This live-action remake of “Lilo & Stitch” is fun for your whole ohana. (For those not familiar with ohana, it means family.)

I will admit I was not a big fan of the original animated 2002 version when it came out, but that might just have been the 16-year-old ideology that animated movies are just for kids. (This is no longer an ideology I have.)

This 2025 take lured me in with all the cute glimpses of CGI and puppet Stitch posted online, and I’m glad to report that this movie delivers on the cuteness, naughtiness and heartwarming family moments that all the promos tease.

On top of the great work done with Stitch, the filmmakers did a fantastic job of casting Lilo. Maia Kealoha was amazing, giving the film its heart and acting just like you would expect a 6-year-old girl in her situation to act. She even reminded me of my 5-year-old niece in some of her mannerisms and actions, naughty and nice.

Sydney Agudong was also great as Lilo’s big sister and guardian, Nani. Her character is responsible for grounding the movie, and from what I do remember of the original, it seemed like she had a larger role in this live-action take, making the stakes she and Lilo are facing with her status as guardian in question seem very high and very real.

Stitch crash landing into their lives shakes both of them up in positive and negative ways, making them realize the larger community they have around them and how they can balance the things that need to get done in life with taking time to relish in the joys life brings.

I have been skeptical of the live-action Disney remakes in the past, but this take on “Lilo & Stitch” has me sold.

I’m looking forward to rewatching the 2002 version this weekend, and I hope you all enjoy the 2025 version on the big screen!

Rating: 4/5