Disney finally has a win with the live-action film Lilo & Stitch, in theaters now. The movie is adapted from the 2002 animated instant classic about a mischievous runaway alien who befriends a little Hawaiian girl.
It's the latest in a string of films that uses modern CGI to transform fully animated films into live-action films that integrate animated elements.
Sometimes the remakes are very similar -- and sometimes things get changed.
Differences between the animated and the live-action films
There are several differences -- and fans of the animated movie will notice them immediately -- but they do not detract from the story. They actually add more depth to the characters. The heart of the original is still there, even with a few tweaks.
Lilo does not go into the life of Elvis in this film, however there are plenty of Elvis songs throughout the movie, as well as Hawaiian music that adds to the atmosphere of the setting and the lifestyle of the characters.
The film's setting is also moved from the idyllic Hawaiian island of Kauai to more urbanized Oahu -- probably to accommodate the specifics of live-action filming, and to make use of such iconic locations as Honolulu and Waikiki Beach.
Also, it's easier to pass off a toothy blue alien as a dog in animation, but in live action ... you just have to go with it.
Lilo
Maia Kealoha steals the show as little Lilo. She inhabits the character, and her expressions and actions bring Lilo to life.
Lilo is a lonely little girl, living with her older sister, whose new best friend Stitch resolves some of her emotional issues. She and Stitch get into some mischief, however they have each other’s backs and prove that they are meant to be together.
Other returning characters
Sydney Elizabeth Agudong is Nani, Lilo’s older sister. Nani is frustrated with her life and what she had to give up in order to care for her sister, but she does so willingly, as she loves her little sister with all her heart.
Courtney B. Vance is Cobra Bubbles, a CIA agent on the hunt for an alien.
Kaipo Dudoit is David, the neighbor who has a crush on Nani and who ends up saving the lives of Lilo and Stitch more than once.
Zach Galifianakis is Jumba, the inventor of the evil alien experiments. He is sent to Earth to retrieve Experiment 626 -- a k a Stitch. Billy Magnussen is Pleakley, who is sent to make sure Jumba toes the line.
When they get to Earth they take on human forms, but once in a while, they glitch back to their animated alien bodies.
New characters
This film adds new characters, which help flesh out the story. Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the animated movie, now plays Mrs. Kekoa, a social worker who deep down wants Nani to keep custody of her little sister, but knows it is not in Lilo’s best interest.
After all, Nani is still a teenager and has a hard time juggling being both mom and sister to Lilo.
Amy Hill voiced Mrs. Hasagawa in the animated film. This time, she plays the neighbor of the sisters, who has a kind heart and empathy for both Lilo and Nani.
Emotional scenes
While this is a fun family film, there are still many emotional scenes. This movie will touch the hearts of audiences one moment then lift them up the next. It is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Both young and old will enjoy the entire film which is definitely meant for the entire family.
From Plugged In:
Much like Lilo and Stitch’s new family, this film might not be perfect, but it’s still good. Family, faithfulness and sacrifice are among the values that this reboot embraces.
The ending
The ending is completely different from the animated movie. Even though it does have a new finale, it is just as endearing and happy as that in the original. It's both unique and fulfilling.
The bottom line
While Disney has not had a good track record when it comes to making live-action films based on their classic animated movies, they managed to make a great family film with Lilo & Stitch.
It's certainly been a hit so far at the box office. As of May 27, 2025, Lilo & Stitch has grossed $217M in the United States and Canada, and $213.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $430.6M.
This is a fun and endearing story with memorable scenes and characters. It will touch funny bones as well as hearts.
From the first scene to the end of the credits (stay for the credits) the movie engages audiences and entertains both young and old and everyone in between. It's the best family film this year so far.
Image: Disney
Francine Brokaw is a longtime journalist whose articles have been published in national and international publications. She is accredited by the MPAA and is a long-standing member of the Television Critics Association. She also hosts Beyond the Red Carpet on YouTube.
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