It’s inevitable. With every new live-action remake released by Disney, the same cycle of controversy, ridiculous boycotts, and deafening noise from hate groups and internet users who can’t handle any deviation from the established norm repeats itself – even if that “norm” is just their highly romanticized childhood memories. Casting choices, minor story changes, completely decontextualized interview quotes… anything becomes an excuse to attack and spread fraudulent online reviews that say more about those voting than about the films themselves.
The truth is that, against all expectations and prejudices, many of these remakes have turned out to be pleasant surprises, with some even surpassing the originals – just ask The Jungle Book (2016), The Little Mermaid (2023), or even the recent Snow White. And now it’s Lilo & Stitch‘s turn, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, to prove that there’s still room for heartfelt, emotional reinterpretations within the House of Mouse. With a script by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, this adaptation stays faithful to the spirit of the 2002 original, though perhaps it plays things a little too safe…
The central narrative remains unchanged: Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a quirky and lonely Hawaiian girl, crosses paths with Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), a runaway alien experiment who becomes her unlikely best friend. Together, they face threats both earthly and intergalactic while learning the true meaning of “ohana” – “family”, meaning no one gets left behind or forgotten.
Personally, expectations were fairly high for this Lilo & Stitch, mainly due to the choice of Camp as director – whose sensitivity, creativity, and tenderness in Marcel the Shell with Shoes On made him a perfect fit to explore the emotional core of this remake. And in that regard, the gamble pays off. Camp strikes a notable balance between humor and heart, never losing sight of the importance of the main characters’ bond.
Kealoha is, quite simply, a revelation. The young actress embodies Lilo with authenticity, sweetness, and irresistible chaotic energy. Natural in front of the camera, Kealoha captures childlike joy in a way rarely seen in actors her age. Alongside her, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong plays Nani with moving emotional depth – the older sister desperately trying to keep her family together after their parent’s death. Her performance overflows with responsibility, frustration, and love in equal measure.
The supporting cast in Lilo & Stitch is sizable, but it’s hard not to highlight Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) as Dr. Jumba and Billy Magnussen (Road House) as Agent Pleakley. They serve as effective comic relief – more restrained and admittedly different from the animated original, but still maintaining the characters’ peculiar charm.
However, the true technical marvel of the movie lies in the digital creation of Stitch. The visual effects are absolutely stunning. The alien creature feels tangible, with a dangerously adorable, realistic texture that immediately sparks the urge to hug him. Every facial expression, droopy ears, or puppy eyes carry surprising emotional weight. It’s nearly impossible not to pout or hold back tears during Stitch’s loneliest and most confused moments in the human world. Sanders’ voice work – carried over from the original film – remains excellent, reinforcing the familiarity and identity of the beloved blue “monster.”
Narratively, Lilo & Stitch doesn’t introduce drastic changes to how the story unfolds. The structure is nearly identical, with slight tweaks in the execution of certain scenes, either to better suit live-action storytelling or to meet modern audience expectations. Some secondary characters were removed or had their roles adjusted, but none of this disrupts the story’s cohesion or shifts focus away from what truly matters: the relationship between Lilo and Stitch.
One of the more common strengths in these new versions is the deeper exploration of universal themes already present in the originals. Here, those themes include childhood loneliness, grief, the search for belonging, prejudice against those who are different, and above all, the value of family. That said, Lilo & Stitch doesn’t go much further in exploring Lilo’s inner void or the way Stitch fills that space, instead repeating most original scenes without much creative reimagining.
Even so, as someone who sees pets – especially dogs – as a limitless source of love and personal growth, I deeply appreciate the renewed emphasis on the importance of having an “all-love friend” at home. The bond forged between the two characters remains one of the most purely human elements in a story of this kind.
There’s also a clear intention to modernize certain aspects without compromising the essence of the narrative. Lilo & Stitch shows a genuine affection for local culture, whether through music, setting, or its portrayal of family and community dynamics. It’s a celebration of Hawaiian identity, with space for humor, affection, and moments of pure alien weirdness that are part of the movie’s charm.
Of course, there will always be those who refuse to engage with this type of remake, clinging to prejudices or unfounded beliefs about “tradition” or “loyalty to the original.” But it’s precisely in moments like these that it becomes important to distinguish between honest criticism – for better or worse – and reactions driven by irrational hatred. There’s only one real way to know whether you like a film or not: go to the theater and give a genuine chance to the people who poured their heart into creating something memorable.
Final Thoughts on Lilo & Stitch
Lilo & Stitch is one of Disney’s most adorable, emotionally sincere live-action remakes to date. With charming performances – protect Maia Kealoha at all costs – an incredibly cute Stitch, and a heart as big as the world, Dean Fleischer Camp proves that there’s room for new versions when they’re made with soul and purpose. The human-alien relationship remains the driving force of a simple yet deeply moving story that reminds us of the true meaning of “ohana”. It’s not perfect, but like its protagonists, it’s perfectly imperfect. And that’s enough.
Rating: B
Lilo & Stitch is now in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to get tickets, at the official website.
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