In Disney’s expanding collection of live-action remakes, Lilo & Stitch (2025), directed by Dean Fleischer Camp (known for the delightful Marcel the Shell with Shoes On), arrives as a heartfelt, though sometimes uneven, entry. This adaptation successfully captures the whimsy, emotion, and undeniable charm of the original. While not entirely immune to the common issues of these latest live action remakes, it ultimately delivers a touching story brimming with imagination and endearing moments
Sticking closely to the 2002 animated classic, the film follows the misadventures of Lilo, a lonely young girl coping with the loss of her parents, and Stitch (Experiment 626), a genetically engineered alien built for chaos. What elevates this version is how earnestly it leans into the emotional weight of Lilo and her older sister Nani’s circumstances. Camp’s direction brings grief to the forefront, making Stitch more than just a mischievous oddity—he becomes a symbol of healing and connection.
Maia Kealoha gives an impressive performance as Lilo, capturing the character’s quirky defiance and deep sadness. Her portrayal adds nuance to a figure that could easily come across as bratty. Kealoha allows us to see the wound behind the outbursts, grounding her behaviour in genuine pain. Sydney Agudong, as Nani, balances frustration with love, portraying a young woman forced into adulthood too soon. Her dynamic with Kealoha is the film’s emotional anchor, radiating sisterly affection and tension in equal measure.
Visually, Stitch has been lovingly rendered in 3D—realistic enough to feel tangible, but still irresistibly huggable. Voiced once again by Chris Sanders, Stitch retains his quirky charm and guttural humour, with moments of unexpected vulnerability that tug at the heartstrings. When he solemnly utters, “Stitch bad,” the emotional punch is hard to ignore.
The supporting cast also shines. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen are riotous as the extraterrestrial odd couple Dr. Jumba and Agent Pleakley, bringing a campy charm that provides some much-needed levity. Meanwhile, Courtney B. Vance lends gravitas to Cobra Bubbles, now a stern CIA agent, while Tia Carrere reappears in a new role as a compassionate social worker, offering a touching link to the original.
However, the film does occasionally feel overstuffed. Its efforts to deepen the emotional material sometimes weigh down the momentum, especially in the final act, which trades the original’s action-packed climax for a more introspective, slower-paced resolution. The shift isn’t without merit, but it may underwhelm those expecting fireworks.
The true star, however, may be Hawaii itself. The live-action format allows the natural beauty of the islands to shine like never before. From surfing scenes to quiet family moments framed by lush landscapes, the setting feels alive—an essential character in the story. The soundtrack, steeped in island tradition, adds another layer of authenticity and warmth.
In the end, this Lilo & Stitch may not match the animated original’s wild energy or cultural impact, but it succeeds in telling a gentler, more grounded story about love, loss, and finding home. Ohana means family, and this film holds that spirit close—even if it occasionally stumbles along the way.
