Not long ago, Pixar and Disney approached animation with a guiding question: Why does this story need to be told through animation? It was a way to ensure the medium was used with purpose. In today’s era of omnipresent VFX, that question feels less urgent. But maybe it’s time to flip it: Does this animated story really need a live-action remake?
Sadly, Lilo & Stitch suggests the answer might be no.
Director Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for the critically acclaimed Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, brings warmth and sincerity to this new version, as do the cast and crew. The care is evident; this isn’t a lazy retread. And yet, it still feels like a diminished copy of its sun-drenched, pastel-hued predecessor. Some supporting characters are gone, the sisterly bond is emphasised more, and there are a few smart tweaks to fit the live-action format, but overall, it feels more like repainting rather than reimagining.
The performances are incredibly strong here. Maia Kealoha captures young Lilo’s spirit with honesty, humour and a whole lot of heart, while Sydney Elizebeth Agudong’s Nani becomes the film’s emotional centre. As the older sister thrust into a parental role after their parents’ death, Nani is both capable and overwhelmed, a quietly powerful portrayal. Tia Carrere, returning in a new role as a sympathetic social worker, adds a nice meta touch for fans of the original. And of course, Stitch is back, this time more textured and furry, but not necessarily cuter. Voiced once again by Chris Sanders, the alien chaos agent delivers the familiar antics, though perhaps with slightly less bite.
The core story remains intact, with only minor alterations. Fleischer Camp shifts the musical focus away from Elvis toward more Hawaiian-rooted sounds, which brings a welcome cultural grounding. While this may not be ideal for fans of the original, this change does make the film feel more traditionally Hawaiian, immersing you into the place. This works in a lot of the film, but some emotional and narrative beats feel oddly muted or unfocused in the edit. Lilo’s rebellious streak, once sharply defined, has been softened; she licks instead of bites now. Whether that’s due to concerns over child actors or working around a CG lead, the result is a film that, despite a longer runtime, doesn’t deliver quite the same emotional highs—or laughs.
This remake isn’t bad. There was no way it ever could be, it sticks closely to one of Disney’s best films from the early 2000s, however it also never justifies its own existence. If Disney is going to continue revisiting its animated classics, it should either give filmmakers the freedom to radically reimagine them or consider letting some stories remain untouched. There is a strong focus on the sister friendship in this version, which is less sibling rivalry and more embracing their identities as a family, the core of what Ohana is. Lilo & Stitch is still worth a visit to the movies, take your friends, take your family and have a great time celebrating in one of Disney’s biggest characters from its animated history.
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Not long ago, Pixar and Disney approached animation with a guiding question: Why does this story need to be told through animation? It was a way to ensure the medium was used with purpose. In today’s era of omnipresent VFX, that question feels less...Lilo & Stitch: A Live-Action Remake Worth Watching?
