Want to see a movie that reminds you of your childhood? Watch “Stitch”! You can start with the original cartoon at home and then make your way to the theater for the newest “Stitch” film which came out May 23.
The movie was supposed to premiere sooner, but due to a fire on set in 2018, it was delayed. They started filming in 2023, so it took three years to finish.
The first film is an animated version, while the second is a live-action version. The new movie follows a young girl named Lilo and older sister, Nani. Since they struggled with loneliness, they adopted Stitch, thinking he was a dog, but Stitch certainly isn’t an ordinary dog. He is an alien who adds chaos and unexpected adventures to Lilo and Nani’s life. In this movie we see all the obstacles that Lilo, Nani, and Stitch overcome together.
Stitch teaches viewers the importance of love, support, and sticking together. Family isn’t always blood-related, it can also mean loyalty and never giving up on each other. His journey shows us that everyone can find a place to belong and it’s a representation of Hawaii as well.
Maia Kealoha plays Lilo. Maia was seven years old when filming the movie, and she is a native Hawaiian which fits perfectly for her role. Sydney Agudong plays the older sister–Nani.
Many people might not know director Dean Fleischer Camp, but he wrote many of your childhood movies such as “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On”. Fleischer Camp said he wanted to hop in on the trend since many animated movies are now turning into live-action films such as “Snow White”, “The Lion King”, and “The Little Mermaid”. The director experimented with special effects to make the alien look fit into the movie. He made Stitch look more like a dog, while still maintaining his special alien features.
Many people think all live-action movies are bad and that the directors should keep it animated since it adds more emotion. But some might argue that the live-action movies give more life lessons. They say the remakes provide a more emotional experience.
They did change some details in the movie. In the animated version, Nani stays with Lilo throughout the film. But in the real-life movie, Nani gives up Lilo to go to college and leaves her with her neighbor, Tutu. Which is played by Amy Hill who also acted in “The Cat in The Hat”.
Make sure to free up your weekend to watch the new live-action “Stitch” movie. Buy your tickets, your popcorn, and watch your childhood alien on the big screen!
