Alas, another Disney live-action remake of one of their beloved animated classics. This time, the destruction-inducing blue alien from Planet Turo gets the treatment. But truth be told, “Lilo & Stitch” isn’t a terrible addition to this list that Disney is stacking up. In fact, it is honestly good! Now don’t hear what I’m not saying; this isn’t a GREAT film. But how can it be that I love the original movie, and yet I don’t love this one?
“Lilo & Stitch” (2025) Review: MORE WORDS HERE
Another Disney Live-Action Repeat
“Lilo & Stitch” falls into the same trap that Disney has set over the past decade with these remakes. They bring an animated classic to life, and either display a carbon copy but in live action, or they change key components of the original. Why do they do this? That’s the million-dollar question. That being said, what they do change with this version of “Lilo & Stitch” didn’t really impact my experience too much. Sure, some details are different. Some of the characters aren’t exactly the same. There are even major supporting characters who are absent. Was it odd? You bet it was, but in the grand scheme of this film, it ultimately didn’t matter to reach the outcome that we knew was coming.
Stitch Looks Good but Does Anything Else?
I will go on record stating that this design of Stitch is spot on and very pleasing. We didn’t have an “Ugly Sonic” incident on our hands, and I appreciate the animators for that. He’s still a little demonic and crazy, and of course cute and fluffy. But he’s about the only thing aesthetically that I enjoyed. Sure, it takes place in Hawaii. Beautiful, right? It is, and yet the sets and everything around it almost felt like I was back on my parents’ couch in 2002 and watching a Disney Channel Original Movie. It just didn’t have that true motion picture feel or big picture shine to it.
A Mixed Bag of a Cast
Hats off to the cast in this as well, who very well could’ve just mailed in their performances. Granted, they didn’t have too deep of material to work with. Yes, there are some serious elements and themes, mainly for Lilo and her sister Nani. It’s nice work from Maia Kealoha, who plays Lilo. She’s adorable,and she did a good job. I was also generally impressed with Sydney Agudong as Nani. It’s easily the biggest role of the film, and the most thematic of the bunch.
Zach Galifianakis seemed extremely out of place here playing Jumba, and his chemistry with Billy Magnussen as Pleakley was less than ideal. As much as I love Galifianakis, he wasn’t the right choice for this role. However, I did think Magnussen did great in his very quirky role. Courtney B. Vance dives in as our CIA Agent Cobra Bubbles, and does nicely, as you can’t help but love the guy when he shows up in a movie.
Chris Sanders – MVP Stitch
I would like to give a huge shout-out to our main man Chris Sanders. For those who don’t know, Sanders not only voices the little blue devil in both films, but he also wrote and directed the animated movie. In fact, he has quite a resume as a director, which includes “Lilo & Stitch,” “How To Train Your Dragon,” “The Croods” and “The Wild Robot,” a heck of a lot of great films. I’m not sure how he does that voice constantly, but Stitch wouldn’t be the same without Sanders behind the microphone.
All in all, this was a treat for my 6-year-old daughter who absolutely adores Stitch. Whether due to or despite things being altered, it just lacks something from the other Disney live-action remakes and has a small-budget feel. However, the movie is still likeable and my daughter even said that she likes it just as much as the animated film, which kind of floored me. But being in her shoes and just wanting to see one of her favorite characters on the big screen, I kind of get it.
To that, I hope Stitch continues to be our favorite chaotic alien and has the record-breaking Memorial Day Opening Weekend Box Office to which he’s currently headed!
Personal Rating: 3/5 Stars
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