Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch (PG, 2005)

Lilo, the seven-year-old who worships Elvis Presley, and Stitch, her alien best friend who everyone seems to think is a dog, are preparing for the big hula competition. But Stitch starts to have strange dreams, and then fits of bad behavior that become quite destructive, and rather frightening. It turns out that his molecules weren't fully charged when Dr. Jumba created him, and now his circuits are going haywire. If he doesn't get into the special chamber Jumba creates out of various household appliances, he'll die.

LILO AND STITCH 2: STITCH HAS A GLITCH has the charm and humor of the original, thanks to a good script, excellent animation and fine work by the actors. Given that this is a Disney film, it's pretty clear how things will turn out, but there are some bumps in the road that are quite moving, and may be upsetting for young children. There are also some very funny moments, especially when Lilo and Stitch are trying to come up with a theme for their hula – Vampire bats! Recycling! But with a little help from the guiding spirit of Elvis, they find their story.

This is a lovely tale of friendship and family, with some refreshingly realistic scenes of less than perfect life at home with kids, aliens, and boyfriends all adding to the chaos. It's great family viewing, reminding us of the sometimes crazy bonds that hold us together.