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Disney’s Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Earns Praise for Leads but Faces Mixed Critical Reception

Ahead of its May 23 release, critics highlight strong performances and CGI Stitch but critique uneven pacing, effects, and cautious storytelling.

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Lilo & Stitch
Pleakley (Billy Magnussen, left) and Jumba (Zach Galifianakis) go undercover as humans to find an alien fugitive in "Lilo & Stitch."
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Overview

  • Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong are widely praised for their emotional portrayals of Lilo and Nani, bringing authenticity to the sisters' bond.
  • Stitch's CGI design is lauded as a technical highlight, seamlessly translating the animated character into live action.
  • The expanded 108-minute runtime allows for deeper emotional moments but is criticized for bloated pacing and dragging sequences.
  • Critics note uneven visual effects for secondary aliens, with some sequences falling into the uncanny valley, particularly in the opening scenes.
  • The remake is described as a faithful yet overly safe adaptation, softening the original's subversive elements and lacking fresh creative risks.