A live-action version of Lilo & Stitch was released on May 23, 2025. Dean Fleischer Camp directed the live action. The movie follows the storyline of a Hawaiian girl and her alien companion. 

No Ohana here

Disney’s latest live-action remake, “Lilo & Stitch,” crash-lands with the softness of Experiment 626 in a crowded marketplace, leaving a trail of disappointment and creative wreckage in its wake. This live-action adaptation is more than far from honoring the original’s quirky charm and emotional depth. The new version feels like a cynical attempt to mine nostalgia for profit. The film’s most glaring flaw is its inability to capture the unique visual style and vibrant spirit of the animated classic, replacing it with a generic, uninspired aesthetic that fails to evoke the magic of the Hawaiian Islands. While also forgetting the true meaning of what Ohana means. 

Casting Choices

While seemingly diverse on paper, the movie thoroughly lacks the spark and authenticity that made the original characters so meaningful. The actors, though talented in their own right, are misdirected and struggle to embody the essence of their animated counterparts. Lilo, once a relatable and fiercely independent young girl, is reduced to a caricature, her emotional depth sacrificed for cheap sentimentality. Her relationship with Stitch, the heart of the original film, feels forced and unconvincing, lacking the genuine connection that made their bond so special.

Failed CGI

The beloved blue alien”Stitch” suffers the most horrendous transformation in this live-action adaptation. What was once a delightful blend of mischievousness and vulnerability is now a major CGI monster, lacking the expressive characteristics that made him so iconic. It almost seems the directors forgot that Stitch’s appeal comes from his personality and not his appearance. His relationship with Lilo and his ability to bond are what truly make him such a loved character. The audience is instead presented with a visually unappealing creature. Student at Colonia High School, Madison Veiga, says that “They could’ve portrayed Stitch better. He fell short of having a personality. Though I didn’t necessarily enjoy the movie, it did make me cry in the ending.” 

Modernization and gentrification

The plot, already stretched thin in the original animated film, is further bloated with unnecessary subplots from the original film. The film goes through a series of poorly executed action sequences and predictable emotional beats, failing to capture the heartfelt connection between Lilo and Stitch that was the core of the animated film. The sense of ohana, or family, feels manufactured, lacking the genuine warmth and depth that made the original so touching. In the original, Nani would do anything for her sister Lilo, displaying the true meaning of Ohana. Another student at CHS had a different opinion. Monica Bohorquez says that it brought out her inner child. “I thought it was humorous; my favorite part was when the Hawaiian man dropped his snow cone. I also felt that it was pretty similar to the original in certain parts, the movie as a whole was pretty different, however.”

In the live-action version, we see a Nani who wants to give Lilo up to foster care. Apparently, in the live-action, Ohana means giving your sister up to the state to go to college in California. The film’s attempts to modernize the story feels messy and forced, ultimately detracting from the original’s timeless appeal. A perfect example of modernization would be when Stitch steals Myrtle’s electric car instead of her tricycle.

Difference in character behavior

One of the most transparent issues is the film’s inability to capture the humor of the original. The witty banter that made “Lilo & Stitch” so enjoyable is replaced with tired gags and predictable jokes that fall flat. The supporting characters, who once added color and humor to the story, are reduced to caricatures, their personalities flattened and their comedic timing off. Pleakley, a once humorous character known for his cross-dressing, is now bland and even transforms into a human in the movie instead of staying in alien form. Jumba, a once harmless character who deeply cared about Lilo and Stitch’s relationship, is now made out to be the villain, even losing his Russian accent. As an audience, we also lose the iconic Elvis Presley songs, which were so integral to the original film’s charm, and are gone completely.

The downfall of Disney

Ultimately, the “Lilo & Stitch” live-action remake is a completely different movie. It fails to capture the magic and heart of the original. It’s a prime example of Disney’s increasing reliance on nostalgia and brand recognition. They are sacrificing its creativity and originality in the process. Rather than celebrating the unique charm of the animated classic, this remake diminishes its legacy. The film’s reliance on predictable plot points ultimately overshadows the heartfelt story that made the original so beloved.

A Nostalgic Cash Grab 

To conclude, save your time and money. Instead of watching the live-action, rewatch the original “Lilo & Stitch” and relearn the true heartwarming story of ohana, friendship, and acceptance. You’ll be reminded of why the animated film is a beloved classic, and avoid the disappointment of witnessing a cherished story being stripped of its soul.