Lilo & Stitch
Lilo & Stitch
A lonely Hawaiian girl befriends a runaway alien, helping to mend her fragmented family.
Hakihiko reviewedSeptember 24, 2025
Charming, But Lacking the Spark of the Original
"Lilo & Stitch" (2025) is a serviceable live-action reimagining of the animated classic-charming, colorful, and sometimes heartfelt, but it doesn't quite capture the emotional magic of its predecessor.
The film delivers fun moments and works well for younger audiences. The Hawaiian setting feels vibrant, and the bond between Lilo and Stitch remains the heart of the story. The visuals are reliable, with Stitch looking adorable and realistic, and the performances from the child actors are earnest and convincing.
However, while it has its moments, this "Lilo & Stitch" often feels overly safe. The plot mirrors the original closely, but it cannot emulate also the magic from the original. Some scenes drag, and the emotional beats lack the depth that made the 2002 version resonate so strongly. At times, the film feels like a polished retread rather than a reinvention.
Ultimately, it's a pleasant watch with enough nostalgia to be enjoyable, but it falls short of delivering the charm and emotional depth of the original. For fans wanting a faithful revisit, it's fine-but if you're hoping for something bold or impactful, you might come away a bit underwhelmed.