'Lilo & Stitch' REVIEW: Nobody gets left behind, not even this franchise
'Lilo & Stitch' REVIEW: Nobody gets left behind, not even this franchise
Chris Sanders as Stitch and Maia Kealoha as Lilo / Still courtesy of Disney
If you’re like me who grew up watching Lilo & Stitch, you probably know the story by heart: Lilo, a lonely little girl who doesn’t quite fit in, meets the galaxy’s most wanted fugitive, a weird little blue alien she names Stitch. Together, they spend their days in the tropical haven of Hawai’i, surfing the waves and swaying to the tunes of Elvis Presley, forging an unlikely bond between a girl and her (alien) dog.
Disney’s live action remake doesn’t stray far from its source material. In fact, it plays like a beat for beat homage, following almost every sequence from the beloved animated film, which — depending on your attachment to the franchise — either feels like a nostalgic nod or a strategy that plays it too safe. With a few changes and scene switches thrown around, the adaptation also introduces two new maternal figures, filling in gaps left unexplored in the original and bringing warmth to the idea that families can be found and expanded in ways unexpected.
Returning characters Tūtū, David’s grandmother played by Amy Hill, and Mrs. Kekoa, the social worker looking out for Lilo and Nani played by Tia Carrere, may appear as fresh faces, but the actors themselves are no strangers to the world of Lilo & Stitch. Amy played as Mrs. Hasagawa while Tia brought Nani to life in the 2002 original. Now, the roles of David and Nani are passed on to Kaipo Dudoit, a Hawai’i native, and Sydney Agudong, who — just like Tia — is an actress of Filipino descent. Sydney also shares scenes with Jason Scott Lee, now playing as a lūʻau (traditional Hawaiian party) manager, who voiced David in the original, bringing a full circle moment to the ensemble.
Stitch rocking a red-framed pair of sunglasses / Still courtesy of Disney
Still, there are creative choices that leave much to be desired. The animation didn’t need to be hyper-realistic, with some of the alien skins looking a bit too slimy or borderline beastly. Some of the casting — David, Nani, Cobra Bubbles, and even Jumba — feel like near misses, not for the lack of talent but for not carrying the same visual and emotional weight that made these characters feel distinct and dynamic in the first place. Some might argue that both Nani and David don’t look exactly like their animated counterparts, but credit is due for the effort they bring to their roles.
On the other hand, Zach Galifianakis tries to inject his own quirks to Jumba, but it doesn’t quite match the mad genius energy that made the scientist chaotically endearing. And while Courtney B. Vance isn’t as physically imposing as the original Cobra Bubbles, he makes the role his own as a CIA agent and manages to slip in a bit of humor by the end. Maybe it’s just the nostalgia talking, but the original actors gave these characters voices that had the perfect contrast and harmony, making the whole thing work like a charm.
Billy Magnussen as Pleakley and Zach Galifianakis as Jumba / Still courtesy of Disney
The music also didn’t hit the same way. While the classic songs return and a new generation of kids from the Kamehameha Schools Children's Chorus perform, they’re tweaked in ways that somehow dull their original spark. The lively rhythms, the emotional undercurrent, the unmistakable Hawaiian soul — much of that feels dialed down, making them feel a bit less memorable. I have to admit that I miss how Alan Silvestri worked his magic on arrangements, elevating the sound of the children’s choir. I also wish they kept A*Teen’s version of Can’t Help Falling in Love in the credits, as it was such a formative closing to the animated film’s lighthearted end. The original score and soundtrack wasn’t just background — it carried the heart and soul of Lilo & Stitch. This only goes to show there’s simply no need to fix what isn’t broken.
Jumba and Pleakley in their alien selves / Still courtesy of Disney
That said, the film isn’t without its highlights. Maia Kealoha, a Hawai’i native, shines as Lilo, delivering a breakout performance that is both playful and grounded. She dances hula and matches Stitch’s mischief — it’s as if she was born for this role. Billy Magnussen, with his comedic timing, steals the show as Pleakley, the “earth expert” who had no choice but to join Jumba. While it’s certainly a choice to have both characters remain human for most of the film, it’s a shame we didn’t get to see Pleakley in his iconic wigs. Meanwhile, Hannah Waddingham did such a great job playing as the Grand Councilwoman, evoking the stern yet compassionate essence of Zoe Caldwell’s original portrayal. And last but not the least, Chris Sanders, the creator of Lilo & Stitch, returns as the voice of Stitch, lending his signature energy to the beloved alien. Chris’ presence brings back childhood memories, reminding us that being alien or different was never the problem — it was the world learning how to love someone a little out of the ordinary.
Maia Kealoha as Lilo with Sydney Agudong as Nani / Still courtesy of Disney
So yes, just like any ohana, this film isn’t perfect. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good. It doesn’t replace the original, but it’s a fun weekend watch for families and kids discovering Stitch for the first time. And while it doesn’t quite capture the magic of the original, the new Lilo & Stitch still knows how to warm our hearts and remind us what it feels to be a little lost and found. If anything, this version is a sweet gateway to the 2002 classic — a nudge to go back, press play, and rediscover why the animated film still feels like coming home. No matter how it’s told, Lilo & Stitch is a timeless tale teaching us that family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten — not even the remakes.
Lilo & Stitch had its Philippine premiere on May 21, 2025 in theaters nationwide.
