Disney has seemingly resolved to remake each beloved animated movie from its catalog, irrespective of how latest or distant its launch date is to modern-day. In a single 12 months, we have seen the live-action remake of Walt Disney’s first full-length animated movie, Snow White, and now a brand new tackle one other basic. Twenty-three years later, “Lilo & Stitch” receives the live-action remake therapy.
The problem of doing an even-handed evaluation of this new model of “Lilo & Stitch” is avoiding comparability—the so-called “thief of joy.” For a lot of, 2025’s version could also be their first time experiencing this story. From that perspective, there’s so much to love in regards to the movie. As an illustration, Maia Kealoha performs admirably as Lilo in her characteristic movie debut. Sydney Agudong brings realism to Nani, which is required to floor the story. And there is Sew, who was the cornerstone of the unique movie. Chris Sanders returns to voice the chaotic titular monster, and his vitality and comedy are efficient right here.
Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen’s portrayals of Jumba and Pleakley are lowered to standard-issue comedian reduction, missing the attraction and depth of their animated counterparts. It is a related destiny for Courtney B. Vance’s Cobra Bubbles, whose character has been principally purged of his intrigue. As a substitute, the eye of the live-action movie locations consideration on authentic characters like Amy Hill’s Tutu, who’s likable sufficient. Like Agudong’s tackle Nani, her presence helps to supply grounding for the movie in ways in which its animated supply materials doesn’t.
Sew in Disney’s live-action LILO & STITCH. Photograph courtesy of Disney. © 2025 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nonetheless, most newcomers to the “Lilo & Stitch” story will deal with exactly that—Lilo and Sew. And they’re good on this movie, offering a strong base that makes this remake watchable and even pleasant.
If that “thief of joy” comes into play, and those that love the unique movie start evaluating the 2 merchandise, it is truthful to say issues get just a little extra vital. Whereas the remake is 20 minutes longer than its animated counterpart, it feels its size, as the unique compressed in depth character growth and comedy right into a swift 85 minutes. This new model additionally does what so many Disney remakes do: speedrun verbatim by way of varied plot factors and humorous beats till every favourite second from the unique has misplaced its sparkle. Like “The Little Mermaid” earlier than it, there’s nothing that 2025’s “Lilo & Stitch” does higher than the unique, and it has issue justifying its existence.
Nonetheless, as a lot of the viewers could have little familiarity with the unique, Disney presents a strong household comedy that finds time to tug on the heartstrings. When checked out with out the lens of nostalgia, there’s loads to love right here, and “Lilo & Stitch” will please households who enterprise to the theater for a screening. Simply pay no consideration to the vastly superior authentic behind the scenes.
