need. Stitch

(Chris Sanders) is an illegal genetic mutation created by the

self-proclaimed evil genius Jumba in a far-off galaxy. Stitch is

banished, but manages to escape to earth, specifically Hawaii.

Momentarily stunned due to an encounter with a truck, Stitch is taken to

the local animal shelter. Mistaken for a dog, he is adopted by Lilo

(Daveigh Chase) and her older sister Nani (Tia Carrere).

The plot, written by directors Dean Deblois and Chris Sanders, is

touching, funny and dramatic in just the right proportions. Additionally,

there are clever pop-culture references to such films as “Men in Black”

and “Godzilla.” The fairly complicated story moves right along and the

length (85 minutes) is perfect.

Bravo to Disney for producing a film with offbeat characters and a

fresh look that can be enjoyed by all ages.

* VAN NOVACK, 48, is the director of institutional research at Cal

State Long Beach.