Hey guys!!! So we went to see the new Lilo and Stitch Live action movie and we must say it was a lot better than we expected. We know we have been seeing a lot of hate going into seeing it and we saw it on day 4 after release. We were definitely a little skeptical but also we know that people now a days just want to have something to argue about. So we went into it knowing it was not going to be like the original but hopefully not as terrible as the live action Snow White.
Lets get to the review part....well.... so there are a few things that are going to spoil it for you so please do not read these next 2 paragraphs....
So we know that captain Gantu is not in the movie and they made Jumba the sole villian with no redemption arc. That of course did bother us and is hard to forgive...Jumba is part of their Ohana dang it!!!. That actually bothered us quite a bit. The little things they changed were some of the lines and of course Nani's role in Lilo's life and what jobs she had and this and that. Jumba had a different voice and he and Pleakley get a real human form. Cobra Bubbles is still part of the CIA and the interactions with him and the Grand Council Woman was a bit different because of this. Lets see what else...Oh and they added new characters like David's mom who becomes guardian of Lilo so Nani can go to college and cps didn't put her into foster care Now these changes were the ones we most heard about and saw for ourselves as well. These we can forgive and I'll tell you why!!
The lines being changed and scenes cut and scenes added.... this to us is ok because they kept the important stuff that gives us that good old nostalgic feeling while adding new ones that made the movie make sense in a real life matter. They took out scenes that some may see as important but in the end those scenes aren't going to affect the outcome or quality of the movie. Also they connected their mother and father directly to Lilo 's interests and to Nani's interests like Hula and Marine Biology and of course surfing. We got to dive just a bit more into finding out about their parents back stories as well. we thought that was pretty neat to hear more. We learned that Nani had a big goal in her life that had to be put on the back burner when their parents passed away. this to me made it more relatable and believable. In real life it would make sense and this has happened to many parents and especially women when they have a child or end up becoming a guardian. Also stop griping about how she left Lilo and went selfishly to her college leaving her Ohana behind....um first off i am happy she is able to do what she wanted to do so she can make a better life for her and Nani. Also she had the portal gun and so she could literally visit Lilo anytime she wanted. She left Lilo in amazing hands with people she knows will love and care for her always. Jumbas voice being different was weird at first and we admit that it did sound odd at first but once you get used to it it isn't so bad. Minor...and Pleakly and him getting human forms...it makes sense they actually blend in that way. Its believable. Cobra Bubbles being in the CIA still and there being a separate case worker for Lilo made sense as well. That little spin on it gave it more relatability and also added to the plot a bit. Didn't change the narrative to much but didn't change it negatively we thought. It was a nice change. Of course the Grand Council Woman and his interactions were different because of a few words but it didn't change much either...oh well. Oh and of course a few changes in Stitches line and scenes but again it seemed like these were changes to make it seem more relatable and believable. Although we would have loved to see more Elvis Stitch and Superhero Stitch. OK now lets get back to the non spoiling stuff.
We thoroughly enjoyed the movie. It was nostalgic while giving us new stuff to look forward too. It stuck to the original story for the most part but gave us a few curveballs in there. We found that enjoyable for sure. That way it isn't a carbon copy or clone of the older one. It had some heart jerking moments, some hilarious moments, and some super nostalgic moments that made us laugh, cry, and just really have a good time. We kept an open mind just like we do with every remake, live action, or reimagining. So the ending isnt what we wanted but it was still good none the less and ...leaves room for another movie.
We found some interesting easter eggs in it. Pay attention to drawings, pay attention to the spaceships, and pay attention well to everything honestly. ALSO we have a theory .... because of a few easter eggs we believe we may see Jumba, Gantu, 627 and Angel possibly in the next one if they do a Stitch 2.
Anyways, we give this a solid 9/10 for enjoyment and wholesome family fun. We think adults and children alike would love it. We need remember to keep an open mind. Learn to just enjoy the movie and not be so hyoercritical.