Films for Breakfast

In Disney’s ongoing crusade to remake its entire catalog of animated classics, the studio has hit some undeniably significant roadblocks. What once seemed like a foolproof box office strategy has become a point of contention for both audiences and the company itself. Audiences are no longer simply asking whether the latest remake is good or bad – they’re questioning whether it honors the original or disrespects its legacy. A poorly received film isn’t just dismissed anymore; it’s often taken as a personal affront by longtime fans. What began as a matter of taste has, for some, morphed into a broader ethical debate – fueling backlash towards changes made to the stories, hostility toward actors, and sharp declines in ticket sales in some cases. Needless to say, Disney could use a win – and what better property to rally audiences than Lilo & Stitch… right?

Dean Fleischer Camp’s remake of the beloved 2002 classic largely remains faithful to the original, with a few notable deviations. The story once again centers on Lilo (newcomer Mia Kealoha) and her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong), who are struggling to navigate life after the loss of their parents. When Lilo makes a wish on what she believes is a shooting star, hoping for a guardian angel, she instead gets Stitch (voiced once again by Chris Sanders) – an alien science experiment who escapes captivity and crash-lands in the jungles of Hawaii.

In remaking Lilo & Stitch, the most essential challenge is casting the right child to play Lilo – and Mia Kealoha more than rises to the occasion. From her very first scene, it’s clear she’s the perfect fit, effortlessly embodying Lilo’s humor, heart, and boundless energy. I was equally impressed by Sydney Agudong’s portrayal of Nani, who brings a grounded, emotional depth to the role. She captures the struggle of a young woman forced to grow up too quickly while caring for her little sister. The bond between Lilo and Nani is truly the soul of the film, and by the end, I was deeply moved by how thoughtfully Nani’s character arc was expanded upon from the original story.

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Lilo and Stitch. Acting opposite a CG character is no easy task (especially for a child) but Mia Kealoha more than meets the challenge, creating a believable and heartfelt connection with Stitch. One of the most crucial elements in bringing this story to life is showing how deeply these two characters need each other, and how their bond helps them grow. While I wouldn’t say this remake surpasses the original in that regard, it still delivers an emotionally satisfying portrayal of their journey together.

Director Dean Fleischer Camp brings a wealth of experience in blending CG characters with live-action, as demonstrated in his critically acclaimed film and YouTube series Marcel the Shell with Shoes On. He applies those skills seamlessly here – Stitch transitions beautifully into the live-action world. Watching Stitch get into mischief alongside Lilo provides a great vehicle for visual comedy, and the character’s design is impressively adapted, striking the right balance between realism and charm.

With Disney’s live-action remakes, there always seems to be a trade-off – no matter how well-executed they are. In the case of Lilo & Stitch, while this version stands out as one of the stronger entries in the remake catalog, it simply can’t recapture the unique magic of the 2002 animated classic. I don’t necessarily expect a remake to surpass the original, but it’s hard not to question the purpose behind its existence beyond serving shareholder interests. Certain omissions from the original – like Agent Bubbles appearing far later in the story than he does originally, or the complete removal of Captain Gantu – feel less like creative choices and more like budget-driven compromises.

At its core, Lilo & Stitch tells a story that simply works – no matter where you stand on live-action remakes. The kids at my screening were clearly having the time of their lives, and the adults who grew up with the original were just as engaged, many smiling throughout. Despite my own criticisms, I was still won over by the film’s big heart and deeply moved by how it preserved the original’s message: that family and love help us grow and guide us toward our purpose in his life.