"Lilo & Stitch" (2025) offers a familiar yet emotionally resonant journey back to the vibrant world of Hawaii and the powerful concept of 'ohana. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for his work on "Marcel the Shell With Shoes On", this live-action adaptation, released on May 23rd, successfully blends CGI with live-action to retell the beloved story of belonging, grief, and an unlikely friendship. The film stars Maia Kealoha as the spirited Lilo, Sydney Agudong as her dedicated older sister Nani, and features the iconic voice of Chris Sanders returning as Stitch. Zach Galifianakis takes on the role of the eccentric Dr. Jumba Jookiba, with Billy Magnussen as the deputized "Earth expert" Agent Pleakley, and Courtney B. Vance as the mysterious undercover CIA agent Cobra Bubbles. The screenplay was penned by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes.
Genre:Action, Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Family, Fantasy
The narrative begins on the planet Turo, where Dr. Jumba Jookiba is convicted by the United Galactic Federation for illegal genetic experimentation, having created Experiment 626, an aggressive and nearly indestructible creature. After being sentenced to exile, 626 escapes by stealing a police cruiser and crash-lands on Earth, specifically the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i. In pursuit, the Grand Councilwoman offers Jumba his freedom if he captures 626, pairing him with Pleakley. On Earth, we are introduced to Lilo Pelekai, a young Hawaiian girl who is struggling with loneliness and finding acceptance after the death of her parents. She lives with her older sister Nani, who is under pressure from social worker Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere, who also played Nani in the original animated film and returns in a new role here ) to prove she's a fit guardian. The pivotal moment arrives when Lilo adopts Experiment 626 from an animal shelter, mistaking him for a dog. She names him "Stitch" after Nani comments on having to stitch a car seat he tore. This adoption sets in motion a series of chaotic events as Stitch adjusts to his new environment, while Jumba and Pleakley attempt to retrieve him without alerting Earth's inhabitants to an intergalactic crisis. The core conflict revolves around Lilo and Nani proving their unconventional family is strong enough to satisfy social services and the alien pursuers.
The emotional core of "Lilo & Stitch" is undoubtedly its central trio. Maia Kealoha's performance as Lilo is genuinely charming. She embodies the childlike exasperation and the deep-seated need for friendship that defines the character, acting very much like a real six-year-old. Sydney Agudong delivers a grounded and strong performance as Nani, vividly portraying her struggle to balance responsibility and care for her sister after their parents' death. The chemistry between Kealoha and Agudong is exceptional, truly selling the film's emotional weight and the unbreakable bond between the sisters. Chris Sanders' return to voice Stitch is a seamless transition. The CGI rendering of Stitch is surprisingly effective, making it easy to forget he's animated for much of the film. The visual effects manage to capture Stitch's expressiveness, from his floppy ears conveying despondency to his eyes alight with prankishness.
Filmed on location in Hawaii, the movie bursts with a vibrant and authentic atmosphere. This choice adds significantly to the film's grounded feel, anchoring what could easily become an "uncanny valley" experience for a live-action CGI character. The emphasis on Hawaiian culture and the primacy of family ties is powerfully conveyed, with the theme of "Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind—or forgotten" resonating deeply. The film effectively uses the live-action format to enhance the emotional impact, particularly during moments of potential family separation. I found myself becoming quite "weepy" during these scenes, as the vulnerability of the family felt even more powerful in this new context.
While largely faithful, "Lilo & Stitch" does make some alterations for budgetary reasons and to streamline the narrative. Some side characters are cut, and Jumba and Pleakley primarily appear in human forms. These changes, while not necessarily deal-breakers, might be noticed by long-time fans who miss some of the original's quirks. My primary critique lies with Zach Galifianakis' portrayal of Jumba. While he brings his comedic sensibilities, his take on the character lacks the deep, menacing voice associated with the original, making Jumba feel more cartoonish than truly threatening. The film also slightly downplays Stitch's obsession with Elvis Presley, though Elvis's songs are still present. The ending "battle" scene, unfortunately, felt a bit messy, making it easy to lose a sense of space during the alien action.
Despite these minor issues, the filmmakers clearly understood the core of the story and ensured that the key emotional beats remained intact. The film tightens the plot and sharpens its focus, addressing some of the structural issues present in the original. It doesn't attempt to "fix" a classic but rather to honor its spirit. "Lilo & Stitch" manages to balance its more serious themes of grief and family separation with plenty of adventure and humor. The stakes feel higher this time around, and the problems are rooted more deeply in reality, yet the film never loses its ability to sweep the audience away. The surfing scene, set to "Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride," is a joyous and colorful moment that perfectly encapsulates the carefree spirit of the original.
Ultimately, "Lilo & Stitch" (2025) is not a perfect adaptation, and it doesn't surpass the original animated classic. However, it is a heartfelt and faithful one, successfully capturing the spirit of the 2002 film. The emotional impact lands strongly, the visuals are impressive and well-integrated, and the casting is largely spot-on. It’s a solid step in the right direction for Disney's live-action remakes, demonstrating that these adaptations can be warm, inviting, and emotionally resonant without merely being hollow imitations. For fans and new audiences alike, this "Lilo & Stitch" offers a comforting and engaging cinematic experience, reaffirming that 'ohana truly means family, and nobody gets left behind.