Check out our thoughts on Lilo and Stitch. All photos provided by Disney PR for use in this review.
Hey All!
Lilo and Stitch is the live action adaptation of the 2002 Disney Animated Classic of the same name. It’s now the biggest live action movie for Disney and we wanted to share our thoughts on this amazing film! When it comes to the live action adaptations, Disney has had two methods of execution. The first type of execution is the focus being different from the original film; such examples include Maleficent and Cruella. The second type is the more common path of expanding on the existing story in a live action format with examples such as Beauty and the Beast and The Little Mermaid.
This adaptation falls into the later category of simply expanding on the original 2002 story of a young Hawaiian girl befriending an alien genetically engineered for destruction. The themes of the original Lilo and Stitch focusing on friendship and family, perfectly stated as “ohana”, are reiterated and further developed in this live action adaptation.
The only actor to reprise their role from the original Lilo and Stitch is Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. Stepping into the live action role of Lilo is newcomer Maia Kealoha who manages to capture the fun awkwardness of the animated Lilo.
Sydney Agudong embodies the heart and frustration that the animated Nani did but also manages to give a performance that is animated and grounded providing equally effective moments of humor and drama. Original voice of Nani, Tia Carrere, returns as a brand-new character in the form of a social worker (not Cobra Bubbles from the original animated feature) named Mrs. Kekoa.
In the role of Cobra Bubbles, Courtney B. Vance (American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson) takes over. As the human live action versions of the aliens, Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover) and Billy Magnussen (Into The Woods) play Dr. Jumba and Pleakley respectively. Finally, there is no Captain Gantu from the original animated Lilo and Stitch, but Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) is the new voice of The Grand Council Woman.
This live action adaptation takes the character designs and very cartoonish humor from the original and does not deviate from the aesthetic or themes. The ways in which the live action version does differ are there is an even greater emphasis on the relationship between the sisters Nani and Lilo, which works thanks to the performances and dynamic between the two actresses.
Though all actors understood the assignment in terms of the performances in the film, it is Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong who carry the film with their connection. The character of Nani gets more to do as well with a subplot of her sacrificing her education goals to take care of Lilo. Again, the theme of ohana is only further illustrated in this live action version and the expansion adds to some more touching emotional beats.
So much of what I believe many love from the original Lilo and Stitch exists in the live action version. As such, I believe it’s safe to say that if you have loved ones (older and younger) that enjoy the original version of Lilo and Stitch, then the live action version is more of the same for you. There is also the added benefit of the once animated backdrop of Hawaii now being real with Oahu being the backdrop of this live action version. Lilo and Stitch is fun for the whole family and is exactly what one would expect from a live action adaptation of an animated Disney film.
Go see it in theaters now!
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