Stitch Head (2025) Briarcliff/Comedy-Horror RT: 89 minutes Rated PG (action, thematic elements, mild rude humor) Director: Steve Hudson Screenplay: Steve Hudson Music: Nick Urata Release date: October 29, 2025 (US) Cast: Asa Butterfield, Joel Fry, Tia Bannon, Seth Usdenov, Rob Brydon, Alison Steadman, Fern Brady, Jamali Maddix.
Rating: ** ½
I’m writing my review of the new computer-animated film Stitch Head one day after I saw it and three days after it opened. To date, it hasn’t even grossed $1M. I’m surprised and I’m not. I thought it would do a little better due to it being Halloween. On the other hand, it’s not from a major studio like Disney and I haven’t seen much in the way of marketing. It might find an audience next year on digital or streaming, but that’s never a given.
I never heard of Stitch Head until I saw the poster at my favorite AMC theater. It’s based on a series of children’s books by Guy Bass. Apparently, they’re quite popular with the younger set. That doesn’t surprise me. Kids like scary stories. How many Goosebumps books have there been? How many copies have been sold or checked out of the library? A lot, that’s how many.
ANYWAY, let’s get down to the business at hand. I wasn’t exactly enthused about Stitch Head. I considered skipping it. But then I thought it might be fun indulging in a silly animated comedy-horror aimed at kids for Halloween. So I ordered a ticket and donned my Halloween II T-shirt (1981 version, of course). I have to admit the experience wasn’t painful. It’s not too bad. It’s nothing special either. I’ll put it this way; Corpse Bride and ParaNorman have nothing to fear.
The story centers on Stitch Head (Butterfield, Hugo), a small creature stitched together by a mad scientist monster maker (comedian Brydon) in a creepy-looking castle high on a hill. He feels unseen by his creator which he is because the guy is always bringing a new creation to life. He barely notices SH who assists him every step of the way.
The latest addition to the ever-growing family of monsters is Creature (Fry, Cruella), a big, furry, one-eyed lug with a human arm sticking out of his chest. SH’s job is to welcome the new monsters and explain the rules to them, the main one being “stay hidden, stay quiet, stay safe”. They’re a sweet and friendly bunch conditioned to be fearful of the humans living in the town below, a place called Grubbers Nubbin. Likewise, the humans are afraid of their monster neighbors.
One day, a traveling circus rolls into town. The ringmaster is a villainous sort named Fulbert Freakfinder (Usdenov) who’s looking for a way to turn his failing freak show into a success. That’s when he comes across Stitch Head who, feeling neglected, decides to leave the castle for fame and attention as the new star of FF’s show. He becomes a star, but he’s not really happy. Arabella (Bannon, Maintenance Required), a lonely little girl from town, befriends him because she recognizes a kindred spirit. The pair, along with Creature who leaves the castle to bring his best friend home, team up to help SH escape from the sinister clutches of FF.
Directed by Steve Hudson (True North), Stitch Head isn’t exceptional in any way. The storyline, especially the “who are the real monsters?” angle, is standard stuff. Although the creature design is pretty cool, the computer-animation is just passable. It isn’t anything we haven’t seen before. The songs (oh yeah, it’s also a musical) are completely forgettable. It has a few chuckles and a big heart, but it doesn’t stand out in any particular way.
To its credit, Stitch Head did hold my attention for the most part. The voice talents, Butterfield and Fry in particular, do a fine job. Butterfield projects sadness and naivety as the kind but sad title character. He’s like a blend of Pinocchio and Frankenstein’s monster. Fry gives off good vibes as the sweet big lug of a monster. Nobody phones it in here even though they could have done so easily.
Now for the million dollar question: do I recommend Stitch Head? As always, it’s a matter of economics. Do you really want to drop nearly $100 (admission and concessions) taking your kids to such an inconsequential movie? You’re better off waiting a few weeks and ordering it on digital for your kids and their cousins or friends. Pop some corn in the kitchen and you’re all set. That’s my recommendation.
