Review: Lilo & Stitch

Many people might question, “Do we really need another live-action adaptation of an animated film?” The answer is no, but it’s great that we have one. Honestly, as long as Disney continues to make money from these adaptations, we can expect to see more of them.

“Lilo & Stitch”is the story of a little alien who flees space and lands on earth. While trying to evade intergalatic forces he finds himself a home with a little girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and her sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) on a Hawaiian island.

“Lilo & Stitch” is a well-done adaptation. While there are changes from the original source material, I believe they work for the film. The key distinction between a good remake and a bad one lies in the choices made during the adaptation process. You can choose to recreate a scene exactly as it was and still fail to properly translate it to the screen, or you can alter it and hope it succeeds in a new context.

Many jokes in the original rely on a “cartoonish” style that may not work in a live-action setting. For example, instead of having an alien dress like a human, Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) use a device to create a human persona. The humor then comes from their lack of understanding of how humans are supposed to behave. Magnussen and Galifianakis make a hilarious pair, but Magnussen often steals the spotlight and is likely to become a fan favorite. He approaches the role with a childlike wonder, which enhances his character’s delight in learning about Earth.

The relationship between Lilo and Nani is slightly altered in this version. We see Nani struggling as she takes on a parental role for Lilo. The film expands on their sisterly bond and showcases the love between them. Nani’s character is given more depth with a backstory that includes her career goals. Although this aspect is somewhat glossed over, the overall effect is very impactful.

Nani is having a tough time taking care of Lilo, and her neighbor Tutu (played by Amy Hill) often steps in to help. This new character enriches the story and adds a deeper meaning to the concept of “ohana” by portraying the idea of a found family. Amy Hill, as always, shines on screen, delivering her lines with impeccable comedic timing. Maia Kealoha, who portrays Lilo, is a breakout star in the making and will have you saying “awe” in nearly every scene. Sydney Agudong delivers a strong performance that might leave you with a tear in your eye as the story unfolds.

Stitch is simply perfect. Chris Sanders reprises his role as the mischievous space creature, and the recreation of this character is stunning. He seamlessly fits into the real world around him, making it feel as though a real alien has landed a role in a Disney film.

“Lilo & Stitch” is a live-action remake that’s done right. The changes made enhance the film’s atmosphere, though some fans might feel disappointed by them. The overall look of the movie is stunning, and the alien characters are beautifully realized. The story is more well-rounded and emotionally resonant. This live-action version is both heartwarming and adorable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll cheer as Stitch wins over the hearts of his new Ohana.