Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartfelt and silly, but worked better in animated form.
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Lilo & Stitch (2025)
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 65 parent reviews
Parents say the live-action remake has received mixed reactions, with some praising its emotional depth and family values, while others criticize its departure from the original's core message about family unity. Many reviewers note that the film contains scenes that might be too intense or scary for younger children, with concerns about its appropriateness due to violence and emotional themes.
- emotional depth
- mixed reactions
- family values
- intensity concerns
- appropriateness issues
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 33 kid reviews
Kids say this live-action adaptation is a mixed bag, with many expressing disappointment over how it strays from the beloved original, particularly in character portrayal and emotional depth. While some enjoyed the updated visuals and charming moments, critics noted significant plot changes and a lack of the original's heart and humor, indicating that it may resonate more with younger audiences than with fans of the classic.
- plot changes
- character issues
- emotional depth
- mixed reviews
- appealing visuals
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
LILO & STITCH is the live-action remake of Disney's 2002 animated favorite. Like the original, it's set in Hawaii and follows 6-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha) and her older sister/guardian, Nani (Sydney Agudong), who's struggling to support both of them after their parents' untimely death. As Nani faces pressure from Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) from social services to prove that she can care for Lilo, the lonely little girl adopts Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders)—a strange blue "dog" from a local animal shelter—without knowing that he's actually a chaotic alien experiment on the run. Stitch's arrival draws the attention of two other disguised aliens, quirky Pleakley (Billy Magnussen) and morally flexible scientist Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), as well as watchful CIA Agent Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance). As chaos unfolds, the story tests the sisters' resilience and explores the meaning of ohana.
Is It Any Good?
This well-cast remake captures the heart and cultural resonance of the original, even if the frenetic shenanigans landed better in the original animated form. Director Dean Fleischer Camp (Marcel the Shell with Shoes On) wisely leans into Lilo & Stitch's emotional core—the bond between spirited young Lilo and her college-age sister, Nani. That relationship, which is equal parts strained and tender, feels real thanks to Agudong and newcomer Kealoha, who brings just the right adorable, feisty, and frustrating mix to Lilo's personality. And it's a welcome touch to see Carrere and Jason Scott Lee—who voiced Nani and her neighbor/friend/crush David in the original—appear in supporting roles as a concerned social worker and Nani's disappointed boss. Magnussen and Galifianakis also evoke the goofy, slightly sinister vibes of Pleakley and Jumba, respectively.
What's harder to adequately translate to live action is the sheer chaos of the titular characters. Lilo and Stitch's wild, often destructive energy—so endearing in animation—can feel a bit more jarring, awkward, and cringeworthy in live action. Some of the hijinks that originally felt silly now border on stressful. Luckily, Kealoha's cute smile and undeniable charm let her Lilo get away with a lot. In the end, this is a sweet, if safe, remake that still celebrates the enduring power of ohana—between sisters, neighbors, and unexpected friends.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the central message in Lilo & Stitch that "family means no one gets left behind." What does that mean to you? Who's included in the movie's central family?
Did you feel differently about the violence in this version compared to in the animated original? Do different types of violence have different impact on viewers?
Who do you consider to be a role model in this movie? How do the characters demonstrate courage, empathy, perseverance, and teamwork?
How do Lilo, Stitch, and Nani change throughout the story? What events inspire their character development?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 23, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : July 22, 2025
- Cast : Maia Kealoha , Chris Sanders , Sydney Agudong , Tia Carrere
- Director : Dean Fleischer Camp
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 108 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, peril and thematic elements
- Award : BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee
- Last updated : April 1, 2026
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