The bland world of Lilo & Stitch

This year, Disney may have pushed boundaries too far by remaking one of its most beloved animated films into a CGI-heavy, quasi-live-action version. Unlike Snow White, which, despite being a historic animated achievement, is still a retelling of a classic fairy tale open to reinterpretation, 'Lilo & Stitch' stands out as a truly original work. 

Released in 2002 during a turbulent time for Disney Animation, it became a surprise hit thanks to its originality and emotional depth. The film's lasting appeal comes from its unique blend of styles—expressive hand-drawn animation, soft watercolour backgrounds, and subtle computer-generated effects that enhance its sci-fi elements.

 At its heart is a touching story of friendship between a misfit girl and a stranded alien. While this story remains intact in Disney's new remake, as it often does in their modern reimaginings, the distinctive charm and artistry of the original may be difficult to replicate. 

Lilo and Stitch (2025) follow the lives of two sisters, Lilo and Nani, after they lose their parents and have to find their place in the world. Nani has to play the role of both an older sister and a mother while fighting an uphill battle with child protective services to retain the guardianship of Lilo. 

It is lighthearted, almost like a buddy cop movie that is reminiscent of the fun 2000s movies we used to watch.  However, avid fans of the 2002 animated film will very likely find themselves disappointed by the safe approach and lack of emotional depth in this film.

The most outstanding feature of the movie is the extremely strong, ambitious and grounded character of Nani, who is an anchor amidst the chaos. Despite barely being an adult, she essentially becomes a medium through which we can feel the weight of the hardship that follows the loss of the sibling's parents and the battle to protect whatever family they have left.

Moreover, the animation of Stitch is a technical marvel as every movement, expression and delivery looks very realistic and incredibly enjoyable to watch. But where he falls behind, is the complete lack of personality. His character is sometimes just there to deliver a humorous punch, and that's all he contributes. 

Unfortunately, Nani becomes the sole facilitator for the themes of sisterhood and grief as the rest of the film cripples under the one-dimensional writing of Lilo and Stitch. 

They are generically written and the storytelling of the film gives the impression that they were afraid to explore the themes that the original film was centered around. Lilo and Stitch don't have what it takes to immerse you in their world and most of their screen time was mostly limited to delivering expositions. 

The 2025 remake of Lilo & Stitch rarely delivers genuine emotion or joy that isn't borrowed from the original script. The heartfelt moments and emotional depth of the 2002 version—especially the raw struggles of Lilo and Nani—are watered down. 

On its own, there is not much to praise except that it's entertaining. It does not come close in comparison to the nuances and emotional depth of the original. You can feel the lack of heart in this bland storytelling. In the 2002 blockbuster, the themes of family and belongingness were etched into every moment and it was not afraid to be both hilarious and heavy. 

In the original, both sisters were allowed real anger and vulnerability, while Stitch represented uncontainable chaos. The remake, however, attempts to neatly smooth over those rough edges, particularly giving Nani a more conventional and dull resolution. 

They were like real sisters— fighting, arguing, consoling and loving. Stitch was more than just a chaotic monster; it had emotional complexity, charisma and perception. "I will remember you, though. I remember everyone that leaves." this is the type of dialogue that reels the audience into feeling for Lilo without having to rely on any exposition.

The original film belonged alongside emotionally rich children's stories. Now, Lilo & Stitch stands apart from modern classics as the only one that was carelessly remade into a bland, branded imitation rather than preserved with the respect it deserved.

All in all, this live-action is stylistically inferior in comparison to the original and plays directly into the stereotypical style of children's movies. I'd almost recommend everyone to skip this movie, revisit the classic and enjoy the vibrant and hilarious world of the 2002 film once more.