Live Action Lilo Falls a Little Short but Stitch Still Shines!

 

Disney’s live-action take on Lilo & Stitch tries to recapture the magic of the beloved 2002 animated classic, and while it has its moments, it doesn’t quite match the heart of the original.

Let’s start with what worked: Stitch and the other alien characters looked fantastic. Their design was surprisingly believable, and I actually found myself smiling every time they popped on screen. The visual effects overall had their highs and lows, but Stitch was a win.

The soundtrack was also a strong point. The music helped carry the emotion in a way that felt familiar, and it gave the film that little spark of nostalgia.

Where things stumbled a bit for me was with the human characters. Something about their performances or maybe the way their relationships were portrayed didn’t land the same way. Midway through the movie, I lost interest to the point that I actually dozed off (granted, I was tired from packing up my classroom, but still). That lull in the middle made it clear the pacing needed a little more love.

In the end, I think the biggest challenge was trying to live up to the original. I grew up with the cartoon version, it was funny, touching, and full of charm. This version didn’t quite hit the same notes. It wasn’t bad, just… not enough.

If you’re a big Lilo & Stitch fan, you’ll want to check it out for curiosity’s sake. Just don’t expect to be completely swept away.

Ohana!