I just love the quote “Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.”
This sums up the sentiment and driving force behind this heartfelt remake of the original cartoon featuring a lonely young girl and an outcast alien.
Lilo and stitch isn’t as bad as everyone says.
The original came out when I was 2 and my parents always said that it was my favourite film. Now I know why.
Disney has finally made a decent live action movie, after recent missteps, think Snow White.
The original fans like me will appreciate some original members from the cartoon which included Nani (Lilo’s big sister), David (Nani friend) and Tutu (a kind neighbour). Oh, and Lilo and Stitch themselves who’s characters are expanded and deepened.
Most of the storyline is the same, however, I do have to preface that the ending is different. In fact, it ends about three times which some audiences have stated that they didn’t like. I thought it was great though and had a tear in my eye. They do focus on Nani which I think was a good idea, it makes the storyline more appealing to adults. What I also liked was how they highlighted the rights of Hawaiian citizens as Americans which is an issue that needs to be aired. Who thought you could put a bit of politics in a Disney movie.
These changes I respect it as it is coming from a place of love and feels right as the story is about family, which is what communities are too. They didn’t add Captain Gantu which is a shame as he was a sympathetic baddie that would have added depth.
The animators did a great job of integrating a 3D Stitch into the live action environment, especially the surf scenes. Once again Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch, and he did a great job again.
It is interesting that casting agents seem to cast actors who haven’t acted before. For example, the role of Lilo and Owen Cooper in Adolescence spring to mind.
These actors can seem more genuine and make the film more authentic. What I liked was Maia Kealoha (Lilo) seemed to be just playing herself which made her performance stand out.
None of the supporting characters were annoying which is unusual in children’s movies where pointless sidekicks are used.
My favourite character was Pleakly, one of the aliens in human disguise sent to retrieve Stitch. He was hilarious so credit to Billy Magnussen who played him.
Also, Zach Galifianakis used his star power to make Jumba (Stitch’s creator) a good foil for Stitch to combat.
The Hawaiian scenery made me want to go back to my favourite place, the acting was adequate, and a sense of fun and home was always there.
‘Ohana’ indeed.