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Many Disney enthusiasts greet the studio’s continuous flow of live-action adaptations with a fair amount of doubt. After all, why tamper with a timeless tale? Indeed, these animated films are often seen as classics, and _Lilo & Stitch_ (2002) is no exception. This sci-fi comedy about a solitary, ostracized young girl and the problematic alien experiment she takes in as a “dog” after he crash lands on earth struck a chord with viewers of all ages from the get-go.

Although certain ideas might have been better kept as brainstorms, the 2025 version of “Lilo & Stitch” is not one that should have been left behind. This heartwarming and visually stunning film honors its predecessor and expands upon it, making a compelling case for its creation unlike any other Disney remake. In some respects, it may even surpass the original movie.

Lilo & Stitch Demonstrates Top-Tier Animation Technology

Animated Characters Blend Seamlessly With the Live-Action Actors

Disney has employed digital animation in previous remakes, such as The Lion King, but Lilo & Stitch presents a unique challenge. The relationship between Lilo and Stitch is central to the film, with their growing bond humanizing Stitch, who is typically destructive. This emotional bond forms the core of the story’s emotional journey. Essentially, viewers must feel convinced that they are witnessing two characters forming a deep connection and becoming each other’s family – or ‘ohana’ – for the narrative to resonate effectively.

The first significant instance of blending animation and live-action performances extensively can undoubtedly be traced back to . The technology employed in the 1988 film was truly groundbreaking at that time, earning its classic status. However, the immersive experience offered by Lilo & Stitch takes it to a whole new level. This technology is simply outstanding, and there isn’t a moment when Stitch appears anything less than real. The reported $100 million investment to produce this movie was undoubtedly well-spent.

In addition to Stitch, the movie features an interesting plot twist: Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis, who voice the characters Pleakley and Jumba, respectively (two aliens tasked with retrieving Experiment 626 from Earth), occasionally appear in their real, alien forms throughout the film. These instances, called “slippages,” where the characters momentarily transform back into aliens before returning to human form, are smoothly executed and used humorously.

This plot device additionally lends itself to some hilarious physical humor, especially from Magnussen. His character is delightful, being both sincere yet somewhat dim-witted, an extraterrestrial student of Earth fabrics. He makes an excellent counterpart to Jumba.

The Lilo & Stitch Cast Is Flawless Across the Board

Several Voice Actors From the Original Also Appear

In the movie, though Magnussen stands out, it’s the captivating performance of newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo that truly steals the show. Performing alongside an imaginary character at just six years old is an extraordinary debut for any actor, but especially for a young talent like her.

Lilo is a deeply moving character; she’s an orphaned, lonely child yearning for acceptance, and Kealoha brilliantly captures each emotional moment. The film emphasizes Lilo’s challenging behavior due to her past struggles, with the message that people aren’t inherently evil, they merely make mistakes sometimes. This lesson is beautifully conveyed as Lilo teaches it to Stitch. There’s a poignant scene early on where a hurt Lilo makes a poor choice and lashes out. Kealoha skillfully portrays every subtle emotion in Lilo, making her a character you quickly empathize with and hope for the best.

As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that beyond Kealoha, there’s no flaw to be found in this stellar ensemble. Chris Sanders, the mastermind behind the original “Lilo & Stitch,” pours just as much emotion into this live-action adaptation as the animated classic. It’s a testament to the talent and passion of Sanders that he was invited back for this project. Intriguingly, Sanders conceived Stitch as early as 1985, and it’s evident that the character remains close to his heart.

In addition to Sanders, other familiar faces are back in the sequel. Amy Hill takes a significant part as Tutu, the neighbor of Lilo and Nani, who plays an essential role in their family, often referred to as their extended family or “ohana”. Tia Carrere, known for voicing Nani in the first film, returns as Mrs. Kekoa, a major character who initially monitors Lilo’s well-being at the beginning of the movie. This new character was specifically created for this remake and serves a different role compared to Cobra Bubbles from the original version.

Regarding Cobra Bubbles, Courtney B. Vance delivers a solid performance with some amusing scenes sprinkled in. His character doesn’t make an appearance until later in the film due to Mrs. Kekoa’s creation, but his late entry proves beneficial as it allows Carrere to contribute significantly to the movie.

In a brief appearance, Jason Scott Lee, who originally voiced Nani’s boyfriend David, makes a cameo. Unlike Hill and Carrere, his role isn’t substantial, but it’s a delightful nod to fans of the first film.

Sydney Elizabeth Ekanoye, portraying Lilo’s sister Nani, delivers a remarkable performance. Her acting is poignant as she depicts a teenager suddenly tasked with parental responsibilities. The updated adaptation thoughtfully highlights how Nani’s personal tragedy—she too has lost her parents—has shaped her and her bond with Lilo. In the remake, Nani’s character development underscores one of the film’s most powerful aspects.

Lilo & Stitch Makes Some Significant Changes to the Original

Most of These Changes Actually Improve the Story

In the remake, Nani is given more attention compared to her original portrayal. Although she was a significant character in the first version, she played a supporting role. However, in this new version, Nani stands alongside Lilo and Stitch as one of the main characters. The narrative seems to be just as much about Nani as it is about either of them.

Balancing Nani’s character development with the main characters in the film’s title was a delicate task, but the writers managed it brilliantly. Expanding Nani’s backstory and making her struggle to care for Lilo without neglecting her own storyline was beneficial to the movie. This approach resulted in some powerful emotional moments and culminated in an ending that was unique from the original, yet satisfying.

In the storyline, Nani isn’t the sole character undergoing changes; there have been rumors about other shifts as well, causing some fans to speculate who the main adversary could be. Interestingly, Jumba has assumed this role, adding an intriguing twist to the plot, as Zach Galifianakis brings a fresh take on villainy to life.

Additionally, it significantly strengthens Stitch’s narrative and intensifies the themes of family and upbringing. Before meeting Lilo, Jumba essentially served as Stitch’s sole “family”, but his role was more akin to a creator rather than a traditional parent figure. It should be noted that Jumba didn’t engage in conventional parenting; instead, he primarily showed Stitch how to behave mischievously.

This new take on “Lilo & Stitch” shouldn’t be seen as a substitute for the original film; instead, it serves to enrich and expand upon the story in an unprecedented way among Disney remakes. The 2002 movie remains a must-watch, but this adaptation offers a heartwarming, humorous, and enjoyable experience suitable for both children and adults.

Lilo & Stitch is in theaters May 23.

2025-05-20 20:32