In an era when Hollywood is hooked on reboots and remakes, Disney has returned with another “reimagining” of one of its cherished animated classics. But this time, they might’ve gone a step too far. The 2025 live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch, once an iconic gem of early 2000s animation, lands not with a joyful “Aloha” but with a confused stumble – and Aussie fans of the original might find themselves more frustrated than nostalgic.
A Classic That Didn’t Need Fixing
When Lilo & Stitch first hit cinemas in 2002, it stood apart from the crowd. It wasn’t based on a fairy tale or a myth, but instead told a totally original story: a young Hawaiian girl, Lilo, befriends a chaotic alien creature named Stitch, with the backdrop of sibling hardship, social services drama, and tropical beauty all intertwined.
What made the film so special – and still beloved over 20 years later – was its unique mix of hand-drawn animation, heartfelt storytelling, and genuine humour. The watercolour backdrops and expressive character animation gave it charm, while its central message about family – “ohana means family” – struck a chord globally, including right here in Australia.
Bringing Stitch into the Real World
Fast forward to 2025, and Disney has decided to turn this unique animated treasure into a live-action/CGI hybrid. On paper, it’s easy to see why Stitch might make a decent transition – he’s already an oddball character, half Gremlin, half Muppet, with an enduring appeal for kids. And to be fair, the visual rendering of Stitch in 3D is one of the few bright spots. He retains much of his original charm, complete with his goofy ears, toothy grin, and chaotic energy.
But the film around him? It’s a mess.
A Hawaiian Setting That Feels Hollow
For Aussie audiences, part of Lilo & Stitch’s original appeal was its setting – the laid-back tropical paradise of Hawaii, with its cultural richness and coastal beauty, wasn’t so different from parts of Queensland or the NT. But in this remake, that backdrop is barely present. Instead of celebrating Hawaii’s vibrancy, the film presents a washed-out version of it, with chintzy sets, awkwardly framed shots, and no real sense of place.
You’d expect a film set in such a lush environment to highlight its scenery, but the cinematography often feels claustrophobic or uninspired. It’s a far cry from the original’s sun-drenched landscapes and fluid, naturalistic movement.
The Cast Tries, But the Magic Is Missing
Maia Kealoha, who plays Lilo, is clearly doing her best with the material she’s been given. But live-action child actors are rarely able to match the layered performance that can be crafted through animation and voice acting. In the original film, Lilo wasn’t just quirky – she was lonely, angry, grieving. Those emotional shades are largely flattened here into generic “sassy kid” moments.
Nani, Lilo’s older sister and guardian, played by Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, also suffers from a rewrite that tries to polish away the grit. The original Nani was a struggling young adult, constantly on the edge of breakdown, trying to keep her family together. Here, she’s given a neater, less compelling arc – and the film loses much of its emotional resonance as a result.
Flat Direction and Fumbled Comedy
Dean Fleischer Camp, best known for the charming Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, directs the remake, but his usual creativity is sorely lacking here. From the opening galactic courtroom scene – where Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) and the alien council awkwardly rush through exposition – the film seems in a hurry to get from plot point to plot point without rhythm or care.
The aliens Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and Jumba, who should bring the madcap Looney Tunes energy, instead come across as confused and under-directed. Their Earth disguises and slapstick antics, once a highlight, now feel lifeless. Worse still, much of the action feels like it’s performed in front of green screens with minimal interaction – actors don’t seem grounded in the world around them.
A Longer Film With Less to Say
In true remake fashion, Lilo & Stitch 2025 stretches its runtime to over 20 minutes longer than the original. Yet, strangely, it adds very little. Most of the new material – including a teleportation ray gun – feels tacked on and underdeveloped. Rather than exploring Stitch’s darker side or diving deeper into Lilo’s world, the film plays it safe, repackaging old jokes and emotional beats in slightly weaker form.
The original had moments of genuine tension and sadness, balanced by zany humour. Stitch was at times destructive, even dangerous, before slowly evolving into a protector. That arc has been softened here, turning him into more of a mischievous pet than a misunderstood alien grappling with identity.
An Australian Takeaway: Don’t Mess With a Masterpiece
Aussie audiences have seen our fair share of reboots – some that land (Mad Max: Fury Road, anyone?), and others that miss the point entirely. Lilo & Stitch sadly falls into the latter category. It’s not just a bad film; it’s a mishandled remake of a genuinely great one.
Disney’s constant recycling of its catalogue often feels more like brand preservation than true storytelling. With Lilo & Stitch, they’ve taken a uniquely soulful story and reworked it into something that lacks edge, culture, and charm. It may still appeal to young children unfamiliar with the original, but for Aussie adults who grew up with it – or parents hoping to share a beloved classic with their kids – it’s likely to disappoint.
Final Verdict: Aloha to the Original, Skip the Remake
There’s no denying the power of nostalgia – and Disney banks on it with every remake. But in this case, the best thing you can do is stream the 2002 original. It’s still full of warmth, humour, heartache, and that unforgettable message about chosen family. This remake, by contrast, feels like a corporate exercise in brand extension, rather than a love letter to one of Disney’s most heartfelt films.
For Australians who cherish good storytelling and creative filmmaking, this one’s an easy pass. Leave the remake on the shelf and revisit the original with your mates or your kids. Trust us – you won’t miss the CGI.
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Mitchell
Mitchell is a seasoned Ph.D. scholar with extensive expertise gained through years of rigorous research, publication, and teaching experience. He brings a wealth of knowledge and analytical skills to tackle complex academic challenges. His work is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions, advancing knowledge, and promoting academic excellence. Proficient in research methodology, data analysis, and scholarly writing, Mitchell has contributed to peer-reviewed journals and mentored students to achieve academic success.
