I finally got around to watching the live-action Lilo & Stitch, and as a longtime Disney fan, I had mixed feelings walking out. On one hand, it’s a sweet attempt to reintroduce this beloved story to a new generation. On the other, it’s hard not to notice what’s missing.
Let’s start with the positives. Maia Kealoha as Lilo is truly the heart of this movie. She embodies the same quirky, headstrong, and emotional spark that made us fall in love with Lilo back in 2002. Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch was a great move, too—it gives this new version a much-needed anchor to the original. Together, their bond brings back the theme of ohana, which will always tug on the heartstrings.
The movie also leans into emotional beats that land surprisingly well. Lilo’s struggles with feeling out of place, Nani’s determination to hold her little family together, and Stitch learning what it means to belong all still shine through. Humor is there, too, even if some jokes feel modernized rather than timeless.
But then… the drawbacks start creeping in. The absence of Captain Gantu is a real loss. He was such a fun, imposing presence in the animated film, and his omission leaves a noticeable gap in the stakes. Jumba, too, feels watered down—his accent and larger-than-life personality aren’t nearly as distinct, and it robs the film of some of its quirkiness. Pleakley, once a delightful showcase of gender-bending humor, has been toned down to the point of being almost unrecognizable. And remember the old lady with glasses asking about her want ad? Gone. Little touches like that helped make the original so unique, and their absence makes this version feel less lived-in.
Visually, the CGI Stitch works… most of the time. But there are moments where the illusion cracks. When Nani pets Stitch near the end, it’s glaringly obvious she’s patting the air. In other scenes, the interaction between humans and Stitch feels rushed or incomplete, as though the effects team didn’t have enough time to polish things.
On pacing, the movie has some trouble. Certain scenes feel dragged out, while others—like Stitch’s chaotic escape—zip by too quickly without the sense of excitement or danger we remember. It leaves the rhythm a little uneven.
Overall? The live-action Lilo & Stitch isn’t a disaster, but it’s not the standout it could have been. It’s worth a watch, especially if you’re curious to see how Disney reimagined the story. But honestly, you might be better off waiting for it to hit Disney+. It’s entertaining, yes, but it doesn’t quite capture the magic spark of the animated classic. Ohana still means family—but in this case, maybe family is best revisited in the original animation.
The good news? Disney is already planning a sequel, and word is Captain Gantu will finally make an appearance. I’m looking forward to it—he’s too good of a character to leave out twice. Until then, enjoy this live-action version as a fun, if imperfect, trip back to Hawaii with our favorite little blue troublemaker.
Rating: 7/10
