LILO & STITCH. With a Lump in the Throat [REVIEW]

Just two months ago, Snow White, a modern remake of the classic Disney animation, hit theaters. Saying it performed poorly is an understatement—Rachel Zegler’s film was not only poorly received by critics, but also became the target of review bombing and ended up as a financial flop. Everything that could go wrong did, fueling arguments that Disney’s live-action remakes of animated classics are a bad idea that should be abandoned. Meanwhile, Lilo & Stitch has arrived in cinemas, showing that the studio hasn’t had its final word on the subject.

Dean Fleischer Camp’s film—the director of Marcel the Shell with Shoes On—is a remake of the 2002 animated feature. That original is still beloved, popular, and evokes strong nostalgia, with endless commercial potential, as evidenced by the continued presence of Stitch merchandise in stores. Expectations for the remake were high. Personally, I approached it without any nostalgic bias—I first watched the original as an adult. And I had a fantastic time, experiencing a genuinely emotional screening.

The plot outline remains the same as in the original: on a distant planet, the mad scientist Jumba creates the illegal Experiment 626, a powerful and dangerous creature. The little monster is sentenced to exile but escapes and lands on Earth. There, he meets a six-year-old girl, Lilo, who is being raised by her sister Nani after their parents’ death. Nani is barely making ends meet while trying to satisfy social services. Meanwhile, Jumba and his partner are sent to track Stitch down.

The live-action Lilo & Stitch isn’t a shot-for-shot remake—Captain Gantu, for example, is absent, Jumba’s character is handled differently, and Cobra Bubbles has a slightly altered role compared to the original.

But the Hawaiian setting remains, as do other familiar elements like Elvis Presley’s songs. The filmmakers focused on the relationships between Lilo, Nani, and Stitch—and they pulled it off. The film is packed with genuine, powerful emotions. I didn’t expect to spend nearly the entire third act with a lump in my throat. The characters’ conversations about family and not leaving anyone behind may not introduce any new messages, but they’re delivered with such sensitivity that they truly move the audience. Especially given the backdrop of parental loss and the looming threat of the sisters being separated.

Much of the credit goes to the actresses playing Lilo and Nani—debutante Maia Kealoha and Sydney Elizabeth Agudong. I imagine the filmmakers were thrilled when Kealoha auditioned; the young girl nailed the lead role, showing no signs that it was her first full-length feature. I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about her. Agudong convincingly portrays her character’s struggles, as well as her deep love for Lilo. Together, they form a wonderful duo, amplifying the emotional core of the film—particularly during the sisters’ heartfelt conversations. Stitch, voiced once again by Chris Sanders, complements them perfectly. Anyone who feared the alien wouldn’t translate well to live-action can rest easy. Stitch is beautifully animated, fits seamlessly into his surroundings, and interacts naturally with the other characters. And yes—he’s incredibly moving, too.

In supporting roles, Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen stand out as Jumba and Wendell. Jumba is portrayed more as an antagonist here (likely due to the absence of Captain Gantu), while Wendell serves as comic relief. Most of their screen time is in human form, which was a smart choice, as their “alien” designs wouldn’t have worked as well in live action as Stitch’s did. Other characters include a social worker not present in the original (played by Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the animated version), Cobra Bubbles (Courtney Bernard Vance), and Tūtū (Amy Hill, who also appeared in the 2002 film). These three mainly serve to drive the plot forward and don’t get much depth, but they contribute nicely to a warm, likable ensemble cast.

I watched the film with my wife and six-year-old son, and I think his reaction says it all—he laughed, got teary-eyed, and after the screening said, “Really cool—funny, sad, and moving.” And that sums it up perfectly. The 2025 Lilo & Stitch will take you on an emotional ride, strengthen your love for family, and deliver a truly enjoyable viewing experience. Personally, I’d rate this remake higher than the original.