In keeping with Disney’s want of late, Lilo and Stitch is a heartwarming live action version of the animated feature that was released in 2002. Lilo Pelekai is a cute six-year-old scallywag, who runs to the beat of her own drum. A loner, she has been profoundly affected by the tragic loss of her parents and longs for a best friend. Now she is being cared for by her older sister, Nani, 18, who is struggling to hold onto her job and keep Lilo in check. Social services sees what is going on and is one step away from separating the pair.
Stitch, is an alien experiment gone horribly wrong. He is aggressive and used to running amok. Now, he has managed to escape from Planet Turo, where he was created, and crash lands on Earth. Two representatives from the United Galactic Federation, Pleakley and Jumba, have been sent to retrieve him. They have infiltrated the human race – switching from alien to earthlings – and are in close pursuit. Stitch manages to outsmart them and land up in a pound, from where he is rescued by Lilo, who likes visiting the shelter and feeding the strays sweets.
What Lilo quickly discovers is that Stitch is a wild and impulsive creature. Nani immediately recognises Stitch to be nothing but trouble. Lilo, though, is convinced her prayers have been answered and that she has finally found a best friend. More trouble is afoot, as a CIA agent in disguise is also tracking this alien.
Full of humour and heart, with a surfeit of colourful characters, Lilo and Stitch is a sure-fire winner. The screenplay is by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright and Mike Van Waes. Direction is from Dean Fleischer Camp (the Oscar-nominated filmmaker behind the animated feature Marcel the Shell with Shoes On). While different projects on the surface, Fleischer Camp quickly recognised that both Lilo & Stitch and Marcel the Shell with Shoes On shared the same DNA. He saw Marcel and Stitch as unusual protagonists looking for family in a world that wasn’t made for them, so it is that both stories resonate at an emotional level.
What a find Maia Kealoha is! She has personality to burn and uses all of it to breathe life into Lilo. Hers is a brilliant casting choice. But she is not alone. Sydney Elizebeth Agudong channels love, care and frustration with aplomb as Nani, taking on complex adult responsibilities at a relatively young age. Amy Hill is the girl’s friendly and considerate neighbour Tūtū, always keen to lend a helping hand. Hill is spirited.
Tia Carrere comes across well as a compassionate social worker, conscious that she has to do the right thing by both girls. Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis ham it up as a couple of bumbling aliens brought to Earth with a purpose, but who can’t see eye to eye. Kaipo Dudoit is solid as Nani’s love interest, keen to make a favourable impression with her, but failing badly at first by overreaching. Chris Sanders takes to the task of voicing Stitch, who learns to speak as the film progresses. I also appreciated the no nonsense attitude Hannah Waddingham adopts in vocalising the Grand Councilwoman, to whom it is left to pass judgment on Stitch.
There is a lot to like about the approach the filmmakers have taken to what is a delightful family movie.
Score: 8 out of 10.
Alex First
Here are Greg King’s views about the film:
Director Dean Fleischer Camp maintains a fast pace throughout. With his sun-drenched cinematography of the lush Hawaiian landscapes, cinematographer Nigel Bluck gives us a good sense of place. Production designer Todd Cherniawsky has done a good job of creating the messy, cluttered split-level house shared by Lilo and Nani.
The CGI effects that have created the alien creatures are solid and seamlessly integrated into the live action sequences. Stitch is a hyperactive creation, but here his essential nature has been softened somewhat. He comes across as more cuddly and less destructive than in the original.
The human cast acquit themselves well, breathing life into these formerly animated characters. Many of the voice cast from the 2002 film return to bring to life different characters. Agudong gives the film its emotional heft with her solid performance as Nani who feels the pressure of caring for her younger sister. Kealoha is good as the troubled but spirited and rebellious Lilo, although sometimes her dialogue is delivered in a shrill manner that is occasionally grating. Hill is also good and brings warmth to her role as Tuto, the elderly lady next door who tries to keep a maternal eye of Lilo and Nani and supports their efforts to stay together as a family.
With its visual humour and strong themes, this live action remake of Lilo & Stitch is a broadly entertaining film suitable for all ages. It will probably play well with those unfamiliar with the original.
Some of these live action remakes from the Disney back catalogue, such as the recent Snow White, have missed the mark, but this one is much better than anticipated. It captures some of the charm that made the original so popular.
Score: 7 out of 10.
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Alex First is the editor of The Blurb. Alex is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He also contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.
