Review of the film "Lilo & Stitch" (2025): Warmth, Heart, and Hawaiian Freshness Among Disney Remakes

 

In an era where Disney, with relentless determination, continues to remake its animated classics into live-action versions, cynicism and questions about the point of these endeavors are inevitable. However, this year’s Lilo & Stitch, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, proves that a remake can be not only a tribute to the original but also a fully-fledged film – touching, funny, and surprisingly fresh.

Faithfulness to the Original and New Accents

The greatest strength of the new Lilo & Stitch is its faithfulness to the spirit of the 2002 animated original. The film not only retains the key themes – loneliness, the need for belonging, and the power of family bonds – but also deepens them and makes them more realistic. The live-action version portrays the dramatic background of Lilo and Nani’s relationship with greater intensity and emotional weight, which, combined with the realistic setting, adds new impact to the story.

Maia Kealoha – The Heart of the Film

Debuting actress Maia Kealoha as Lilo is a true revelation. Her role not only carries the emotional weight of the entire film but also brings a new dimension to the character – gentler, yet equally authentic. Kealoha breathes life into Lilo in a way that makes it hard to take your eyes off the screen. The chemistry between her and Sydney Agudong (Nani) forms the emotional core of the film and gives it a vibrant intensity that many previous Disney remakes have lacked.

Changes with Purpose

New characters and subtle narrative shifts – such as a larger role for neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill) or a new social worker evaluating Nani (Tia Carrere) – add depth to the film. Nani, once a secondary character, is elevated here to a co-lead whose ambitions and emotional conflict make her one of the best-written characters in the entire Disney universe.

Stitch: CGI and Heart

While CGI Stitch evokes mixed feelings – sometimes adorable, at other times too “plastic” – his presence still brings the chaos and heart that made millions fall in love with him. Chris Sanders once again provides his voice, restoring the familiar energy and charm. Though Stitch appears less than in the animation, he remains a key catalyst for change and emotional awakening for Lilo.

Humor and Emotion in the Right Balance

The humor in the new version is varied: Lilo and Stitch’s interactions are entertaining, while the segments involving Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) are hit-or-miss – sometimes effective, sometimes overly exaggerated. However, the most important element – the emotional impact – works brilliantly. The film’s final act is an emotional knockout that can bring even the toughest viewers to tears.

Technically? Classy, Though Not Flawless

The visual effects are solid – Stitch is a much more successful creation than, for example, the lions in Jon Favreau’s The Lion King. Still, not every shot is visually stunning – at times, the film loses its visual identity due to muted color grading and a lack of creative scene composition.

Verdict

Lilo & Stitch (2025) is proof that a remake doesn’t have to be purely derivative. While it doesn’t match the animated original in terms of magic and uniqueness, it makes up for it with emotional depth, a fresh perspective, and genuine creative commitment. It’s a story about loss, hope, and the strength of family bonds that hits straight to the heart – no matter the viewer’s age.

Best moment: The relationship between Lilo and Nani – the emotional core of the film
Biggest flaw: Uneven humor and some unconvincing CGI in certain scenes
Is it worth watching? Absolutely – and with the whole family.

My rating: 8.5/10