Dallas Film Now.

Asa Butterfield leads the voice cast in the splendid animated adventure. 

Like the eldest child in a large family, Stitch Head (voiced by Asa Butterfield), must look after his younger brothers and sisters. The only thing is: they’re all monsters. 

In their speech and conduct, however, the monsters are not monstrous. They are all creatures who were created by a mad professor intent on creating things without much regard for the consequences, much like the mad doctor in Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein; Mary Shelley’s original novel is an obvious and acknowledged inspiration. 

Written for the screen and directed by Steve Hudson, adapting a graphic novel by Guy Bass, Stitch Head follows the titular character’s delightful adventures as he endeavors to protect the creatures, less from their own monstrous inclinations than from the local village’s townspeople, who are constantly suspicious of the goings-on at the mysterious castle, and dubious that the creatures are as harmless as they claim. 

Even though the narrative arc, what makes Stitch Head consistently enjoyable is its generous leavening of humor. Barely a scene goes by without a whimsical sight gag or genuinely clever line of dialogue, drolly delivered by a variety of the creatures.

Visually, the animated backgrounds are gorgeous. Each character is given differing characteristics to distinguish them from one another and, again, the animation truly gives them life. 

It’s always a pleasure when an animated film treats its audience with respect in its storytelling, as well as its kindly, indulgent attitude toward its characters. They never mean to cause any harm to ordinary people; they are cheerful and always a treat to spend time with them. That makes Stitch Head eminently worthwhile for all ages.   

The film is now playing in select area theaters via Briarcliff Entertainment.  For locations and showtimes, visit the official site.