2025 Lilo & Stitch Movie Review: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Classic | Roger Ebert’s Insights

Disney’s 2002 animated film “Lilo & Stitch” tells the touching story of a Hawaiian girl who befriends an alien resembling a blue koala. The film was created by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, who later made “How to Train Your Dragon.” This year, both films received live-action adaptations. “Lilo & Stitch” returns in 2025, aiming to capture the same heartfelt spirit with its engaging performances, beautiful scenery, and themes of family, or “ohana.”

Fans of the original will be delighted to see familiar faces. Tia Carrere reprises her role as Nani, Lilo’s sister, along with Jason Scott Lee as David and Amy Hill as the kind neighbor Tutu. Chris Sanders also returns to voice Stitch. The film features a soundtrack filled with classic Elvis Presley songs that echoes its predecessor.

The story kicks off on a distant planet where a scientist named Jumba (voiced by Zach Galifianakis) creates a destructive creature known as 626. After it escapes, Jumba and the eager Earth expert Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) are sent to capture it. Unfortunately, 626 ends up in a dog pound on Earth, where he cleverly disguises himself as a more dog-like creature.

Meanwhile, six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) faces her own challenges, dealing with the loss of her parents and bullying at her hula class. When Lilo meets 626, who she names Stitch, she instantly connects with him, leading to a heartwarming friendship.

This new adaptation emphasizes Nani’s character more than the original. Played by Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Nani is portrayed as a dedicated sister who also has her own dreams and struggles. Hill’s Tutu adds depth as a warm grandmother figure, and Courtney B. Vance brings a unique flair to the character of Cobra Bubbles, the alien-investigating federal agent.

One intriguing aspect that fans have debated since the first film is Lilo’s potential place on the autism spectrum. She has difficulty with social cues and exhibits some unique beliefs, like having a fish that controls the weather. Regardless of her neurodiversity, a key theme in both films is how caring for Stitch helps Lilo cope with her grief and understand the responsibilities her sister faces.

Younger audiences will appreciate the film’s humor, touching on themes of family in all forms, whether biological or chosen. Dean Fleischer Camp, known for “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On,” brings a gentle touch to the film. He stays true to beloved elements from the original while ensuring inclusivity.

While many might prefer new stories, this adaptation manages to pay tribute to the original while offering thoughtful expansions. Whether through humor or heartfelt moments, it captures the essence of what made “Lilo & Stitch” special.

In recent discussions about these adaptations, many social media users have shared their nostalgia for the original, sparking conversations about the evolving challenges of representation in film. As our understanding of family and identity grows, it’s exciting to see how these beloved characters continue to resonate with new audiences.

For further insights, check out this analysis on the representation in animated films from The Atlantic.

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