My art department partner in crime and I were discussing what is the *best* Disney movie. Dear Gawd, what a field. How can anyone hope to answer such a question? Her favorite is Lion King, and it’s pretty hard to argue against it, unless you like to be contrary for sport, as I do.
I am prepared to argue that Lilo and Stitch is the greatest (non-Pixar) Disney film ever. EVAR! I don’t even know why, except for the sheer gleeful would-take-it-to-a-desert-island love of it. I just say it, and it is trew.
Let’s not even talk about the deliciously innovative character design (oh, Mr. Sanders, so much love). Or the face-melting colours (so purty it needs an extra vowel) or the tasty vocal perfs. No, no, noes. Let us talk of naught but story, which features the following points of awesome:
- No bad guys – Every action of every character is motivated and relatable. PLUS the movie has such perfect authority over your expectations that when Jumba does his deus ex 180 at the end of the second act (“he is very persuasive”; YOU BUY IT. THAT IS AWESOME
- Hierarchy of hopes – You get a whole pile of wants for the characters — all duly felt, not just suggested. Instead of just one (“gee, I hope those cows save their farm”) you get like forty (“gee, I hope Lilo makes some friends. Forget that, I hope she stays with her sister. Forget that, I hope she stays on the planet!”) Stakes be gettin’ higher, people!
- Sympathies pay off with emotional investment – If you didn’t cry when Nani sings to Lilo in the hammock, cos she knows what’s going to happen but Lilo doesn’t, then I don’t know what to do with you.
There are more praises to praise, but I am super tie-tie and you should just watch it. Again. Right now.
In other news, here is a picture of Alan Tudyk with his shirt off. I DON’T KNOW WHY.
