Lilo & Stitch
Writer: Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Cast: Maia Kealoha, Chris Sanders, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Courtney B. Vance, Tia Carrere
Within the ever-growing space of live-action Disney remakes, Lilo & Stitch just may be its most heartfelt. The 2025 re-imagining of the 2002 animated classic doesn't just translate its predecessor's story to a whole new medium — it enriches it. Grounded in authentic emotion, bolstered by a strong cast and brought to life with stunning VFX, this film is a genuine delight that succeeds in maintaining the spirit of its sun-soaked source material while carving out its own identity.
At its core, Lilo & Stitch remains a deeply moving story about loss, love and the unbreakable bonds of family. While the original's sci-fi hijinks and quirky humor were major selling points, what truly made it a classic was the emotional resonance at its center — the idea that "ohana means family and family means no one get left behind or forgotten." This new version wisely holds tight to that sentiment, using it as a guiding star while subtly refining the story to focus even more clearly on its emotional stakes.
Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp with a sensitive touch and clear love of the source material, the film opens in a way that is instantly familiar, yet grounded in a more realistic tone. Some of the more outlandish detours from the original have been completely stripped away or reimagined in a way that feels more in service to the central narrative, resulting in a far cleaner, more focused story that allows its characters, especially Lilo and Nani, to shine with added depth.
At the heart of this film stands newcomer Maia Kealoha, who steps into the iconic role of Lilo with grace, charisma and a refreshingly natural screen presence. Her portrayal of the peculiar, misunderstood Hawaiian girl is charming, spirited and achingly sincere. Lilo's loneliness, coupled with her fierce independence and indestructible tenacity are all on full display and Kealoha captures it all with remarkable poise. Whether she's sneaking around the local resort or desperately trying to hold her makeshift family together, Kealoha's Lilo is as endearing and layered as ever.
Just as impactful is Sydney Agudong as Nani. In the animated movie, Lilo's older sister was often reactive — defined more by her circumstances than her character. This time, she becomes the emotional glue that holds the story together. Agudong is given more space to explore Nani's struggles as a young woman forced into parenthood far too soon. Her performance radiates strength and vulnerability, while her chemistry on screen with the young Maia Kealoha makes their sisterly bond feel completely authentic. The scenes between them — sometimes tender, sometimes tense — are where the film finds its emotional footing and never lets go.
Of course, no Lilo & Stitch remake would be complete without Stitch himself and here is where the movie's technical achievements truly shine. The visual effects work is exceptional. Stitch is a fully realized character complete with expressive eyes, fluid movements and a level of cuteness that just doesn't seem possible. Once again voiced by character creator Chris Sanders, Stitch remains faithful to his cartoon counterpart with just a few subtle updates that make him feel more tactile and emotionally full. Whether causing his signature brand of chaos or slowly learning what it means to belong, Stitch is captivating to watch. His journey from destructive experiment to loving family member is once again the beating heart of this film and this updated version makes the arc even more moving.
Supporting characters like David (Kaipo Dudoit), Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) also make welcome returns, albeit in slightly more grounded forms. Their presence is still fun, but more restrained — complementing the core story rather than overwhelming it. It's a smart choice that helps keep the film emotionally focused while still offering fans the humor and whimsy they remember.
The Hawaiian setting is as much a character in this film as any of its leads. Shot on the beautiful island of Oahu, the visuals are lush and immersive, capturing both the culture and spirit of its people with reverence and respect. In addition, the soundtrack blends familiar Elvis hits with new, culturally grounded compositions that give the film an even stronger sense of place.
Where some live-action remakes falter by leaning too heavily on nostalgia or spectacle, Lilo & Stitch stands apart by embracing sincerity. It's not trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it polishes it, smooths out a few spots and lets the emotional weight of the story take center stage. The result is a truly sweet film that feels both timeless and timely — perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike.
In the end, Lilo & Stitch is a resounding success. It remains loyal to the heart of its predecessor while daring to take just enough creative liberties to enrich the story. Thanks to stunning visuals, a powerful message about the importance of family and strong performances all around, this is a remake done right.
Ohana has never felt so real.
8/10
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