Jimp to: [Update] The Controversy

Do we really need another live action remake of a beloved classic Disney movie? As someone who enjoyed the animated film Lilo and Stitch when it first came out and whose appreciation for it has only grown, I walked into the theater quite skeptical. I’m happy to say that my skepticism has been replaced with happy acceptance, and I’ll tell you why.

The Plot

For anyone not familiar with the original Lilo and Stitch, here is the short version. A dangerous genetically engeneered alien escapes intergalactic government custody and crash lands on the small earth island of Hawaii. There, he meets a young, troublemaking young girl, Lilo, and her exhausted sister turned legal guardian Nani. Together, they learn about acceptance, love, and the power of ohana (family).

The Cast

Most of the cast in Lilo and Stitch is excellent. Maia Kealoha fits the character of Lilo perfectly, and Sydney Agudong brings all the heart and emotion you could ever need as the big sister Nani. Kaipo Dudoit is adorable as the love struck beach bumb David Kawena, and Billy Magnussen brings some fantastic weird energy to the one-eyed alien Pleakley. Courtney B. Vance does his best to channel the comicly serious vibe of Cobra Bubbles and is mostly successful, though it’s hard to live up to Ving Rhames in the original. And of course, Chris Sanders returns to voice the little blue chaos gremlin Stitch, which should tickle the hearts of even the harshest critics.

The only cast member that I really had an issue with was Zach Galifianakis. Honestly, i think he was just not quite up to the task of Jamba Jookiba. There are some moments later in the film where I can feel him putting in effort, but for the most part, he’s less convincing. It’s especially noticeable when contrasted with the major effort that his almost constant scene partner, Billy Magnussen, puts in.

The Differences

The biggest change that many will notice is the absence of the alien Captain Gantu, the large alien on a mission to capture Stitch. Some may have worried that this might affect the story, but I’m happy to say that I honestly didn’t notice he was gone. Most of his major events were simply given to other characters. The director of the film addressed the decision to remove Gantu, saying the whale-like alien “was one of those things that just didn’t work so well in live-action”

Other differences are less consequential to the plot but still noticeable. Jamba and Pleakley’s disguises being holographic allowed for some additional physical comedy, though it has drawn criticism as the original Pleakley’s affinity for women’s clothes has endeared him to some in the queer community. Swapping out “Cobra” Bubbles for a more traditional social worker (don’t worry, Bubbles is still in there) actually makes more sense than the characters in the original movie. The rest of the changes are more subtle, like giving Nani more of a story.

There is also a major change to the ending, but I will avoid spoilers here. Scroll to the bottom for more details.

Who is this movie for?

However you feel about the idea of this remake, it’s important to remember that the original Lilo and Stitch was made for kids in 2002, and this new version is made for kids in 2025. This movie is not for those who hold every scene and plot point of the original Lilo and Stitch precious. But, if you can put your nostalgia aside for a few hours and see it through a child’s eyes, you will likely find it more enjoyable than you expected.

[Update] The Controversy

Since the release of Lilo and Stitch, there has been a lot of concern and anger about the major change in the ending. Stop reading now if you want to avoid spoilers. The change is that, rather than retaining custody of Lilo and Stitch, Nani chooses to allow their neighbor to adopt Lilo so that she can go to school to be a marine biologist. Many are accusing the writers of abandoning the message of “ohana” (family) and ignoring the Hawaiian culture of connection to one’s home.

As a simple Caucasian mainlander, I will admit to being ignorant of some of the cultural sensitivities at play. However, for what it’s worth, I will express my feelings on the subject since this is my review.

From my perspective, the end does not take away from the message of “ohana”, it enhances it. By allowing Lilo to be taken in by their close neighbor, who has already proven herself as a maternal figure to Nani, they have grown their family beyond their blood lines and into the wider community. In addition, Nani flying off to California to pursue her dream isn’t her abandoning Lilo, because it is made clear in the mid credit scene that she is able to return any time she wants with the portal gun. All of this releases the burden on both Lilo and Nani so that they are able to return to their natural state of sisterhood.