Steve Hudson’s “Stitch Head” is a stop-motion animation comedy taking place in a world where monsters are created but instructed to not interact with easily scared humans.
Set in the town of Grubber’s Nubbin, the townfolk live in a simple environment but are aware of that giant castle on the hill where nefarious things are obviously taking place.
The title character, voiced by Asa Butterfield, is a creature with a stitched-together face that resembles a baseball or “Petey,” the dog from “The Little Rascals.” Stitch Head lives in the castle, the setting for “Almost Life,” where monsters are made regularly, then dismissed and forgotten by an overworked mad scientist.
Orientation for the newly created monsters is Stitch Head’s job, as he informs them to “stay hidden, stay quiet, stay safe.” All incoming creatures must live in the castle and never leave.
The story seems patched or, yes, stitched together from bits of “Monster’s Inc” (2001), “Igor” (2008) and any of the “Toy Story” films.
At the midpoint, Stitch Head meets a circus ringmaster who clearly wants to exploit him, a subplot handled far better in Guillermo del Toro’s wonderful “Pinocchio” (2022).
“Stitch Head” is a parable on growing up with a neglectful father and finding your own way in the world. The moments that lean into the emotional connections between the characters are nice, but there aren’t enough of those.
My nine-year-old, who loved this movie, asked me early on, “Is this by Tim Burton?” No, but it certainly looks and feels like it’s trying to merit the comparison. Based on the books by Guy Bass, “Stitch Head” covers material that was handled brilliantly in Burton’s “Frankenweenie” (both the original 1984 live action short film and the 2012 stop-motion animation version).
Hudson’s film is droll and made with skill (no cheap or slapdash animation in sight). The feelings evoked and the message of “letting out your inner monster” are sincere.
Late in the film, there’s a clever bit, better seen than described, with footage shown backwards. However, “Stitch Head” has an eventful but uninvolving second act and feels like it loses its way by the third act. The deadpan throwaway jokes work best, like a villains’ comeuppance that is presented as a visual set to a tune by Air Supply.
There are mild chuckles throughout, but it peaks early and is never all that funny. Of the cluster of newly made monsters, Skater Dog is my favorite, though he needed more screen time.
The songs are just okay – I wanted to embrace the musical interludes, but these are the kind of songs you forget as you listen to them.
A big plus is that, unlike most CGI animated films that aim to recapture the look of stop-motion animation, “Stitch Head” is not frantic and full of pop culture references. Another rarity-it also uses Strauss’ “Blue Danube” waltz for poignancy and not a punchline.
As alternate fare for a movie opening on Halloween weekend, it’s a fine bet for children. Anyone old enough to know the lyrics to “What’s This” may grow impatient.
Nevertheless, in a weird weekend that also sees the rerelease of the it-never-went-away blockbuster “Back to the Future” (1985) and theaters showcasing the likes of “Black Phone 2” and “Shelby Oaks” for horror fanatics, “Stitch Heads” is a good pick for the kids. At least, until they’re old enough to see the movie where Jack Skellington slides down the chimney dressed as Santa Claus and gives a boy a severed head.
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Two Stars (out of four)