Adventure
Comedy
Review: ‘Lilo & Stitch’ is a Wholesome and Endearing Family Adventure that Lives Up to the Legacy of the Original
May 21, 2025Ben MK
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When it comes to live-action remakes of their own beloved animated classics, Disney hasn't always had the best track record. And while modern-day reimaginings like Cinderella, Pete's Dragon and Cruella managed to win the acclaim of both critics and moviegoing audiences alike, the same can't be said of retellings like Dumbo, The Lion King and Aladdin. Still, despite the inconsistent box-office reception, that hasn't stopped the studio from digging deep into its back catalog to try and find old hits to turn into new live-action blockbusters. And with Lilo & Stitch, the House of Mouse is hoping to make the 24th time a charm, as it transforms directors Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois' charming 2002 fish-out-of-water tale into a fresh family favorite for a new generation. Starring newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo and with Sanders reprising his role as the voice of Stitch, the story follows six-year-old Lilo Pelekai and her older sister, Nani (Sydney Agudong), as they struggle to reshape their family dynamic in the wake of their parents' unexpected deaths. Both headstrong and strong-willed individuals, Lilo and Nani haven't always been able to see eye to eye. However, with Hawaiian social services sending a well-meaning case worker named Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) to visit their house on a regular basis, it's never been more important for these two siblings to present a united front. With the threat of separation looming over them if Nani isn't able to get their home in order and prove to the State that she's a fit guardian for Lilo, time definitely isn't on the sisters' side. But when Lilo spots what seems to be a shooting star crashing somewhere in the distance, they may just get a little help from an extraterrestrial visitor in search of a family to call his very own. Created by the mad alien scientist Dr. Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) as part of an unsanctioned genetic experiment to develop the ultimate biological weapon, Stitch — also known as Experiment 626 — didn't exactly leave the United Galactic Federation on good terms. For when Jumba was put on trial for his rogue experiments and the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) sentenced Stitch to be exiled forever, he chose to steal a police cruiser and make his way to Earth, rather than accept the fate dealt to him. Now, Stitch has been pursued across the galaxy to our planet by Jumba and a United Galactic Federation agent named Pleakley (Billy Magnussen), who are on a mission to capture Stitch and bring him back for re-sentencing. What Jumba and Pleakley didn't count on, though, was Stitch teaming up with his new human friends, not to mention Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance), a hard-nosed CIA agent who's on a mission of his own to investigate this alien invasion. Directed by Marcel the Shell with Shoes On's Dean Fleischer Camp, the result is a crowd-pleasing live-action remake that's essentially a beat-for-beat retelling of its animated predecessor. And although there are some slight alterations made from the original — such as a larger focus on Nani's character journey and some additional material for Jumba and Pleakley — those who fell in love with the 2002 version will have no trouble also feeling the same way about this 23-years-later reimagining. From the adorable duo of Kealoha and her computer-animated partner-in-crime to the comic relief provided by Galifianakis and Magnussen, there's plenty of family-friendly fun to be found in this new iteration. And when you factor in the film's messaging about belonging and unconditional love, it's a winning combination that's sure to garner the movie legions of new fans as well. Suffice to say, even viewers who are especially wary about Disney's efforts to replicate the success of their animated films are likely to have their hearts warmed by Lilo & Stitch. And for audiences who aren't familiar with the original, that sentiment holds doubly true. Either way, whether you're a newcomer or an ardent fan, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more wholesome and endearing family adventure. And as far as the genre is concerned, remake or not, that's more than enough reason to consider this mission accomplished. Lilo & Stitch releases May 23rd, 2025 from Walt Disney Studios. The film has an MPAA rating of PG for action, peril and thematic elements. Its runtime is 1 hr. 48 min. |
