Disney's live action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch' made sure no millennials & Gen Z viewers were left behind or forgotten

As Mothership's self-declared Disney expert, I was apprehensive heading into the theatre for Disney's latest live-action remake.

"Lilo & Stitch" is a beloved childhood film that introduced us to the concept of "ohana," where no one gets left behind or forgotten.

Essentially, it was an iconic film with much to live up to.

And it delivered.

In fact, this was Disney's best live-action remake to date.

It honoured the film that came before while updating the story to keep up with the times.

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Nostalgia but timely

Essentially, the story is still the same one we know and love.

The show still revolves around Nani and Lilo as they navigate their tumultuous lives after their parents' deaths.

Young Maia Kealoha brings a delightfully cheeky and adorable portrayal of Lilo. Her delivery and innocence add just a bit more to the story as you can't help but feel even more for the sweet little girl and her toothy smile.

A key message of "Lilo & Stitch" is sisterhood, and Sydney Elizebeth Agudong played a wonderful Nani.

Agudong added more depth to Nani and expanded on her character, giving us a glimpse into her aspirations before she had to take care of Lilo.

The dynamics between Agudong and Keahola made the story wholesome and emphasised the bond between sisters.

The live action also takes a more in-depth approach to Nani's struggles raising Lilo after their parents' passing, tugging on viewers' heartstrings.

Growing up with the viewers

It's also as if the live-action film grew up with the viewers who watched the animated film back in 2002.

The live-action film presented Nani with real-life, everyday struggles, like the importance of having health insurance and the expensive consequences of not having them.

The addition of characters like Tutu, a well-meaning neighbour who helps to take care of Lilo from time to time also elevated the film because let's be real — when we were all watching the animated film, we were all asking "did Nani and Lilo's extended family not care about them after the passing of their parents?"

Little things like these resonated with the viewers and made the film easy to follow.

Great casting

The ensemble cast also brings to life favourite characters, such as the aliens Pleakley and Jumba, as well as Cobra Bubbles.

Pleakley (played by Billy Magnussen) may not have had his signature wig, but his character was just as funny, and his interactions with Jumba (played by Zach Galifianakis) were hilarious.

New characters were added, while some were removed or given a smaller part, but it did not feel like it was done without purpose (with even a cool feature of the original voice actor of Nani).

There was even a cool callback to Stitch's other cousins and Jumba's other experiments.

Perhaps my favourite part is seeing Stitch's growth throughout the whole movie. He is still the cute and fluffy terror we came to know and love.

However, there was more to Stitch this time that made him adorable and an absolute joy to see on screen.

The ending felt satisfying, where everyone got their version of a happy ending.

Homage to classic scenes

Without giving away too much, getting to see some iconic scenes, like Lilo leaving a peanut butter sandwich for Pudge the fish, scratched an itch in our brains.

The live-action film stayed true and paid homage to the animated film while cementing itself as a new classic that I can't wait to rewatch multiple times on Disney+.

I'd give it 4.5/5 ice cream cones (IYKYK).

Disney's "Lilo & Stitch" opens in Singapore theatres in May. 22.

Top photos via Disney Singapore/website