‘Lilo & Stitch’ Movie Review: Maia Kealoha Shines in a Brilliantly Heartfelt Live-Action Win
Photo from Disney
From Joe Peltzer
Marcel the Shell with Shoes On was a marvel of a film in that director Dean Fleischer-Camp took a novel concept and created an emotional, heartfelt cinematic stop-motion journey. So when it was announced that he was taking the reins of the live-action Lilo & Stitch, a film packed with heavy themes even by Disney standards, I knew it was in good hands. Hitting theaters this week as part of “Mission: Stitch,” (Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning also debuts this weekend), Fleishcer-Camp has crafted a love letter to the source material of the animated classic while veering the story into a somehow weightier and apt territory, anchored by the phenomenal debut performance of young Maia Kealoha (Lilo).
The premise remains the same as the original animated film: a young Hawaiian girl named Lilo (Kealoha), living with her sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) after the death of their parents, adopts what she believes is a dog, only to discover he’s a genetic experiment she names Stitch. Together, they form an unlikely bond while evading alien authorities and navigating the challenges of family and belonging. Kealoha and Agudong, bringing heart and authenticity to the characters. Kealoha captures Lilo’s quirky spirit, emotional intensity, and fierce sense of loyalty with a natural charm that makes the character feel both fresh and faithful to the original. Agudong, as Nani, grounds the film with a heartfelt performance that reflects overwhelming responsibility with deep love and frustration in equal measure. Together, their chemistry radiates off of the screen, a believable, lived-in bond that anchors the film’s emotional core. Kealoha is a star in the making.
Stitch is an absolutely mesmerizing character, combining chaotic energy, mischievous charm, and unexpected tenderness that delivers what we have come to love from the character and then some. His design is flawlessly executed… hyper-realistic yet still true to his original look with expressive eyes and fluid movement that make his every scene endlessly enjoyable. What truly elevates his presence, though, is Kealoha’s performance opposite him as Lilo; her interactions with Experiment 626 feel genuine and emotionally charged, capturing the magic of their growing bond in a way that builds upon the original. Together they are funny, touching, and absolutely adorable.
Zach Galifianakis brings Jumba to life in both alien (voice) and human forms, but his portrayal doesn't quite measure up to the original. In the original, Jumba, voiced by David Ogden Stiers, was both a mad scientist menace and a character with unexpected warmth, a multidimensional character. Galifianakis’ version, while entertaining, misses the latter part, resulting in a character that is overshadowed greatly by Billy Magnussen’s Pleakley. Magnussen’s talent for physical comedy, combined with his alert timing and demeanor, perfectly emulates the frantic Pleakley we all have come to love. While the absence of Gantu makes sense in the greater scheme of this version of the story being told, one wonders if the menacing characteristics of the character folded into this film’s Jumba, in turn taking away from the alien impact altogether.
Fleischer-Camp’s Lilo & Stitch takes the original film’s classic themes of family and belonging and adds modern messages of self-love and self-care. The idea that “ohana means family” is still the heart of the story, this live-action version also talks about setting boundaries, processing emotions, and finding strength in being vulnerable. These new ideas feel natural and relevant, reflecting the growing conversations about mental health and personal growth in the modern audience. Instead of replacing the original’s core, they build on it, giving a more complex take that appeals to both kids and adults. This makes the story feel just as important, if not more so, for a new generation. The climax has been reworked for live-action, trading some of the animated chaos for a more grounded, emotional payoff that’s just as impactful, even perhaps hinting at a possible direction for a (likely) sequel.
With its heartfelt performances, stunning visuals, and a smart, emotionally resonant update to a beloved story, Lilo & Stitch delivers as not just a successful remake, but potentially Disney’s best live-action adaptation to date. Fleischer-Camp’s film captures the spirit of the original while deepening its message; it’s easy to imagine it soaring past the billion-dollar mark at the box office. This is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane… it’s a brand-new classic in the making.
Rating: 4/5
Lilo & Stitch hits theaters on Friday, May 23rd, 2025.
