Lilo & Stitch: Urgent Review and Streaming Options Now

Disney’s beloved 2002 animated feature follows a young Hawaiian girl who forms a bond with an alien resembling a blue koala. Directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, both of whom later brought us the magical tale “How to Train Your Dragon,” this year’s live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” adds to the expanding franchise. While it doesn’t fully justify its existence as another property revival, it manages to deliver heartfelt performances, stunning visuals, zany humor, exciting surfing moments, and genuine depictions of “ohana,” which translates to family, including those we choose.

Fans of the original will delight in cameos from the original cast members, such as Tia Carrere reprising her role as Nani, Lilo’s sister, Jason Scott Lee as David, Nani’s friend, and Amy Hill as the kind neighbor Tutu, who updates her previous role as a quirky shop owner. Also returning is Sanders, voicing the lively Stitch once more. Like its predecessor, this iteration features an iconic soundtrack with classic Elvis Presley tunes.

In a galaxy far away, a scientist named Jumba (voiced by Zach Galifianakis) has crafted a creature dubbed 626, designed for destruction. The planet’s leader (Hannah Waddingham, echoing the original’s Zoe Caldwell) orders its termination. However, after its escape to Earth, she dispatches Jumba along with the “Earth specialist,” the scrawny one-eyed Pleakley (played by the endearing Billy Magnussen), to recapture it. Upon arrival on Earth, they manage to blend in as humans that resemble Galifianakis and Magnussen.

By this time, 626 has been caught by animal control but eventually escapes from his cage. He spots a poster advertising dog adoption and morphs to resemble a dog by removing his extra arms, spines, and antennae.

Six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) is coping with her parents’ passing, facing bullying in her hula class, and feels out of place. At the dog shelter, she instantly connects with 626 when he mimics the dog from the poster and gives her an embrace. She takes him home and names him Stitch.

This adaptation serves Nani’s character more thoughtfully than the original. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong portrays Nani with energy and depth. She is not just a concerned guardian; she has her own aspirations and struggles. Hill’s Tutu is a welcomed addition, acting as an understanding grandmother to David (Kaipo Dudoit), who is both a friend and potential love interest for Nani. Courtney B. Vance plays Cobra Bubbles, a federal agent investigating aliens, sporting a gold earring.

Fans have pondered since 2002 if Lilo is on the autism spectrum, as she struggles with social cues and exhibits quirky beliefs (such as a fish that influences the weather). Regardless of this interpretation, a central theme in both films is how caring for others helps Lilo cope with her loss and provides insight into the responsibilities that her teenage sister faces as she strives to assure a social worker (Carrere) of her capability to look after Lilo. Similarly, Stitch evolves from a chaotic force who relates to a movie monster, to a creature seeking love and belonging within the concept of ohana.

New audiences will appreciate the playful humor, slapstick comedy, and the reassuring message that all types of families, including those of our own choosing, can embody the spirit of ohana. Director Dean Fleischer Camp brings a gentle touch reminiscent of his work in “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.” He carefully honors the cherished aspects of the original while promoting inclusivity. Personally, I would prefer original stories with new characters first, reimagined classics second, and a culturally rich yet sweet tribute to fans of the original third, which is precisely what this film offers.