“Lilo & Stitch” – A Vibrant Reimagining for a New Generation

Director Dean Fleischer Camp, fresh off the heartfelt and inventive Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, brings a uniquely tender eye to Lilo & Stitch. This live-action reimagining boldly charts its course while still nodding to the beloved 2002 animated original.

Written by newcomers Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes, this adaptation takes creative liberties that may surprise fans of the original. However, these changes bring a fresh energy to the story. Unlike the animated version, which balanced themes of heartache and humor, this live-action film embraces sci-fi chaos and focuses on the bond between Lilo (Maia Kealoha), Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudon), and Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders).

Its respectful representation of Hawaiian culture is a standout feature, honoring the setting through native language, music, and island traditions. By incorporating these genuine elements, the film becomes a heartfelt tribute to Hawaii and the essence of 'ohana. Newcomer Maia Kealoha, the young actress who plays Lilo, stands out as a remarkable discovery. 

Her performance avoids artificial precocity and unnatural polish, delivering an authentic, grounded presence to the character. The actress authentically represents Lilo's youthfulness and deep sense of loyalty while maintaining her character's genuine solitude throughout the film. The true-to-life portrayal connects viewers to the film's emotional core and establishes early audience support for her character.

Some characters have been sidelined or reshaped—Captain Gantu is gone, Dr. Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) is now a full-blown villain, and Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) loses some of his eccentric flair. Yet these changes streamline the story and make it more accessible to its target audience. The shift may feel like a loss to long-time fans, but it provides a straightforward, focused narrative for younger viewers experiencing this story for the first time.

Finally, a notable change to Cobra Bubbles, portrayed by Courtney B. Vance, suits Vance's acting style well. Thankfully, there are some great callbacks to the animated film, including a cameo by Jason Scott Lee and a role created for Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the animated movie.

Stitch remains a whirlwind of chaos, with his destructive tendencies intact and brought to life through impressive visual effects. While some of his tender qualities take a backseat, his journey remains engaging, especially from Lilo's perspective. Their bond is the film's emotional core, shining authentically and warmly.

The themes of family, loss, and belonging are present, though they are explored more straightforwardly. The live-action format adds weight to specific moments concerning the child welfare subplot. However, this grounding also gives the film an emotional depth that resonates differently from the animated version.

Lilo & Stitch doesn't seek to replace the original; it connects with a new generation through visual spectacle, heartfelt moments, and a strong message about chosen family. While it may not be perfect, its charm lies in its sincerity, reminding us all that ohana means nobody gets left behind.

Final Grade: B+

Lilo & Stitch opens in theatres tomorrow.