Walt Disney Studios has recently released their second live-action adaptation from the animated studio library films, Lilo & Stitch.
Like the 2002 animated film it’s based on, the story revolves around a blue alien who escapes a prison and lands on Earth where he encounters a young Native Hawaiian orphan girl named Lilo who’s lonely and learns the importance of family, or as she calls it “Ohana.”
This newer version of Lilo & Stitch is a hilarious, adventurous, and heartwarming retelling. One of the goals when adapting these beloved stories is honor the story. But this version of the film succeeds at adding some fresh elements including new characters, and expanding the meaning of “Ohana.”
Director Dean Fleischer Camp brings so much heart to this film, that is becomes noticeable how much has been missing in other remakes. One of the highlights is the added emotional depth between the sisters Lilo and Nani.
In this remake, the sisterly bond between the two is explored as they deal with the recent loss of their parents. Grief unites them, but the fear of being separated by a social worker keeps them together. Lilo and Nani’s chemistry is both heartwarming and emotionally driven thanks to two charismatic performances by newcomer Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong. They bring tons of energy to the screen that makes you feel like their sisters in real life.
As for Stitch, he translates really well in live-action. Chris Sanders who voiced the character throughout the Lilo & Stitch series and also co-directed the original film returns to voice him.
This version of Stitch is just as funny, adorable and mischievous as his 2D counterpart. And he doesn’t disappoint when he’s given new funny scenes. One of his most notable (new) scenes involves crashing a wedding. However, he’s so much more fleshed out in this version that he has emotional scenes with Lilo which make you want to cry.
With Stitch being a very popular character in Disney’s catalog, I’d argue that he is a threat to some of the other company mascots such as Mickey Mouse and Tinkerbell.
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Regarding the way this film expands upon the theme of “Ohana,” I’m going to talk about some SPOILERS. So do not proceed unless you have seen the movie.
In the film, Nani is a “straight-A student,” and wants to become a Marine Biologist. She gets accepted to a University in San Diego with a full scholarship, but refuses to go because she wants to focus on paying the bills and keeping custody of Lilo.
In a huge departure from the original film, Lilo ends up taken by Nani’s neighbor Tūtū, David Kewana’s grandmother (played by Amy Hill), Nani gives up guardianship. Tūtū is a new character, and it’s established early on that she has known the Pelekais for years and is a friend of the family. Because she has been keeping an eye on Pelekais sisters after the death of their family, she is primed to become Lilo’s guardian. She helps illustrate the film’s stretched meaning of “ohana”, extending beyond blood relatives.
It’s a controversial choice, but ultimately a more nuanced and realistic ending, which also allows Nani the chance to pursue her dreams. The film ends with Lilo’s new family, including Stitch, Tūtū, David, Cobra Bubbles, Mrs. Kekoa (another new character played by original Nani actress Tia Carrere) and Pleakley while Nani is away but can still visit her and Stitch with a portal gun.
Some of the film’s other strong elements include its cinematography, which at times is so beautiful it feels like a celebration of Hawaiian culture. The film is so well shot, it’s almost impossible to think that this was once being considered as a Disney+ exclusive release.
If you’re a fan of any of the direct-to-video sequels or Lilo & Stitch: The Animated Series, there are tons of fun Easter eggs sprinkled throughout too.
The film’s VFX are also impressive. All of the CG characters look like perfect replicas of their animated counterparts; however, that doesn’t change how boring some of them are. For example, Jumbaa and Pleakey are so underwhelming in this new version.
They’re played by Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen. For a vast majority of the film, they spend their pursuit of Stitch as humans. Although that is understandable due to the film’s budget, they have no real chemistry or action. They end up just fumbling around being a part of silly gags.
Billy Magnussen steals a lot of the moments between the two characters but I can’t say much Galifianakis, who is so forgettable and really struggles to live up to the original – especially without the thick European accent. When it’s revealed that he’s the villain instead of the original Captain Gantu, it’s especially disappointing.
While the film is longer than original with an hour almost fifty minute runtime, the film is very rushed. There are also some awkwardly edited sequences.
Nevertheless, Lilo & Stitch is still a cute movie that overshadows the flaws thanks to some great performances, Stitch mayhem, a fun soundtrack and tons of heartfelt moments that should be seen in a matinee.
Lilo & Stitch is currently playing in theaters worldwide.
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