Have your kids ever struggled with finding a best friend? In the heartwarming live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch,” we learn how a young girl’s dreams come true when she sees an alien friend named Stitch. The movie is the live-action remake of the 2002 carton version created by Disney animator Chris Sanders. Here’s the very cool part: Sanders is the voice of Stitch! He made a gamble at the time with a budget of 80 million, and the 2002 movie went on to make over $273.1 million worldwide. Due to the success of the movie, three sequel films were produced, as well as several television series, books, and toys.
The live-action rendition of “Lilo & Stitch” is a faithful remake of the 2002 film, with only a few minor additions. For those new to the character of Stitch, he’s an alien created illegally through a genetic experiment. He escapes the Galactic Federation and crashes on Earth; Stitch wakes up in a dog rescue center. The main problem with adopting Stitch and bringing him into a family is that he was designed to be mischievous, and his primary function is to destroy everything he touches. He is bulletproof, fireproof, shockproof, and can think faster than a supercomputer.
At the center, Stitch convinces six-year-old Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) to adopt and bring him home. Stitch and Lilo have a great time getting to know each other. Although his pranks are harmless, they don’t look like great parenting for Lilo’s older sister, Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong), as she may lose her guardianship as she’s being monitored. Also, there’s the threat of Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Stitch’s creator, Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis), who have traveled from space to retrieve him.
First and foremost, Hawaii is the perfect setting for “Lilo & Stitch,” as the swaying palm trees, beautiful beaches, and surfing are all delightful to view. The story is poignant as well as the sisters have lost their parents and are living on their own, with Nani trying to make money so they can survive. A great quote in the film is when Stitch says after living with the girls awhile: “This is my family. I found it all on my own. It’s little, and broken, but still good. Yeah, still good.” Both girls are great in their roles; Lilo has a vast amount of emotions to play, from total exaltation to extreme sadness. Nani plays concerned and worried, as well as shocked and awed by Stitches’ antics she observes.
This enjoyable, fast-paced, family-friendly gem is for all to enjoy; that probably explains why the girls seated next to me were in their early 20s.’
Click on the link for my Hollywood 360 Radio Podcast of “Lilo & Stitch”:hollywood360radio.com/lilo-stitch
@Sarah Knight Adamson June 13, 2025 Lilo&StitchSBP