Disney’s extensive catalog of live-action remakes often seems to sort itself into a few distinct piles. There are the meticulously faithful recreations, the bold reimagining that take wild swings, and to be frank, the occasional “why was this strictly necessary?” entry. Every so often, however, a movie carves out a rarer space, becoming a genuinely charming surprise. The 2025 version of Lilo and Stitch, for me, comfortably settles into that welcome category. As someone who wasn’t a die-hard devotee of the original 2003 animated movie, recalling its impressive marketing more vividly than its specific plot points, perhaps my clean slate allowed this remake to connect with fresh eyes. And I have to say, I found a great deal to enjoy in this new take.
A Vibrant Reimagining with Surprising Depth
The movie wisely opens by giving us a brief, energetic glimpse into the galactic context of Stitch’s chaotic creation and subsequent escape, before smoothly transitioning to Earth to ground us in Lilo’s unique, and often challenging, world in Hawaii. We’re given time to understand her life and personality even before Experiment 626 makes his rather memorable crash landing. This dual approach to the opening is handled well, allowing each primary thread its own setup before they inevitably intertwine. It’s from this point, especially through its engaging first half, that the movie truly finds its rhythm and an abundance of charm.
A significant reason for this success lies in the truly standout performance of the newcomer playing Lilo (Maia Kealoha). It is no small task for a young actor to anchor such a story, yet Kealoha does so with a natural, vibrant spirit and an impressive grasp of Lilo’s multifaceted nature. She conveys Lilo’s blend of a unique spirit, deep-seated loneliness, and fierce desire for belonging with both energetic conviction, and moments of surprising emotional subtlety. Her on-screen dynamic with the CGI Stitch is a particular highlight; their evolving bond feels remarkably authentic and becomes the undeniable core of the movie’s appeal. She navigates the narrative’s comedic peaks and heartfelt notes with a maturity that is consistently captivating.
This strong central performance is wonderfully bolstered by the chemistry from the entire principal cast. The crucial theme of “ohana,” which is family in its broadest and most inclusive sense, resonates with genuine warmth. This is largely because the interactions between Lilo, Nani (Sydney Agudong), and the gradually integrated Stitch, Jumba, and Pleakley, feel so believable, and work together with such effective synergy. The humor, another vital component, frequently lands with delightful precision, primarily driven by Stitch’s early, endearingly destructive antics and the lively, often chaotic, character interplay that springs from his presence. On a technical level, the CGI rendering of Stitch and his alien counterparts is notably well executed, integrating with far more polish into the Hawaiian setting than has been the case in some other recent live-action remakes from the studio. This significantly aids the overall immersion.
For me, the antagonist emerged as a notable point of weakness. Zach Galifianakis is an undeniably gifted comedian, but his talents feel somewhat underutilized in his role here. While the character provides some intentionally funny moments, as one might expect in a family-oriented movie, he never quite lands as a memorable or effectively imposing presence. It’s a bit disappointing because a more compelling (even if still comedic) villain might have added an extra layer of tension or fun to the proceedings. Instead, it felt like a missed opportunity to better leverage Galifianakis’s unique comedic abilities.
Where the Island Rhythms Get a Little Uneven
Despite many elements working strongly in its favor, this iteration of Lilo and Stitch does encounter some narrative turbulence, as its momentum isn’t always consistently maintained. The infectious energy and delightful comedic rhythm, so carefully cultivated in the movie’s initial stages, become noticeably more variable once the story progresses into its second act and moves towards its resolution. While the movie certainly never loses its inherent charm, the pacing, at certain points, can feel a little uneven. A distinct shift occurs from the earlier, almost relentless focus on Stitch’s wild, slapstick antics, which provided so much of that initial, freewheeling fun. As the main conflict develops, the story understandably becomes more plot-centric. This transition, however, means some of that chaotic joy that so defined the movie’s opening spirit feels somewhat reined in. For me, this change felt a bit jarring at times, as if the movie momentarily misplaced a beat of its most unique and captivating energy. Yet, it’s clear the core story itself, even with these pacing considerations, feels inherently well suited to this live-action format, offering a strong foundation that generally serves the remake well.
Final Verdict: 3.5 out of 5
This live-action Lilo and Stitch is an enjoyable and often delightful movie that largely makes a strong case for its existence in Disney’s ever-expanding catalog of remakes. The standout performance from Kealoha, coupled with the fantastic ensemble chemistry and a generous dose of humor and heart, truly carries this movie.
While its momentum isn’t always consistent through the second half, and the villain could have been more effectively realized, these are not deal-breakers in what is otherwise an exceptionally charming and visually pleasing family movie. It successfully captures the spirit of “ohana” and delivers a viewing experience that feels both fresh and warmly familiar. If you’re looking for a Disney remake that offers genuine fun, emotional resonance, and stands confidently on its own, this one is definitely worth your time.
That Nerd Zach 