'Lilo & Stitch' (2025) Review: A Heartfelt Reminder of Why Ohana Truly Means Family
- Elliot Lines
- May 20
- 3 min read
By Elliot Lines - May 20, 2025
A Disney classic and fan favourite, Lilo & Stitch captured hearts upon its release in 2002 and has only grown in popularity over the years. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Hawaii, the film stood out with its heartfelt story, quirky humour, and the unforgettable bond between a lonely girl and a mischievous alien. Its powerful message of 'ohana'—meaning family—resonates deeply, reminding audiences that no one gets left behind or forgotten. With its unique style and emotional depth, Lilo & Stitch remains one of Disney’s most cherished animated films—making it no surprise that Disney has given it the live-action treatment, a move that has stirred mixed feelings among fans of other remakes.
The "lovable" bundle of chaos is everywhere you turn, and fans needn’t worry—this doesn't feel like another Disney cash grab. With ohana at its heart, the live-action Lilo & Stitch reimagining is charming, emotional, and most certainly welcome.
With family at the heart of the original, it was crucial that this remake captured the same emotional dynamic. The story is largely familiar—this is, after all, a remake—so the emotional core and sense of connection had to feel authentic. While it's often easier to convey that depth in animation, the live-action version manages to deliver. Stitch’s design, which was a major concern for many fans, strikes the right balance, and his bond with Maia Kealoha—who feels born to play Lilo—grounds the film beautifully. Family once again takes center stage, adding emotional depth to what is, at times, a heart-breaking story.
From the very first trailer, it was clear that they did the character of Stitch justice. While many fans were initially concerned about his design, the aesthetic should be the least of their worries—he strikes the perfect balance between adorable and chaotic. Throughout the film, you find yourself falling in love with him all over again. Also, with Chris Sanders returning to voice the iconic character, there's an added sense of authenticity and nostalgia. Just like in 2002, this reimagining is set to introduce a whole new generation to the mischievous alien we adore.
There are some notable changes in this reimagining, particularly when it comes to Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Jumba (Zach Galifianakis). Their alien designs are exactly what you’d hope for—true to form yet adapted with care. However, the film makes the choice to have them blend in more with the human world, which makes sense given that they’re from a highly advanced alien race. One significant shift is the absence of Captain Gantu, with the villain role now falling to Jumba. Surprisingly, this change works well—personally I think Gantu’s presence likely wouldn’t have translated effectively into live-action. Another obvious adjustment is the reworking of Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance). In the original, he was a social worker with a mysterious CIA background (a detail that always felt a bit unclear). In this version, that role is split: Bubbles now represents the government, while the social worker responsibilities fall to Mrs. Kekoa, played by Tia Carrere—the original voice of Nani—who oversees Lilo and Nani's (Sydney Agudong) situation.
The performances across the board bring a heartfelt energy that honours the original while grounding it in a more realistic setting. Maia Kealoha shines as Lilo, delivering a performance full of charm and vulnerability capturing the spirit of the character. Sydney Agudong brings depth to Nani, portraying the heavy responsibility of a young woman forced to grow up too fast. Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen embrace the absurdity of their roles as Jumba and Pleakley. And Courtney B. Vance brings a calm authority to Cobra Bubbles, reimagined in a way that feels fresh without losing the intrigue of the original. Together, the cast builds a believable sense of family and connection, anchoring the film's emotional core.
Ultimately, this live-action Lilo & Stitch strikes a careful balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling. It respects the original’s heart and humour while making thoughtful changes that serve the live-action format. With strong performances, a genuine focus on family, and a faithful yet updated take on beloved characters, this reimagining feels less like a cash grab and more like a sincere celebration of a timeless story. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing it for the first time, it’s a heartfelt reminder of why ohana truly means family.
Lilo & Stitch releases in cinemas May 21
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