I was too old for the first Lilo & Stitch in 2002, which now is a melancholic relic of the hand drawn Disney animated era. But it’s certainly left an imprint on many a euphoria riddled child at the time. And so, because of that, we have to remake it, nearly shot for shot. Low expectations help this 2025 live actioner. That…and a reason to book your next Hawaiian vacation.
For the generation like me that missed it or new parents, we start on planet Turo of the United Galactic Federation. The Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) has ordered Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifanakis) to surrender his latest Experiment 626 (Chris Sanders), an indestructible supersmart bioweapon. Well, those traits allow 626 to escape capture, stealing a pod and crash landing on Earth, in Hawaii. 626 finds his way to a kennell mistaken as a dog, where he’s rescued by Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) an adorable but lonely little girl being raised by her stressed overworked older sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong). Wanting a cleanup job, the Grand Councilwoman orders Dr. Jumba to go to Earth to retrieve 626, accompanied by Earth expert Wendell Pleakley (Billy Magnussen).
The success of live action remakes depends on how beloved the original was. 2002 Lilo & Stitch isn’t Snow White or The Little Mermaid, but it’s closer to those than it was to Pete’s Dragon. As such, this remake is going to more than likely just make fans of the OG movie want to watch that one instead, since it’s basically the EXACT same plot. The only redeeming qualities of this new one are the human actors, given a chance to do their thing. Zach Galifanakis and Billy Magnussen get their silly side plot that works cause of their commitment to the bit. Maia Kealoha is requisitely adorable as Lilo, lisping her way into Stitch’s, and eventually everybody’s, heart. And Sydney Elizebeth Agudong does the best she can with the emotional material, necessary for the ludicrous plot to mean anything.
Stitch dolls will be asked for by your kids after this one parents, so tread lightly. The CGI recreation is serviceable enough for him to have kids looking for blue dogs in an animal rescue you’re forced to go to after the movie. Fortunately, parents, you’ll get over the “dog” search the minute you stare at Oahu. At least Dean Fleischer Camp, the director, knows to utilize everything the first does about Hawaiian culture…but uses the real place. I’ve never been, but this one reinforces how beautiful Hawaii can be. Let this be a lesson to Disney live action remakers: just demand a great remote location to shoot at at least, so you can at least enjoy a mini vacation with your cash grab.
Another pointless live actioner completed for Disney. Thankfully, we’re running out of em. Unthankfully, the stink of this trend has rubbed off on other animated studios, so get ready for How to Train Your Dragon this summer, Minions in 2026, and the Smurfs in 2027. I, um, can’t wait, as I choke down my own vomit, bleh.