Lilo & Stitch

Lilo & Stitch suffers from all the usual problems that make these Disney live action remakes so much worse than the animated originals they attempt to adapt. The film is noticeably longer for no reason thanks to its unnecessary need to add new characters who bring nothing and almost all of its changes do more damage than good. However, it mostly retains the heart of its predecessor and still contains some good laughs so it can comfortably avoid being the worst remake.

Maia Kealoha is a suitably adorable Lilo and Chris Sanders is obviously a great Stitch, who remains the best part. Sydney Agudong is a good Nani but pretty much everyone else is so bland and Courtney B. Vance's Cobra Bubbles is especially screwed over by the changes to his character. Zach Galifianakis & Billy Magnussen as Jumba & Pleakley are a colossal step down in comparison to the original duo and their alien forms are now extremely uncanny.

Dean Fleischer Camp's direction gets the job done in the standard issue authorless fashion. All the technical issues stem from the near total lack of energy which comes from the misguided idea to (kinda) faithfully adapt a film that wasn't even remotely made with live action sensibilities in mind. The uniqueness has gone and it's replaced by something that generally feels a lot more generic. At least the CGI for Stitch is good enough because it would've been unwatchable if it wasn't.

Lilo & Stitch is a franchise that means a lot to my childhood, so you can only imagine my reaction to this live-action remake which was about the same as everyone else. But as the days got closer, I decided to give this remake and Disney a chance because of my love and nostalgia for the franchise. I am pleased to say that this remake was good.

Positives for Lilo & Stitch (2025): Despite my issues with a lot of these Disney live-action remakes, I was easily sucked into the story and these characters because of my love for the franchise. This movie does a good job at giving you those vibes from the original in live-action form and I can see families enjoying it. The cast does a good job with their performances and capture the basics of those characters. It was awesome to hear Chris Sanders back to voicing Stitch especially after rewatching the franchise leading up to this movie. Maia Kealoha does a solid job as Lilo and she gets you to root for her as a main character. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong does a solid job as Nani and you do feel for her as she does her best at providing a good life for Lilo. The supporting cast also do a good job with their characters and they were fun. The filmmakers do a good job at retelling the story of the original while also making some changes to the narrative. The CGI for the aliens looked pretty good and it definitely some of the better-looking CGI from these Disney live-action remakes. And finally, the movie is paced very well and I was able to keep up with the story.

Negatives for Lilo & Stitch (2025): The movie is lacking some of the magic from the original animated classic, but that's a common thing to expect from these Disney live-action remakes nowadays. The opening felt very rushed and I was annoyed with the changes being made. And finally, the climax of the movie felt underwhelming.

Overall, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is at the good end when it comes to the Disney live-action remakes even if it has some of the same problems as the other ones.

The overall experience was very positive. It plays into what makes live action story telling strong rather than trying to emulate the original toon plot to the letter, which is what makes it very charming. Unfortunately it has some pacing problems at the beginning with overly drawn out scenes. After a while the story picks up though and the animation really becomes immersive. It has excellent family moments, from sad to funny and exciting, all while not being too formulaic, really great entertainment. But then at the very end of the movie the cuts and editing got really bad again. It's like the ending was rushed. The crescent innuendo of the original was totally missing here. The aftermath and resolution saved it from being catastrophic. I'm sure kids wont notice as much but for me it really tainted what was otherwise a flawless experience. Certainly much better than most other Disney live action movie remakes.

I was honestly so worried this would end up being another let down from Disney. But it was not.

Just as heartwarming and moving as the original Lilo&Stitch from 2002; this one had very few slight changes to the script. Yet it felt new. The theme of family, belonging and acceptance thankfully has been well preserved and translated the way no other Disney production probably has.

Maia Kealoha did a good job portraying Lilo, but for me the best addition to this Ohana was Sydney Agudong who played Nani. She was so believable, so sisterly, she carried every single one of her scenes perfectly.

For those who complained about Pleakley's live action adaptation after seeing the trailer, I think you will enjoy his character in this version. Not to the full extent of the original but Billy Magnussen totally delivers what was asked of him.

Another great surprise was bringing the original voice of Nani - Tia Carrere - to partake in the live action (in a different role of course), it was nostalgic seeing her on the big screen again and hearing her voice.

I didn't expect to get as emotional as I did watching this version as an adult, but the grief, chances as redemption and the idea that even the most flawed of us deserve love hits at any age I guess.

Still to this day one of Disney's more unconventional and emotionally resonant stories, especially for its honest portrayal of family struggles and the strength of sibling bonds. And I know the new generation will fall in love with these characters just like we did 23 years ago. Luckily the run was kept under 2 hours long so nobody will have a chance to complain.

Disney's 2025 live-action Lilo & Stitch, is a joyful, emotionally rich reimagining that retains the soul of the beloved 2002 original while adding fresh depth and modern visual magic.

Maia Kealoha shines as Lilo, capturing the quirky, brave, and fiercely loving spirit that made the character iconic. Her chemistry with Sydney Agudong as Nani feels genuine and heartfelt, grounding the film in a believable sisterhood. Chris Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch, bringing back the lovable alien's chaotic charm with perfect comedic timing and tender nuance.

The visual effects are really good, with Stitch rendered in a way that feels both real and endearing-maintaining his cartoonish mischief while fitting naturally into the lush Hawaiian landscape.

What makes Lilo & Stitch truly shine is its faithful exploration of family, grief, and belonging. The film embraces the original's emotional core-"Ohana means family"-and delivers it with authenticity and maturity that appeals to both new viewers and longtime fans.

The 2025 remake of Lilo & Stitch is not just a nostalgic reboot-it's a lovingly crafted homage that brings new life to a story about love, loss, and the beauty of chosen family.