Lilo & Stitch

Synopsis: A fugitive alien helps a lonely Hawaiian girl mend her broken family. 

Movie Review:

"Lilo and Stitch," directed by Dean Fleisher Camp, is the live-action remake of Disney's beloved 2002 animated classic. This new version beautifully captures the heart and soul of the original while expanding on its themes, making it one of Disney's standout remakes.

Maia Kealooha shines as Lilo, a lonely little girl who feels like an outcast. Her performance is nothing short of amazing—she's cute, adorable, and hilarious, truly embodying the essence of her character. Every moment she shares with Stitch, the alien creature, is filled with heart and humor, creating some of the funniest scenes in the film.

Sydney Agudong plays Nani, Lilo's older sister, and delivers a powerful emotional performance. As a 21-year-old trying to balance being a good sister and a mother figure to her six-year-old sibling, Nani's struggles add depth to the story. I appreciated the expansion of her backstory, which explored her education and career path, making her character more relatable and dynamic.

Billy Magnussen brings humor to the role of Pleakley, an alien on the hunt for Stitch. His silly antics make him a delightful addition to the film. Most of the changes from the original work well, including a different ending that feels more realistic and grounded. However, some of the CGI felt a bit too cartoonish at times, which took me out of the experience.

My biggest issue with the film was Zach Galifianakis's portrayal of Jumba, the scientist who created Stitch. I found his character annoying and not particularly funny, especially with the decision to make him the main villain. Additionally, some of the humor, particularly involving the neighbor and David, Nani's love interest, felt unnecessary and weak.

Overall, "Lilo and Stitch" is a charming and heartwarming remake that captures some of the magic of the original. I’d give it a solid 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Director: Dean Fleisher Camp 

Cast: Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Chris Sander, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Courtney B.Vance, Amy Hill, Tia Carrere, Kaipo Dudoit and Hannah Waddingham 

Runtime:108 Minutes