Critics’ reviews

Lilo & Stitch (2002)

11 reviews from 11 publications. Critics’ score 70: 6 positive, 4 mixed, 1 negative.

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70
Positive
6
Mixed
4
Negative
1

Most critics respond warmly to Lilo & Stitch, with praise clustering around its Hawaiian setting, watercolour backgrounds and unlikely central friendship. The animation’s inviting atmosphere earns repeated approval, while several reviews find the culturally specific setting a refreshing change of pace for Disney. The stronger notices also value the film’s modest scale and emotional warmth, finding believable characters and mature themes beneath the alien mischief. Stitch’s wit and distinctive design attract praise too.

The spread is fairly wide, with humour and consistency dividing opinion more than the artwork. Total Film enjoys the adventure but finds weaknesses in the plot and comedy, judging it better suited to children than adults. Eye for Film admires the sharp script while finding the energy and emotional restraint uneven. The Guardian is the clearest dissent, acknowledging the cheerful tone but finding the film disappointing. The consensus is favourable, though enthusiasm is far from uniform.

Slant Magazine
19 June 2002 · ★★★½/4 · Ed Gonzalez
88

Gonzalez finds the film warm, intimate, and subversive, ultimately praising its heartfelt message. He singles out the lovingly rendered island rhythms and cultural influences, along with Stitch’s sharp wit.

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The Hollywood Reporter
17 June 2002 · Michael Rechtshaffen
85*

The critic finds the film fresh and delightful, praising its energetic humor and emotional warmth. He singles out the vivid watercolor backgrounds and the film’s culturally specific Hawaiian setting.

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Variety
16 June 2002 · Todd McCarthy
80*

McCarthy finds the film a refreshing, agreeably modest change of pace for Disney animation. He especially praises its lovely watercolor backgrounds, which give the film an inviting atmosphere.

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Empire
1 January 2000 · William Thomas
75*

Thomas finds the film enjoyable, with its sentiment made more effective by mature themes and believable characters. He particularly praises the confident animation and Elvis songs, while noting that the alien captors provide fewer laughs than intended.

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RogerEbert.com
21 June 2002 · ★★★/4 · Roger Ebert
75

Ebert gives the film a positive review. He singles out its distinctive Hawaiian setting and endearing characters.

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The New York Times
21 June 2002 · Elvis Mitchell
70*

Mitchell’s review is positive about the film. It highlights the Hawaiian setting and the unlikely friendship at its center.

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Screen Daily
2 July 2002 · Jonathan Romney
64*

The page identifies this as a review, but the review itself is inaccessible. Its verdict and any specific praise or criticism cannot be determined from the available text.

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Time Out
· DA
64*

The page identifies this as a film review, but its verdict is not visible in the accessible material. The available text describes Lilo's conflict with her sister but offers no discernible praise or complaint.

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Total Film
4 October 2002 · ★★★ · Total Film
60

The review finds it an enjoyable sci-fi adventure, though aimed more at children than adults. It praises Stitch’s design and the film’s warm, inventive watercolour backgrounds, while noting shortcomings in the plot and comedy.

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The Guardian
· Peter Bradshaw
40*

Bradshaw finds the film cheerful but below par. He praises its cheerful tone while judging the feature cartoon disappointing overall.

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Eye for Film
3 October 2002 · Angus Wolfe Murray
65*

The critic finds the film subversive, sharp and witty, though its energy and emotional restraint come and go. He praises the lively script and the unlikely friendship at its center.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate