Maybe a Live-Action Lilo & Stitch Remake Wasn’t Such a Great Idea

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Was it the team that reimagined Lilo & Stitch convinced that remaking this classic Disney film was a wise choice? Given the extensive effort poured into these live-action reboots, one might surmise they were enthusiastic about it; however, this revamped version seems to radiate an undercurrent of exasperation. Dean Fleischer Camp’s production appears to be mercilessly loyal to Christopher Sanders and Dean DeBlois’ 2002 original, but its mood and essence are off-kilter — as if the filmmakers recognized their misstep in undertaking this remake and were desperate to conceal it. And so, what was initially a relaxing, whimsical, delightful fantasy movie has transformed into a hurried, insistent, frequently unfunny science fiction comedy. It may divert young minds with its fast-paced, family-oriented narrative, but the enchantment is largely absent now.

Essentially, the storyline stays much the same, yet with a twist: Stitch, an unusual creature born from extraterrestrial research in a distant part of the cosmos, manages to break free and lands on the water-rich planet “Eee-aawrth,” which is located off the coast of Hawaii. Assuming the role of a pet dog, he’s taken in by Lilo Pelekai (played by Maia Kealoha), an ornery child who lives with her older sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong). The two girls share a challenging upbringing as they grapple with the absence of their parents and Nani’s efforts to keep their heads above water financially while fulfilling her responsibilities as a guardian. The mischievous Stitch, voiced by Chris Sanders, complicates matters even further, given that he’s now being chased by the peculiar pair of aliens – Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Dr. Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), who have taken human form but still struggle to master the intricacies of human walking and behavior.

The story was quite whimsical and worked exceptionally well in 2002, mainly due to its unique style. The original “Lilo & Stitch” was one of Disney’s last hand-drawn animated films, which stood out when compared to the computer-animated blockbusters that were dominating the scene at the time, like “Toy Story” (1995) and “A Bug’s Life” (1998). Some questioned if “Lilo & Stitch” would have benefited from being made in this modern, popular format. However, it was the film’s distinctive animation – featuring rounded characters, watercolor backgrounds not seen in a Disney feature since the 1940s, and a sense of spontaneity as though the entire movie was improvised – that made it so enchanting. Transforming this tale into a photorealistic world, either through live-action or computer graphics, would have undermined its charm.

In a different take, this new version of Lilo & Stitch departs significantly from the original by prioritizing speed and chaos over subtlety. At times, it seems like the filmmakers discovered that approach mid-production. Instead of the gentle poetry that characterized the first movie, this new one is loud and fast, but not in an enjoyable way. The storyline rushes through each scene, creating a chaotic atmosphere that paradoxically diminishes the unique charm of Stitch.

In contrast, the original animation had soft edges and a leisurely mood, which made Stitch’s antics all the more disruptive and humorous. This incongruity propelled the story forward, and when moments of calm arrived — such as when Stitch became part of Lilo’s family and found a sense of belonging — the emotional impact was profound. That’s why Lilo & Stich remains one of the few Disney productions from the post-Disney Renaissance era that can still tug at even the most hardened hearts.

Regarding this particular movie, it’s quite unexpected as the director, Camp, previously worked on 2022’s “Marcel the Shell With Shoes On”, a charming blend of live-action and stop-motion that shares a similar whimsical charm with the early “Lilo & Stitch”. Both films seemed to be spontaneous ideas that developed into emotionally resonant conclusions. It’s challenging enough to give a movie the feel of a captivating doodle, but to achieve this in animation, or a film that uses animation (which necessitates extensive planning and consideration), is nothing short of extraordinary. This suggests why Camp was a perfect fit for this project.

I found myself admiring the diligent recreation of this project, yet it seemed that the very precision of its scenes echoed the original so closely that it felt almost repetitive – from the compositions of the shots right down to the inclusion of familiar faces like Tia Carrere and Jason Scott Lee. However, the striking resemblance only served to underscore the unique spirit of the original “Lilo & Stitch” and the coldness of this recreation. It appeared less as a standalone movie and more like an unsuccessful effort to recreate a magical moment in time.

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2025-05-21 20:55