Lilo & Stitch (2025)

 

Lilo & Stitch Movie Review – A Live-Action Ohana Adventure Returns

Directed by: Dean Fleischer Camp
Genre: Family, Comedy, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Starring: Maia Kealoha, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Sydney Agudong
Runtime: 105 minutes
Release Date: May 27, 2025

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Image Source: IMP Awards

Introduction

Disney’s long-awaited live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch (2025) has finally hit the screens, and it's already sparking nostalgia and curiosity across the globe. Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, known for Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, this adaptation breathes new life into the beloved 2002 animated classic. With the same heartwarming themes of family, identity, and belonging, the film also brings an island of visual spectacle and emotional weight that connects with both longtime fans and a new generation.

But does the 2025 Lilo & Stitch live up to its predecessor? Let’s dive into this alien-meets-ohana tale and break it down through its plot, cast performances, production approach, and overall reception.

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Plot Summary

Set in the sun-drenched Hawaiian town of Kaua’i, the film opens with a familiar but freshly visualized sequence — a dangerous alien experiment, known as Stitch (aka Experiment 626), escapes from an intergalactic prison. Stitch crash-lands on Earth, where he meets a lonely young girl named Lilo Pelekai, who is being raised by her older sister Nani following the tragic death of their parents.

Lilo is a quirky, strong-willed child struggling with grief and isolation. She adopts Stitch, mistaking him for a dog. What unfolds is a chaotic, comedic, and ultimately heartwarming story about friendship, redemption, and the bonds that define family.

In this version, some moments are more emotionally mature than the original, especially scenes highlighting the strained but loving relationship between Lilo and Nani. The film successfully preserves the iconic "Ohana means family" theme while layering in new character development and updated story arcs for today’s audience.

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Cast Performances

• Maia Kealoha as Lilo: Newcomer Maia Kealoha brings a natural innocence and emotional depth to Lilo. Her performance balances childlike wonder with heartbreaking sincerity. From the moment she appears on screen, she owns the character, capturing the essence of the animated original.

• Zach Galifianakis as Jumba Jookiba: Galifianakis injects his signature comedic timing into the role of the eccentric alien scientist. He gives Jumba more personality quirks while still remaining loyal to the character’s original spirit.

• Billy Magnussen as Pleakley: With his high-energy antics and delightful awkwardness, Magnussen’s Pleakley steals nearly every scene he's in. His chemistry with Galifianakis is natural and provides a significant portion of the comic relief.

• Sydney Agudong as Nani: Sydney delivers a grounded and heartfelt performance as Lilo’s older sister. Her struggles to balance responsibility and love are conveyed beautifully, with moments that feel both raw and real.

• Chris Sanders (voice of Stitch): Reprising his role from the original, Sanders once again voices Stitch with the perfect mix of chaos and charm. Stitch's mischievous voice and expressive animation keep audiences entertained and emotionally invested.

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Production Design and Visual Effects

One of the most impressive aspects of the 2025 remake is its seamless integration of CGI and live-action. Stitch, entirely CGI, feels more lifelike than ever, while still maintaining the cuteness and expressiveness fans remember. Disney spared no expense in rendering the island paradise of Kaua’i, with vibrant colors, lush landscapes, and immersive sound design that brings the tropical world to life.

The film’s cinematography also deserves mention. From sweeping drone shots over Hawaiian beaches to intimate close-ups of Lilo and Nani in emotional moments, every frame is composed with care.

Costume design, too, reflects authenticity. Characters wear traditional Hawaiian clothing in many scenes, and the cultural elements — from hula dancing to native folklore — are treated with more respect and depth than in the 2002 version.

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Music and Soundtrack

While the film retains classic tunes like “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride” and “He Mele No Lilo,” it also introduces new songs performed by Hawaiian artists, enhancing the cultural richness of the film. The soundtrack blends ukulele, slack-key guitar, and modern orchestration, making it both nostalgic and fresh.

Composer Mark Mothersbaugh delivers a well-balanced score that moves effortlessly from comedic moments to emotional scenes. The music enhances the storytelling without overpowering it.

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Themes and Message

The heart of Lilo & Stitch remains unchanged: the importance of family, acceptance, and unconditional love. However, the live-action remake deepens its emotional narrative with more screen time for Nani’s struggles, Lilo’s social isolation, and Stitch’s journey of self-discovery. Themes of grief, sibling responsibility, and cultural identity are given more realistic weight and representation.

The story emphasizes how family isn’t just biological — it’s built through compassion, forgiveness, and support during hardship. In today’s social climate, these messages resonate louder than ever.

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Release and Reception

Released globally on May 27, 2025, Lilo & Stitch quickly soared to the top of box office charts. In its opening weekend, it grossed over $120 million worldwide, thanks to a combination of Disney brand power, nostalgia, and positive early reviews.

Critics have praised the film for staying true to the spirit of the original while updating it with emotional maturity, cultural sensitivity, and visual flair. Audiences have lauded the performances of Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong in particular, and many have noted that the film succeeds in introducing Lilo and Stitch to a whole new generation.

On Rotten Tomatoes, the film currently holds an 87% critic rating and a 92% audience score — a testament to its broad appeal.

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Notes and Trivia

• This marks Dean Fleischer Camp’s first collaboration with Disney.
• Filming took place on location in Kaua’i, Hawaii, during the summer of 2024.
• Stitch was rendered using state-of-the-art motion capture technology combined with AI-assisted animation.
• Several original voice actors from the 2002 version make cameo appearances.
• The film’s release was delayed twice due to production setbacks and strikes in 2023.

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Final Verdict

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) is more than a nostalgic rehash — it’s a soulful, funny, and visually striking story that honors its roots while speaking directly to modern audiences. Dean Fleischer Camp’s direction brings out the best in a talented cast, and the film’s thoughtful script gives emotional weight to a story that has always been about belonging.

Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the world of Stitch, this is one adventure worth taking.

Rating: 9/10