Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
I'm not usually a fan of live-action Disney remakes. More often than not, they feel like a shallow cash grab, taking the original script, adding one new song and calling it a movie. It's rarely a true reinvention or even necessary.
That said, I've always liked the animated "Lilo and Stitch" from 2002. So, when I heard about the live-action version, I figured I'd give it a shot.
I didn't have high expectations, but surprisingly, this new "Lilo and Stitch" managed to exceed them. While it's not a perfect film, it delivered enough heart and fun to make it a worthwhile experience.
The Good
A fun cast and solid performances
One of the film's highlights is the cast. A live-action remake of "Lilo and Stitch" could have easily fallen flat if the performances didn't live up to the beloved characters, but thankfully the principal cast made it work.
Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen brought a lot of charm to the roles of Jumba and Pleakley. Their comedic timing was on point, and they played off each other really well, creating some of the film's best moments.
I also really enjoyed the performances of other supporting characters. Amy Hill as the neighbor, Tutu, is a delightful addition, bringing a grounded, quirky energy to the film. Sydney Agudong is a solid Nani, bringing more depth to the character than she has in the original animated version. But the standout here, and the one who truly steals the show, was Maia Kealoha.
This young actress isn't even 10 years old, and she absolutely nailed the role of Lilo. She is sweet, mischievous and has a natural charm that makes her performance feel effortless. It's not easy to pull off a character like Lilo, especially when you're that young, but Kealoha does it brilliantly. Her chemistry with Stitch is fantastic, making their interactions the heart of the movie.
The cherry on top? Chris Sanders, the voice of the original Stitch, returns to reprise his role. His voice brings so much life to Stitch, and getting him back was a great choice. Sanders isn't just the voice, though; he was also a co-writer and co-director of the original film, and his return adds an extra layer of authenticity to the remake.
It's silly, absurd and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny
One of the most notable aspects of "Lilo and Stitch" is its sense of humor. The original film was absurd, and its comedy was one of its defining traits. Thankfully, the live-action version doesn't stray too far from that. The film is full of completely over-the-top moments — and that's exactly why it works. There's no way anyone could mistake Stitch for a dog, but that's part of the fun.
I found myself laughing out loud several times, but my 8-year-old was really in stitches (pun intended) throughout most of the movie. The film's comedy has a nice balance of absurdity and heart, and the set-ups and performances from the cast ensure the jokes land more often than not. Sure, not every joke was a hit, but with veterans like Galifianakis and Magnussen showing off their experience, there were plenty of laughs to keep the audience engaged.
The story about family still works
At its core, "Lilo and Stitch" is about family, or Ohana, if you prefer, and this remake stays true to that. The emotional beats still land, and the film's focus on the bond between Lilo and Nani is as effective as ever.
The filmmakers made some smart choices in developing Nani's character further. The stakes feel higher in this version, and the relationship between the two sisters feels more real and grounded. It's not just a plot device to drive the story forward; it's a core part of the film that really tugs at the heartstrings.
There's enough new material in the remake to keep things interesting without straying too far from the original concept. While the basic premise is the same, the way the live-action story is told feels fresh enough to keep the viewer engaged.
The addition of some new characters and tweaks to the existing ones gives the film its own identity, allowing it to feel like more than just a shot-for-shot remake.
The not-so-good
Missed opportunities and familiar beats
As much as I enjoyed the film, there are still some missteps. A few moments fall flat, especially during some of the more overused tropes we've seen in many Disney remakes. Some of the comedic bits feel a bit too forced or predictable, and some of the emotional beats could've been a little stronger.
There are also a few points where the pacing slows down and it feels like the film is treading familiar water, particularly during some of the more action-heavy moments that feel like repetitions of what we've seen before in the original.
But despite these minor flaws, the film doesn't overstay its welcome. It never drags too much, and the fun, heartwarming moments ultimately outweigh the predictable ones.
Conclusion
The live-action "Lilo and Stitch" isn't without flaws, but it's much more enjoyable than I expected. The cast is solid, the humor is on point and the heart of the story is just as effective as in the original. While it's not a perfect film, and there are some moments that feel a bit familiar, it still manages to stand on its own as a fun, heartwarming movie that works for the whole family.
If you were skeptical about this remake like I was, I'd recommend giving it a shot. It may not be a masterpiece, but it's a solid, fun time that still manages to capture the spirit of the original. If nothing else, Maia Kealoha's performance as Lilo is worth the watch.
"Lilo and Stitch" is officially rated PG for thematic elements, some peril and mild language.
