Review: Lilo & Stitch Live-Action: Disney’s ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Remake Brings Ohana to a New Generation
Heartfelt performances and Hawaiian soul power a charming reimagining of a Disney cult classic
The beaches are still golden. The hula still sways. And deep in the heart of Hawaii, one little girl with a wild imagination is still trying to keep her family together — with the help of an illegal genetic experiment who looks like he was built in a blender.
Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch has officially landed, and to the relief of longtime fans, it’s not the disaster some feared. In fact, in many ways, it’s a loving and tender adaptation that captures the emotional core of the original 2002 film — while adding just enough new flavour to feel fresh, even if it doesn’t quite reach the chaotic highs of its animated predecessor.
A Star is Reborn: Maia Kealoha Shines as Lilo
The heart of this story has always been Lilo — the lonely, imaginative, sometimes difficult girl with a love of Elvis, photography, and feeding fish peanut butter sandwiches. And newcomer Maia Kealoha doesn’t just play Lilo… she is Lilo. Her performance is magnetic, equal parts mischievous and moving. In a time when child actors are often expected to act like tiny adults, Kealoha keeps it raw, weird, and wonderfully real.
She carries much of the emotional weight of the movie, and her chemistry with Stitch — even when he’s entirely digital — is convincing enough to make you forget you’re watching a girl hug a blue science project from outer space.
Stitch 2.0: Cute, Chaotic… and Slightly Fluffy
Let’s talk Stitch. Fans were anxious, and rightly so — the transition from hand-drawn ball of mischief to CGI creature could’ve gone very wrong. But credit where it's due: Stitch’s redesign works better than expected. His updated look still retains the essential roundness and oddball charm, even if some moments flirt with the uncanny valley. He’s expressive, mobile, and when he goes into full gremlin mode, it’s a joy.
Chris Sanders returns to voice his chaotic creation, and that alone brings a strong sense of continuity. Stitch is still weird, still lovable, and still wants to bite things. Mission accomplished.
Family First: The Nani-Lilo Dynamic Still Hits Home
Sydney Agudong as Nani is another standout. She brings an exhausted warmth to the role of the older sister forced to become a surrogate parent. The sibling tension, the unspoken grief over their parents, the sheer trying that Nani constantly does — it all feels authentic. The script doesn’t shy away from the emotional pressures she faces, and it’s in these grounded moments that the film is at its most powerful.
The expanded family unit, including Kahiau Machado as David and Courtney B. Vance as the stern but surprisingly soulful Cobra Bubbles, helps round out the cast nicely — even if a few of the more outlandish alien characters from the original are dialed back.
The Ohana Remains the Same — But the Tone’s a Little Softer
Fans of the original will notice a shift in tone. This version is gentler, a little more polished, and more overtly sentimental. Where the 2002 film had an anarchic energy — a punk rock edge hidden in a Hawaiian shirt — this remake leans into earnestness. It’s more “family drama with sci-fi hijinks” than “sci-fi hijinks with an emotional gut-punch.” That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it does mean the pace occasionally lags in the middle.
Also toned down are some of the side stories and quirks that made the original feel so unique. There's no Pudge the Fish (tragically), and the alien subplot has been trimmed, perhaps to keep the focus on the human drama. It works, mostly — but part of you might miss the wild detours and rebellious spirit that gave the original its cult status.
Visuals & Sound: Island Soul in Every Frame
Visually, the film is stunning. Hawaii isn’t just a backdrop — it’s a character. The cinematography captures lush rainforests, sun-kissed beaches, and the rhythms of island life with affection and detail. The use of traditional Hawaiian music alongside Elvis classics creates a soundscape that’s both nostalgic and fresh. If nothing else, this is a film that feels lived-in and authentic.
There’s also a genuine effort here to celebrate and centre Hawaiian culture. From the casting to the language to the locations, the film leans more respectfully into the island's identity than most blockbusters dare.
Final Verdict: A Worthy Reimagining With Room to Grow
Disney’s Lilo & Stitch remake isn’t a perfect film — but it is a good one. It’s heartfelt, often moving, and anchored by two outstanding performances from Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong. It might lack the edgy, screwball energy of the original, but it makes up for that with sincerity and soul.
In a sea of uninspired remakes, this one has a beating heart. And whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time visitor to this corner of Hawaii, the message remains clear: Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind — not even a blue alien with attitude.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)