It’s a production line showing no sign of stopping.  Whether you enjoy them or not, Disney continues to take its popular animated features and transform them into live action to lure existing fans and new audiences.  Some have worked like The Jungle Book (2016) and Beauty and the Beast (2017).  Others have been uninspiring cash-grabs such as the two Maleficent (2014, 2019) and Alice in Wonderland (2010, 2016) movies.  The latest effort, a remake of Snow White released two months ago, is ranked users on the Internet Movie Database as one of the worst films of all time (it’s not great but it isn’t that bad).

If new to Lilo & Stitch, the original premiered in June 2002 and turned a healthy profit through cinema attendances and DVD sales.  It was the story of a genetically developed monster from a faraway planet who travels to Earth and becomes the “pet” of a friendless young girl from a small Hawaiian island. I’m not sure if was the easiest material for kids to understand but the humour and cute characters made it an entertaining tale.  It also contained key themes about the importance of family.

Given their hit-and-miss nature, I’m happy to report the reboot of Lilo & Stitch is a winner.  The screenwriters have remained faithful to the original material and while that could be perceived as a negative, especially by those looking for freshness, it succeeds because of its casting.  8-year-old Maia Kealoha is a natural as Lilo, Amy Hill is wonderful as a grandmother figure, and Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen add comic relief as clumsy aliens.  The film’s emotional core comes via a touching performance from newcomer Sydney Elizebeth Agudong who captures the challenge of caring for Lilo while having to sacrifice her own needs and dreams.

Director Dean Fleischer Camp finds the right balance in blending goofiness with heart.  He’s also to be praised for assembling a great group of visual effects artists who bring the furry alien to life.  Considering the carnage Stitch causes, it’s easy to lose yourself in the mayhem and forget he’s just a computer creation.  Lilo & Stitch is what you’d expect from Walt Disney Studios and while it won’t win points for originality, it’s quality family fare.  Children should enjoy.