Error during authentication for model o1: Rate limited by Puter.js API. Try again after 60 seconds.

by

Instead of outshining Disney’s original classics, Lilo and Stitch is noticeably less vibrant in visuals, acting, and offers very little new content. Yet, despite these shortcomings, the charm of the title character, Stitch, is so captivating that it manages to overshadow all its weaknesses.

In 2010, the film adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, which was lengthy and extravagant, earned more than $1 billion, signaling a challenging time ahead for Disney as they continued to release remakes. They persist in making them because, much like drug dealers, people continue to spend their money on them.

Although they may seem like mere cash-grab tech demonstrations at times, they prove their worth; Pete’s Dragon distinguishes itself significantly from its predecessor and is a superior film, Cinderella is captivating, and Cruella offers a fresh, entertaining twist on the infamous Dalmatians heiress. The remaining films, however, tend to lean toward the depressing, exploiting the studios’ rich history more than they innovate.

In terms of its place among other adaptations, Lilo and Stitch can be seen as a refreshing reboot that brings about hearty laughter, coming remarkably close to erasing the memory of its redundancy… nearly.

What is Lilo and Stitch about? 

In Hawaii, there lives a young orphan named Lilo (Maia Kealoha), who often finds herself in mischief. Her peers find her peculiar, while her parents label her as “troubled.” Simultaneously, her older sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong) grapples with financial struggles and the scrutiny of a social worker (Tia Carrere).

One evening, Lilo yearns for a dear friend by making a wish on a star. Miraculously, her dream comes true, albeit under specific conditions. During this juncture, she meets Experiment 626 – an energetic, electric-blue extraterrestrial who brings chaos wherever he goes with delightful mischief.

They share an affinity for disorder, earning him the moniker Stitch, yet there are two hurdles: initially, he belongs to the United Galactic Federation and they dispatch Dr Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) and Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) to reclaim him; secondly, his emergency landing on Earth catches the eye of Cobra Bubbles, a strict federal agent.

Lilo and Stitch is different… but the same

In the remake, Captain Gantu, who was the primary antagonist in the original movie, is missing. Instead, the script by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes concentrates more on the story of Jumba and Pleakley as they chase after Stitch. Additionally, there are some changes made to Cobra’s role and how his part in the story unfolds.

It appears to be a significant transformation, and indeed it is… theoretically speaking. The revamped version skillfully rearranges its characters and maintains its rhythm in such a way that Gantu’s absence might go unnoticed by many – not to mention, the narrative remains largely consistent (with an enjoyable bonus scene during the credits, so be sure to stay till the end).

However, let me clarify something: The original film isn’t merely excellent; it’s truly enchanting, an undeniably brilliant addition to Disney’s post-millennium collection. Given the lack of similar energy in this live-action adaptation, it was never aiming to surpass the original – instead, it focuses on recreating familiar favorites (and keeping us, the audience, entertained like a country band), including a few Elvis tunes.

In other words, watching the ‘Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride’ scene brought tears to my eyes, reminding me of every memory I have from Lilo and Stitch, which I consider among Disney’s greatest songs. However, was that emotion due to the original movie or simply nostalgia? It was indeed the latter, as the remake’s version fell short compared to the original. Nevertheless, in the heat of the moment, I didn’t notice the difference; instead, I leaned back, nodded my head, and allowed myself to cry.

You will fall in love with Stitch again

Following the remake, it would be fitting to include Stitch on Disney’s equivalent of Mount Rushmore. To quote Elvis, once you meet him, you can’t help but fall in love – a rough-and-tumble, furry alien hybrid who brings a sense of fun and excitement that truly enriches the experience.

In a simple and natural manner: The VFX team has truly outdone themselves, and kudos to director Dean Fleischer Camp; if you’ve seen Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, you’ll understand why he was the ideal pick to make him seem real-world, touchable, and as endearing and lovable as ever.

As a fan, I’ve got to admit that when Stitch isn’t stealing the show, the movie’s pacing feels a bit uneven. Agudong and Kealoha make a charming duo, and Magnussen’s physical humor is nothing short of laugh-out-loud funny. However, it wouldn’t be fair to single out any one cast member as particularly remarkable; they all fit their roles perfectly – competent and capable of delivering good performances.

The visual style is tough to overlook, given its original artwork employed watercolor backdrops to create a unique, dreamy ambiance. It’s widely regarded as one of Disney’s most stunning films, but the remake seems more like a promotional video for an affordable travel deal, lacking in creative illumination. It fails to convey the intended paradisal setting.

Lilo and Stitch review score: 3/5 – Good

Among Disney’s many live-action adaptations, Lilo and Stitch stands out as one of the most delightful (arguably the most). While it may not be quite as magical as the original, once you overlook its flaws and go along with its flow, it becomes difficult to resist.

Currently, with Stitch causing mischief and laughter everywhere, there’s nowhere else I’d prefer to be; relaxing, chuckling, and shedding tears of joy in the tranquil depths of the sea.

On May 23, you can catch “Lilo and Stitch” in theaters all across the country! Until then, stay updated on this year’s upcoming films by checking out our 2025 Movie Calendar.

Read More

2025-05-20 20:14