LILO & STITCH (2025)

Genre: Action/Adventure
Director:  Dean Fleischer Camp
Cast: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Hannah Waddingham, Chris Sanders, Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis
Runtime: 1 hr 48 mins
Rating: PG
Released By: Walt Disney
Official Website: 
Opening Day: 22 May 2025

Synopsis: A live-action reimagining of Disney’s 2002 animated classic , “Lilo & Stitch” is the wildly funny and touching story of a lonely Hawaiian girl and the fugitive alien who helps to mend her broken family.

Movie Review: 

As a devoted Disney fan, even this writer has to admit — the magic of the original animated classics often gets lost in translation when reimagined as live-action remakes. Many of these adaptations have met with lukewarm or even harsh receptions, with the most recent example being Marc Webb’s much-criticised take on Snow White, which sparked considerable backlash online.

Still, Disney presses on, churning out live-action versions of its treasured tales. The most likely reason? Profit. These films may not always win over critics or fans, but they continue to draw audiences — and revenue. That seems especially true with this latest addition to the lineup.

The origins of this movie trace back to an animated classic released over two decades ago. In 2002, Disney introduced Lilo & Stitch — an animated film directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois that told the heartwarming story of Lilo, a young Hawaiian girl orphaned and raised by her older sister Nani, and “Experiment 626,” a mischievous extraterrestrial creature whom Lilo adopts and renames Stitch. The film was both a critical and commercial success, resonating with audiences through its unique blend of humor, heart, and ‘ohana’ (family). Unsurprisingly, it blossomed into a beloved franchise and a merchandising powerhouse — thanks in large part to the irresistibly cute and chaotic Stitch.

Dean Fleischer Camp directs the remake, working from a screenplay by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. The story largely remains faithful to the original 2002 film, with a few character tweaks and minor plot adjustments. It seems Disney is betting that fans of the original don't need a drastic overhaul to be drawn back to the big screen. This approach also offers an opportunity for longtime viewers - now parents themselves - to share the magic with their own children. Most importantly, they are likely to pick up a few new plush toys and collectibles along the way.

Disney made a smart move in choosing Lilo & Stitch for a remake — especially with Stitch as its centrepiece. He’s an ideal character to bring to life with visual effects, and thanks to the impressive work by Industrial Light & Magic, he’s more adorable than ever. With his signature sneers, growls, and those irresistibly odd little noises, Stitch manages to steal every scene he’s in. If this loveable alien were available as a real-life pet, you can bet kids everywhere would be begging their parents to take one home.

They say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” — and Disney seems to have taken that to heart. Many iconic scenes from the original Lilo & Stitch make a return in the remake, some lovingly recreated and others given a playful update. Lilo still shows Nani how Stitch resembles a gramophone while Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” plays in the background, David (who harbours feelings for Nani) once again performs his fire knife dance, and the unlucky beachgoer who once dropped his ice cream now reappears — this time losing a snow cone instead.

Audiences who appreciate familiarity will be pleased to know that this remake doesn't stray far from the original. With few surprises, it offers a safe, family-friendly adventure that still delivers the heartwarming message of the importance of ‘ohana.’

Maia Kealoha is absolutely delightful as Lilo, while Sydney Elizabeth Agudong and Kaipo Dudoit bring genuine chemistry to their roles as Nani and David. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen provide plenty of laughs as the eccentric Dr Jumba Jookiba and Agent Wendell Pleakley, tasked with capturing Stitch on Earth. Sanders, who co-directed the original film, returns as the voice of Stitch, and fans will enjoy cameos from original cast members Tia Carrere, Jason Scott Lee, and Amy Hill in supporting roles. The result feels like a warm, nostalgic family reunion — perfectly echoing the film’s core theme of ‘ohana.’

Movie Rating:

(Disney’s remake of Lilo & Stitch stays largely faithful to the beloved 2002 animated classic, and it delivers a charming, family-friendly experience that honours the spirit of the original)

Review by John Li