The live-action remake of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ stays largely faithful to the original as it maintains the core themes of ‘ohana’ (family), grief, and healing, while also introducing subtle updates.
Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch is a heartfelt, sun-soaked update that retains much of the original’s emotional core while introducing a more grounded and mature tone. Set in modern-day Hawaii, the film tells the story of Lilo, a lonely young girl struggling to connect with others after the loss of her parents, and Stitch, a chaotic alien experiment who crash-lands on Earth and learns what it means to be part of a family.

Stitch’s CGI design is expressive and mischievous, effectively translating the animated character into live action as it renders Stitch with hyper-realistic fur and expressive features. The bond between Lilo and Stitch remains endearing and central to the film’s emotional resonance.

Maia Kealoha (Lilo) and Sydney Agudong (Nani) delivered genuine and moving performances that capture the heart of the story.

Moreover, the live-action format beautifully showcases the Hawaiian setting, highlighting the islands’ natural beauty and rich cultural elements with enhanced realism. I highly recommend watching this film!

Ultimately, the film stands as a heartfelt yet imperfect homage to its animated predecessor.