Running Time: 108 minutes
This feature from Walt Disney Studios opens exclusively at theaters on May 23rd, 2025.
Once again, Disney has created another live-action adaptation of one of their popular animated titles. This time, it’s a film based on the 2002 animated tale about a young girl who befriends an alien with a destructive streak. This reviewer was in his 20s during the original film’s release and missed it. So, this write-up is from a person who can’t compare the title with the source material. Based on first impressions, Lilo & Stitch is a genial effort with a few laughs, but one that will no doubt appeal more to children than older members of the family.
The story begins in outer space with a furry blue alien called Experiment 626 (voiced by Chris Sanders). It seems the creature was created by mad scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba (Zach Galifianakis) as a destructive and seemingly unstoppable force. When 626 escapes from the Galactic Federation and crash lands in Hawaii, Jookiba is told to recapture it with Agent Pleakley (Billy Magnussen). As this is occurring, the human cast are introduced. Six-year-old Lilo Pelekai (Maia Kealoha) is an orphan being raised by overwhelmed, financially-strapped sister Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong). In fact, social worker Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) warns Nani that Lilo may be taken from her if certain welfare conditions aren’t improved. Lilo also has a habit of causing trouble and is ostracized by other children. When she discovers Experiment 626, the two become fast friends. Lilo names it Stitch and the pairing results in wild behavior.
Despite being mischievous, the young lead is quite likable and charming. The character is bullied early on, which makes her actions completely understandable. And the youngster manages to accurately communicate the emotions of a child who has lost an incredibly important part of her life and is struggling to fill that gap. Considering that the performer spends a great deal of time interacting with an alien who isn’t present on set (at least, not in its finished form), it’s a remarkable accomplishment.
As for the humor, for adults the jokes are hit-and-miss. Galifianakis and Magnussen play newcomers to Earth who struggle to fit in. They manage to sell a few amusing moments of physical comedy, even if their characters are very broadly written. But while gags involving Stitch and bodily fluids will earn yuks from tykes, they aren’t as hysterical with adults. Still, there are some amusing comments early on from members of the Galactic Federation. And when the action picks up, there are several fun and creative visual gags, many involving a weapon that Stitch steals and uses to create portals for a quick escape.
For every bit that brings a smile, there are odd elements. This is likely the result of material that doesn’t translate well from animation to a live-action. For one, Stitch is clearly not of this world. Yet, the alien is often referred to as a dog. Yes, this is played for laughs, but it’s hard to believe so many witnesses wouldn’t be taken aback by the creature’s appearance. An early scene involving guardian Nani comedically trying to cover up her lack of care for Lilo during an interaction with their social worker (as well as forgetting to register her sister for a health care plan), does come across as negligent. This may have been what occurred in the animated film, but with real human beings it doesn’t play as humorously.
By the time events reach a close, Lilo and Stitch do realize that despite their past mistakes, they are still valuable individuals who can do good for their families and even the planet. At least the sentiment and interactions during the resolution are warm and sweet.
As mentioned, this reviewer can’t compare Lilo & Stitch to the original. The cast have seemingly made the best of what they have been given, although it really feels as though some of the story elements haven’t translated perfectly. The film is reasonably entertaining and kids will appreciate it, but one imagines that all viewers likely had a stronger and more favorable response to the 2002 version (or else it wouldn’t have been produced in the first place).