Lilo & Stitch (2005)
★★★
As a first-timer to the world of Lilo & Stitch, I went into this movie with fresh eyes — no nostalgia, no comparisons, just hoping for a solid family flick we could all enjoy. Mission accomplished.
This remake might not break new ground, but it’s sweet, heartfelt and full of ohana vibes. My daughters, wife and I all walked away smiling, even if we were a little stressed by Stitch's whirlwind of chaos (seriously, the kitchen scene gave me palpitations). But hey — that’s kind of the point, right?
The young actress playing Lilo (Maia Kealoha) really sold it for me. She felt like a real kid, not a precocious teen in disguise. Her sister (Sydney Agudong) was equally strong, grounding the film with warmth and grit. Supporting cast? Fun and full of life. Zach Galifianakis? Less so. It felt like someone woke him up from a nap and gave him a script with no punchlines. A missed opportunity for sure.
Still, even if some of the alien plotline and CG creatures didn’t totally land, this movie worked where it needed to: reminding us that family doesn’t have to be perfect to be everything. Three stars, lots of heart.
