Absolutely beaming with vibrant energy and heartfelt emotion, Lilo and Stitch makes a triumphant return in this dazzling live-action reimagining. It captures the chaotic charm and tender core of the beloved 2002 animated classic and recreates it for a new generation. Guided by director Dean Fleischer Camp, this iteration delivers a delightfully mischievous, touching, and culturally resonant story of found family, loss, and connection that’s as much for new audiences as it is for nostalgic fans.
Mischief, Grief, and Unbreakable Bonds
From the moment Stitch crash lands into Lilo’s life, the film explodes with adorable chaos. Whether it’s Lilo’s precocious behavior or Stitch\’s gleeful destruction, the energy is electric and endlessly entertaining. Yet, beneath the slapstick surface lies a heavy family drama, made heartbreakingly real by the story of Lilo and her older sister Nani. Tragedy leaves them to fend for themselves after their parents’ death. The film manages to balance the madness of an alien experiment gone rogue with a deeply human story about grief, responsibility, and sisterly love. It’s emotional, funny, and uplifting—an expansion of ohana that will resonate with all ages.
A Color Explosion Worthy of the Original
Visually, this is hands down the most perfectly colored of all Disney’s live-action remakes. The palette practically bursts off the screen, capturing the sunny vibrance of Hawai’i and echoing the watercolor warmth of the original. The lush greens, ocean blues, and Stitch’s unmistakable electric hue create a stunning, immersive world that makes the fantastical elements feel grounded in reality while still buzzing with imagination.
While I personally loved the vibrant and powerfully saturated scenes of Snow White, especially in contrast to other Disney live-action adaptations, it has never been done quite right in any of them, until now. Lilo and Stitch strikes the perfect balance, capturing the natural colorful aspects of the real world and translating the vibrance of the explosive colors of the animated version.
It has been lacking-to-fine in the previous films. But it wasn\’t something I realized really made a lasting impact until now. I enjoyed the other films, but I never wanted or cared to revisit them. I am certain I will watch this film multiple times, this year alone, and I have seen the animated versions of all these films multiple times.
Lilo and Stitch Cast Balances Chaos and Heart
The performances are stellar. Newcomer Maia Kealoha is an absolute revelation as Lilo—quirky, fierce, vulnerable, and full of charm. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong as Nani delivers a heartfelt, emotionally grounded performance, and the chemistry between the sisters feels utterly authentic. Their scenes tug at your heart and anchor the emotional weight of the story. Their perfect reimagination of the yelling scene will immediately win everyone over, if for some odd reason they haven\’t been won over already.
Zach Galifianakis adds levity as Jumba, though his performance is fun, it is sternly different than the iconic cartoon version. Galfianakis lacks unforgettable accent and natural obliviousness of David Ogden Stiers\’ take. It is a retooled character and he admirably fits the new take, but after decades of the original, it is personally hard to not compare and let go.
Billy Magnussen’s take on Pleakley brings a different, but still amusing energy. Wonderfully elevating the cycloptic alien\’s love of Earth and charmingly misinterprets our customs. Together with Galifianakis, they make a wonderful clashing duo.
Outside of original Ohana, the film’s most delightful surprise is Tūtū, played with warmth and wisdom by Amy Hill. A character unique to this adaptation, Tūtū brings a calming and wise presence and layers of generational connection to the story. Hill’s performance is subtle yet powerful, infusing each scene with a cultural reverence and familial grounding that beautifully deepens the film’s emotional core. She\’s also hilarious and badass; rolling into and out of scenes on an ATV is a choice that initially makes no sense but instantly makes the most sense.
Stitch Looks Incredible—and So Does the Film
At its core, this Lilo and Stitch revamp is all about magic: the magic of family, the magic of growth, and the magic of a little blue alien who teaches everyone what it truly means to belong. Stitch looks incredible—his design is both faithful and enhanced, making him feel real enough to hug. The seamless blend of CG and practical effects, enhanced by incredible sound design, brings his every movement and emotion to life.
Any lingering reservations are easily overshadowed by the sheer love poured into every frame and matched with the love infused into every note. The updated songs are a surprisingly delightful treat—quirkier and bolder than the recent run of Disney’s live-action adaptations. They may not be classic earworms yet, but they confidently carve out their own identity and add an offbeat spirit that aligns beautifully with the film\’s heart and humor.
Nostalgia With a Twist (and a Few Changes)
One of the boldest changes in this version is the omission of the original film\’s primary antagonist. While it allows for more focus on the family and Stitch\’s integration into their world, it does leave the story with a slightly less urgent sense of external conflict. To be honest, it makes perfect sense, but it isn\’t one of my favorite decisions. But I have a Lorcana deck featuring the omitted character, so I am definitely biased.
The change does work, and with the nice little nod to the other 625 experiments, there is definitely room to reintroduce the character in the future. And with the strong lasting impact that I can only describe as Disney Magic, that feeling of warm fuzziness that also makes me want to buy merch, the potential of sticking with this version of the franchise seems high.
Lilo and Stitch is a New Classic for a New Generation
Ultimately, the film honors the legacy of its predecessor while bringing the magic to a wider, more modern audience. It may not be for everyone—and yes, some will prefer the original—but the heart, soul, and unmistakable Disney charm are all here. Lilo and Stitch is a joyous return to a beloved story that will undoubtedly spark box office success and an even bigger wave of merchandise (as it should). It\’s sweet, silly, heartfelt chaos—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
For reintroducing Disney Magic, wonderfully expanding on an iconic property, and leaning into the obvious commercial opportunities, I give Lilo and Stitch an
8/10
Lilo and Stitch opens in theaters nationwide on May 23, 2025.
About Lilo and Stitch
U.S. Release: May 23, 2025
Directed by: Dean Fleischer Camp
Screenplay by: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes
Produced by: Jonathan Eirich, p.g.a., Dan Lin
Executive Producers: Tom Peitzman, Ryan Halprin, Louie Provost, Thomas Schumacher,
Cast: Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, introducing Maia Kealoha
SYNOPSIS
“Lilo & Stitch,” the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugi3ve alien who helps to mend her broken family, will open exclusively in theaters May 23, 2025. A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic, \”Lilo & Stitch” is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, the Oscar®-nominated filmmaker behind the animated feature film “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” with a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, and stars Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, with Courtney B. Vance, and Zach Galifianakis, and introducing Maia Kealoha.
Are you ready to meet the galaxy’s most adorable menace all over again?- What live-action change are you most curious or concerned about?- Will Lilo and Stitch win your heart again—or for the first time? Let me know in the comments or @me
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