“It came from outer space! There’s one in every family. Meet Stitch.” The live action sensation, “Lilo and Stitch” has brought many families back to the theaters. The movie comes alive with its cast, soundtrack and similarity to the animated version from 2002. The live action adapted to the storyline of the animated “Lilo and Stitch” [2002], where it follows a Hawaiian girl adopting a pet dog to not feel lonely anymore and to open up the heart of this creature she adopted to the meaning behind family, love and care. The animated version and live action share similarities and some differences but keep their love for Elvis Presley alive in the movie.
The live action movie takes place in Kaua’i, Hawaii , where a little girl named Lilo [Maia Kealoha] and her older sister Nani [Sydney Agudong] recently lost their parents and have a hard time adapting to their now broken family. Lilo has a hard time fitting in, making friends and not being seen as a ‘bad’ kid. One night, while Lilo and Nani are sharing a heartfelt sister moment, she witnesses a ‘shooting star’ and makes a wish. When Nani is at work, Lilo is being looked after by Tutu [Amy Hill] and she wanders off to the animal shelter. While in the shelter she meets an unusual, blue creature named Stitch [Chris Sanders].
Stitch, also known as Experiment 626, never had a family, and does not know what it means to be part of one. He was made by a mad scientist, Jumba [Zach Galifiankis], who made him into a dangerous weapon not to be a loving pet. Jumba and Pleakley [Billy Magnussen] are assigned to capture back 626 and to bring him back to a planet in space by order of Grand Councilwoman [Hannah Waddingham].
Lilo adopts Stitch and finally feels happy to have a friend that is the ‘same’ as her, lonely. She teaches Stitch the importance of family, and how to cherish what you have rather than what you don’t. Even though Stitch is a handful, Nani, Tutu, and David [Kaipo Dudiot] welcome him their lives just for Lilo. Later on, loving an animal like Stitch comes with its consequences since Cobra Bubbles [Courtney B. Vance], Lilo, Nani, Jumba, Pleakley, David and the Grand Councilwoman all stand around Stitch. Stitch with his time on earth has learned to love and how to be a part of a family and is not about ready to say bye.
Minutes before the ending of the movie, original fans are hit with nostalgia from Stitch’s famous lines, “Can Stitch say goodbye?[…] This is my family. I found it, all on my own. It’s little, and broken, but still good.”
Cue the tears and bring in the money. Since, the movie was released close to Memorial Day weekend, it brought in a lot to the box office. It broke the record for bringing in 183 million statewide and 341 million worldwide [Variety]. Lilo and Stitch [2025] sold more tickets than “Top Gun: Maverick,” which was released last year during Memorial Day weekend.
The live action adaptation brought together families while highlighting its themes on family, second chances and its importance. Family plays a huge part in putting this movie together. It pulls elements of how a family does not have to be the one you’re born into or chosen to be a part of; a family is what is built with the ones you love and care for. Second chances are seen throughout the movie multiple times between Nani and Lilo, and Lilo and Stitch. It emphasizes the awareness that everyone makes mistakes, and not everyone is perfect. Sometimes it takes a numerous amount of chances to realize someone can change and acceptance to hope they will.
Tickets for Lilo and Stitch are on sale, go and check out a theater near you for different showtimes. The film will also be available to watch on Disney+ between late August and early September. A Hui Hou.
