The year 2025 has brought with it a wave of nostalgia, and leading the charge is Disney’s live-action reimagining of the beloved 2002 animated classic, Lilo & Stitch. For those who grew up with the tale of a lonely Hawaiian girl and her mischievous alien “dog,” this new iteration, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, offers a comforting yet fresh return to a story about ohana, family. While some live-action remakes stumble in capturing the magic of their animated predecessors, Lilo & Stitch (2025) largely succeeds, delivering a heartwarming and engaging experience that should resonate with both longtime fans and a new generation.
At its core, the film wisely retains the emotional bedrock of the original: the profound bond between Lilo (charmingly portrayed by newcomer Maia Kealoha) and Stitch (brought to life with impressive CGI and the familiar voice of Chris Sanders). Kealoha embodies Lilo’s quirky spirit and her yearning for connection with a natural ease. She captures the essence of a child grappling with loss and finding solace in the most unexpected of friendships. Sanders’s return as the voice of Stitch is pitch-perfect, retaining the alien’s guttural charm and surprising emotional depth. The CGI rendering of Stitch is mostly seamless, though there are moments where the tactile interaction with the human actors feels slightly off.
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Sydney Elizebeth Agudong shines as Nani, Lilo’s older sister and struggling guardian. The film commendably gives Nani more depth, exploring her personal aspirations and the immense pressure she faces in keeping her family together. Her anxieties feel grounded and relatable. The dynamic between Lilo and Nani remains the emotional anchor, and Agudong and Kealoha portray their sisterly bond with genuine warmth.
The supporting cast also delivers. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen bring a fun energy to the roles of the bumbling alien pursuers, Dr. Jumba Jookiba and Agent Pleakley, respectively, even if their comedic antics occasionally feel broader than in the original. Courtney B. Vance provides a solid and grounded presence as Cobra Bubbles, the initially stern social worker with a hidden past. A delightful touch is the casting of Tia Carrere (the original voice of Nani) in a new role as Mrs. Kekoa, the social worker overseeing Lilo’s well-being, offering a sweet nod to the animated film.
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Several key scenes are lovingly recreated and enhanced in the live-action format. For instance, the initial meeting between Lilo and Stitch at the animal shelter is as endearing as ever. Moreover, the exhilarating surfing sequences were brought to life with impressive visuals, capturing the beauty of the Hawaiian waves and the thrill of the sport Nani tries to impart to Lilo. Finally, the pivotal moment where Lilo teaches Stitch about the concept of ohana remains deeply resonant. The live-action performances bring a new layer of emotional weight to this scene, highlighting the found family at the heart of the story and Stitch’s gradual understanding of love and belonging.
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However, the film isn’t without its minor stumbles. As mentioned, the integration of the CGI Stitch with the live-action environment isn’t always perfect. Additionally, some of the broader comedic elements involving Jumba and Pleakley occasionally feel slightly out of sync with the more grounded emotional narrative. While these moments don’t derail the film, they can feel a tad jarring.
Despite these minor drawbacks, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is a commendable addition to the franchise. It honors the spirit and heart of the original while offering enough new touches to feel like more than just a carbon copy. The stunning Hawaiian setting, the strong performances, and the enduring charm of the central relationship between Lilo and Stitch make this a worthwhile cinematic experience. It’s a sweet and funny film that successfully captures the essence of ohana, reminding us that family comes in all shapes and sizes, even blue, furry, and extraterrestrial ones. This is a heartfelt homecoming that should leave audiences with a warm “aloha” in their hearts.
‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025) Review: A Heartfelt Homecoming
Despite these minor drawbacks, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is a commendable addition to the franchise. It honors the spirit and heart of the original while offering enough new touches to feel like more than just a carbon copy. The stunning Hawaiian setting, the strong performances, and the enduring charm of the central relationship between Lilo and Stitch make this a worthwhile cinematic experience.
