Lilo & Stitch Review
By Kevin Hoskinson
Entertainment Editor
When Disney’s Lilo & Stitch was released in 2002, it was met with a warm reception, both from audiences and critics alike. People loved the film, and it went on to be a box office success at a time when Walt Disney Studios was floundering. They were coming from a decade of the Disney Renaissance and struggling to find an identity. While the movie didn’t completely change the company’s fortunes, it did prove that they were more than just fairy tales and princesses. It was a family story directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, focusing on a little girl who befriends a chaotic alien based in modern-day Hawaii. While it has fantastical elements, the story is grounded in the family dynamic of Nani and Lilo, two sisters who love each other but struggle to get by.
With the trend of Disney remaking their classic animated films in live-action, it was only a matter of time before Lilo & Stitch got the treatment. Initially planned for a streaming release, the movie made its way to theaters and has been a box-office success so far. As with any of these remakes, there are some changes to the source material, but for the most part, the stories stay intact. One change to the film’s end has left fans scratching their heads and discussing online, but let’s talk about whether or not the movie is worth checking out.
First, I haven’t loved any of the live-action remakes the studio has produced. They are fine and enjoyable enough, but none justify their existence. There are a few that I really like and a couple that I just don’t care for, but they are all mostly mid. I’m happy to say that Lilo & Stitch is actually pretty good. Just like the rest, it doesn’t need to exist, but I’m glad it does because laughing and crying is good for the soul, and this movie provides an outlet for both of those in equal measure. The cast is solid, especially newcomer Maia Kealoha as Lilo. They seemingly let her be herself to portray the character, leading to more authentic performances.
Even with its chaotic nature and CGI aliens, it manages to keep the heart of the story on Nani and Lilo. In this version, Nani seems a bit younger than her animated counterpart and was given the opportunity to attend The University Of California with a full scholarship to study marine biology. As life does sometimes, she wasn’t able to chase that dream and instead became Lilo’s legal guardian. Never once throughout the film does she blame Lilo for this, doing all she could to stay afloat as social workers knock on their door. It’s a sweet relationship but one that is stressful for both of the sisters and is also a point of contention for viewers who watched the film. By taking this angle, the filmmakers take it to a new level and ground it in a more realistic lens.
Lilo & Stitch doesn’t take any big swings but somehow manages to not feel like a straight-up remake. It’s a more expensive version of a Disney Channel Original Film, which isn’t a bad thing at all. Many of those films are unique and quirky in their own right, and this fits perfectly with them. It’s adorable and silly in all the right ways, with very funny writing and quirky characters. Most of all, it’s full of heart. If you are a fan of the original, you will enjoy it quite a bit, and even if you aren’t, you might find a lot to like. As far as Disney remakes go, this one is towards the top of the pack.
Rating: 3 Pastrami Nations out of 5
