Lilo & Stitch Review: Unnecessary Remake or Successful Live-Action?

Starring Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Sydney Agudong as Nani, and Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch, the new version of the Disney classic Lilo & Stitch unfolds a summer adventure story that kids and adults will love. Changing the story enough to make it different but still recognizable, Lilo & Stitch is set to be one of the big hits of summer 2025 .

When it comes to remaking an animated film that was a staple of so many people's childhoods, there are always risks involved. However, Lilo & Stitch tightens its story and sharpens its focus, eliminating some of the obvious structural problems with the first film.

Lilo & Stitch 2025 Movie Trailer

Lilo & Stitch builds on the appeal of the original, but isn't afraid to change a few things up.

The problem with live-action adaptations largely revolves around the fact that audiences question why they were necessary in the first place. However, Lilo & Stitch is aware of this throughout the film. It doesn't rely on the strength of the IP to get to theaters. Overall, the characters are stronger and more fully realized, especially Nani. Her and Lilo's world is more vivid and alive. The film is bursting with friends and neighbors, and specific details about the characters' cherished memories, which really touches the heart of the viewer.

This live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch 2025 feels surprisingly realistic and anchored in its setting. The film was shot on location in Hawai'i, adding to the atmosphere and anchoring what could have easily been a deep dive into the Uncanny Valley effect. Lilo & Stitch invests heavily in its live-action setting and storytelling, allowing us to see ourselves in the story.

Agudong plays Nani, who has a much larger role in the live-action Lilo & Stitch, but it's the adorable Kealoha who steals the show as Lilo. It's not easy to get chemistry with an alien who was added in post-production. However, Kealoha is charming and her relationship with Stitch and Nani feels genuine. Lilo & Stitch balances a more direct approach to the sisters' grief and separation with plenty of comedic adventures that keep the plot from getting too dark.

Similar to 2002's Lilo & Stitch, the concentric plot lines are somewhat disjointed until the final moments of the story, when everyone finally comes together in an attempt to catch Stitch. However, many of the story's strengths can also be traced back to the original. It's not the most emotionally complex or nuanced story ever written, but the new Lilo & Stitch doesn't try to overcomplicate the story. The film lets the events speak for themselves, and the characters revel in the joy of finding family in unexpected places.

Lilo & Stitch Breaks the Conventional Rules of Live-Action

Lilo & Stitch promises to be a huge hit in theaters in 2025. It's clear from the film that Disney is finally starting to understand that live-action remakes need to be as warm and inviting as their animated counterparts. People aren't flocking to theaters to see a story told better with animation or to see flashy effects from a blank green screen. Audiences want to be moved and have a reason to revisit the emotions evoked by the story, and Lilo & Stitch delivers.

Lilo & Stitch will be released in theaters worldwide on May 23.

Review of Lilo & Stitch's pros and cons

Advantage

1. Maia Kealoha is adorable as Lilo.
2. The film avoids unnecessary use of CGI.
3. The project feels authentic and extremely grounded in reality.

Disadvantages

1. Lilo & Stitch's discussions of grief have gone a bit overboard.
2. The warmth of the original doesn't quite match the live-action version.

David Pac

Update 26 May 2025