Ohana Means Second Chances: A More Positive Look at “Lilo & Stitch”

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) is already making waves at the box office, helping turn this Memorial Day weekend into one of the highest-grossing on record. Like thousands of others, I was curious — and maybe a little cautious — when I bought my opening-weekend ticket. But as a longtime fan of Chris Sanders’ 2002 original, I’m thrilled to report that this new adaptation doesn’t just honor its predecessor — it earns its place alongside it.

In an era when Disney's live-action remakes can feel like exercises in brand maintenance, Lilo & Stitch stands out. While some reimaginings (Pinocchio, The Lion King) struggle to justify their existence beyond updated visuals, this film — directed by Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’s Dean Fleischer Camp — finds genuine reasons to revisit and expand the beloved story. Screenwriters Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes tap into the themes of family, grief, and community with a sincerity that feels fresh, not forced.

The Pelekai sisters are doing everything they can to hold their fragile family together when a chaotic alien “dog" crashes into their lives. Nani (Sydney Elizabeth Agudong), a young adult thrust into a parental role, struggles to appease social workers to keep custody of her precocious younger sister Lilo (Maia Kealoha). Lilo, meanwhile, finds herself learning responsibility through her bond with Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders), who is being hunted across the galaxy as the rogue Experiment 626.

Stitch is rendered in CG with an adorable, fluffy look that stays true to his animated design. Kealoha’s gleeful reactions to his mischief are infectious, and rather than recycling familiar gags, the film offers clever new ones — like Stitch turning a punch bowl into a jacuzzi — that add charm without relying on nostalgia. The slapstick is well-paced, and the emotional beats remain deeply resonant.

This version finds new emotional layers by emphasizing community. The addition of neighbor Tūtū (Amy Hill), grandmother of David (Kaipo Dudoit), adds meaningful context to Nani’s relationship with her love interest, placing them both in a supportive village network. The found-family theme is still central, but here it’s expanded in a way that reflects Hawaiian culture more vividly.

The same goes for Nani’s tense dealings with social services. Now she’s supported by Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere), a well-meaning caseworker who adds nuance and empathy to the situation. While Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) still looms as a mysterious government presence, he’s framed more as a supervisor than sole antagonist. This updated dynamic gives the sisters more room to grieve their parents and grow without losing narrative tension.

The film’s one major misstep is its reimagining of Jumba (Zach Galifianakis). By blending him with the original film’s villain, Gantu, the character loses much of his comedic charm and menace. Galifianakis is oddly restrained, and the loss of the character’s distinctive accent — while perhaps necessary — further flattens his impact. Thankfully, Billy Magnussen’s Pleakley picks up the slack, delivering consistent laughs with his misguided attempts to understand Earth culture (and fashion). His scenes are some of the funniest in the film.

Fans of the original film will be delighted to spot several legacy voice actors in new roles. Tia Carrere, who once voiced Nani, now plays Mrs. Kekoa. Jason Scott Lee, the original David, plays Nani’s boss. Amy Hill, who voiced the elderly fruit vendor Mrs. Hasagawa, returns as Tūtū. And Chris Sanders continues his iconic performance as Stitch. These cameos aren’t just clever casting — they’re loving acknowledgments of the film’s roots.

Disney’s live-action Lilo & Stitch understands the assignment. It retains the heart and humor of the 2002 original while digging deeper into character and culture in ways that feel organic. It’s a rare remake that earns its spot on the shelf rather than just reminding you why the original was better.

I give Lilo & Stitch (2025) 4 out of 5 wishing stars — a heartfelt and genuinely entertaining reimagining that lives up to its legacy.

For a much different take, check out Mike’s review.