Latest news with #Experiment626
Tom's Guide
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
When is 'Lilo & Stitch' coming to streaming? Here's our best guess
"Snow White" might not have been the mega-hit that Disney probably wanted it to be, but the studio's definitely got a hit on its hands with "Lilo & Stitch." It's Disney's second live-action remake of the year, and sees the House of Mouse reimagining Chris Sanders' 2002 sci-fi comedy for a new generation, with "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On" director Dean Fleischer Camp at the helm. Once again, wayward alien Experiment 626 crash-lands in Hawaii, where he's mistaken for a lost dog and subsequently taken in by his soon-to-be bestie, six-year-old Lilo (Maia Kealoha), who dubs him "Stitch" and proceeds to try and teach him how to behave. Heartwarming scenes and hijinks ensue. Reviews have been mixed, so far — it's currently sitting at 69% from critics but 93% from fans on Rotten Tomatoes — but the adorable alien critter's new adventure has already raked in over $360 million worldwide, less than a week after its premiere. And given it dropped the same day as "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning", that's no easy feat! Prefer to see Experiment 626's antics unfold from the comfort of your own home? Here's our best guess at when "Lilo & Stitch" will be available to stream at home. At the time of writing, the only way to see the new "Lilo & Stitch" movie is to head to your nearest movie theater. As per the usual plan, before it comes to streaming, "Lilo & Stitch" will first head to Premium Video-on-Demand (PVOD) storefronts like Amazon and the Google Play Store. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. And while we don't have a confirmed "Lilo & Stitch" streaming date at present, we can at least all but guarantee the movie's going to stream on Disney Plus. As I mentioned above, early signs suggest that Disney's live-action "Lilo & Stitch" adaptation is on track to be a solid hit, so I wouldn't be surprised if we have to wait a while before the movie comes to the small screen. My current guess at a potential "Lilo & Stitch" streaming date is that the movie will arrive on Disney Plus on or around August 27, 2025. That guess is based on the fact that we typically wait around 100 days for new Disney movies to come to Disney Plus. Looking back at some of the most recent Disney releases, we waited 97 days for "Mufasa: The Lion King" to arrive, while "Moana 2" viewers had to wait 109 days between the theatrical and Disney Plus release of the hit sequel. With "Lilo & Stitch" already raking in plenty of cash, though, I wouldn't be surprised if Disney kept it in theaters even longer, so maybe the streaming release won't happen until September. Of course, this is purely speculation, as we don't have any concrete info mere days after the movie's premiere. As and when we get a confirmed Disney Plus release date for "Lilo & Stitch," we'll be sure to share it here, so keep checking back. In the meantime, if you're looking to make the most of your Disney Plus subscription, why not check out our guide to the best movies on Disney Plus for more help planning your next movie night?
TimesLIVE
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Stitch returns with heart, heritage & a whole lot of mischief
More than two decades later, Experiment 626, affectionately known as Stitch, is still tugging at the heartstrings of every Disney classic movie lover. This time, in the live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, which opens at cinemas on Friday. The live-action remake stars Maia Kealoha as the cheeky Lilo and Sydney Agudong as her older sister Nani. In a nostalgic nod to the original, Chris Sanders, who also co-directed the 2002 animated film, returns to voice the mischievous yet lovable alien Stitch. While the storyline takes a new direction, the heart of the classic remains intact. It's an emotional journey that tells the tale of Ohana (family), sisterhood, friendship and duty. What sets this reimagining apart is how it shines a light on Hawaiian identity, particularly in a powerful moment when Lilo's neighbour reminds Cobra Bubbles, 'We're American citizens too'. It's a brief but forceful line that underscores the often overlooked reality of Hawaii's place in the US. This is a reminder of belonging, citizenship and cultural pride woven into a story about family and home. One of the standout joys of this remake is how closely many of the characters resemble their animated counterparts, from Cobra Bubbles' stern but ultimately caring demeanour (though he could have been more bulky) to the zany energy of Jumba and Pleakley. Also new is the deeper dive into Lilo's background. Where the original glossed over the circumstances of her parents' passing, this version offers quiet, heartfelt moments that paint a fuller picture of her grief, her imagination and longing for connection. It adds an emotional depth that older viewers will appreciate while still being accessible to younger audiences. The story's tweaks don't disrupt the nostalgic charm but they expand it. We see Lilo more assertively embrace her quirks, find solidarity in her community and work harder to understand her sister Nani's sacrifices. And Stitch, in all his chaotic cuteness, slowly finds his humanity (though he's not human at all).
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
A parent's guide to 'Lilo & Stitch': Is Disney's movie suitable for little kids?
A parent's guide to 'Lilo & Stitch': Is Disney's movie suitable for little kids? Show Caption Hide Caption Young new star, Maia Kealoha joins Stitch from 'Lilo & Stitch' Hollywood's newest young star, Maia Kealoha, joins Stitch in studio to talk new remake 'Lilo & Stitch' If your children don't already have an undying love for Stitch ... buckle up. The furry blue alien critter from Disney's 2002 animated classic "Lilo & Stitch" is back in theaters in a new way in the live-action remake. That means a revisit for old fans who grew up with Stitch's shenanigans alongside his young Hawaiian bestie Lilo and a fresh bunch of little movie lovers discovering the adorable pals for the first time. And if your youngsters are really into space dogfights, surfing and hula dancing, and a heartfelt tale of two orphaned sisters, well, all the better. But is the new "Lilo & Stitch" as kid-friendly as the first film? Here's what parents need to know about the high-profile redo: Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox What is 'Lilo & Stitch' about? Stitch, aka Experiment 626, escapes the clutches of the United Galactic Federation and winds up crash landing in Hawaii. A 6-year-old girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) meets the little guy at the pound and, since everybody thinks Stitch is a dog, adopts and brings him home. But his chaotic nature causes problems for Lilo and her big sister Nani (Sydney Agudong), Lilo's legal guardian since their parents died. Struggling to keep a job and pay the bills, Nani is at risk of losing custody of Lilo, but with the help of others, they work to keep their new family together and Stitch safe from those who want to recapture him. What is the live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' rated? The remake is rated PG by the Motion Picture Association "for action, peril and thematic elements." Stitch causes a cosmic chase with a bunch of space cops at the beginning of the movie that's pretty action-packed. There are a couple of perilous situations where Nani and her neighbor/friend David (Kaipo Dudoit) have to save Lilo and the alien from drowning. And there are some emotional scenes where your little ones might worry that Lilo will be taken from Nani by social services. How long is 'Lilo & Stitch'? The runtime of the remake is 108 minutes – and it does have a mid-credits scene, in case you're wondering – while the original is 88 minutes. (This is also a good time to mention that you can stream the older cartoon version on Disney+ and it's still an awesome watch.) What happened to Lilo and Nani's parents? In the original film, Lilo reveals to Stitch that her parents died in a car accident during a storm. (She gives a fish named Pudge a sandwich because she believes he controls the weather and wants to keep him happy.) In the remake, the hows and whys of the tragedy aren't as important as Lilo and Nani trying to figure out a happy home life. They butt heads at first, with Lilo telling Nani that she likes her better as a sister than a mom, but ultimately, they grow closer and reminisce about their parents. Lilo even confesses that she "changed her mind" and says, "I like you as a mom, too" in one of the movie's sweetest moments. What is the message in 'Lilo & Stitch'? The major mantra of the first film returns for the remake: "Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind." The characters remind each other of this often, that loved ones aren't just relatives but also your community and those who come into your orbit, and you need to look out for each other. The redo doesn't carry over everything from the original cartoon, but makes sure it gets that right. And Stitch gets his important line as well when he talks about his new family: "It's small and broken, but still good." Is the 'Lilo & Stitch' remake appropriate for little kids? There are some thrilling moments that might raise a few heart rates. Lilo pushes another little girl off a stage, so be sure to point out that's not a great thing to do. And some sequences of deep emotion and discussion of lost parents might need some post-movie discussion. For the most part, however, the family comedy leans extremely kid-friendly. Stitch says some untoward things to some aliens, who get very offended, but it's all cute gibberish. Really, everything Stitch does children will love – it was true in 2002, and it's true again in 2025. Where can I watch the new 'Lilo & Stitch'? The movie is in theaters now, and probably will there for a while. So you'll have to wait a bit if you're hoping to stream it at home. If it follows a similar path like recent Disney releases "Mufasa: The Lion King" and "Captain America: Brave New World," "Lilo & Stitch" will likely be available on demand in late July or early August and on Disney+ sometime in early September.
Tom's Guide
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
'Lilo & Stitch' is a heartwarming live-action remake that respects the original magic — and it transported me back to my childhood
I grew up with 'Lilo & Stitch,' like a lot of people in my generation probably did. It was one of those movies I played on repeat until the DVD became overused and started skipping. Lilo felt like the kind of kid you didn't see often in animated movies: messy, misunderstood and completely herself. And Stitch was pure chaotic charm. So when Disney invited me to an early screening of the new live-action remake, I knew I had to go. Admittedly, I was a little skeptical. Like many fans of the original, I've seen how live-action remakes can sometimes miss the mark. But here's the surprise: not only does this version honor the soul of the original, it actually strengthens some of the emotional beats. It's still about family, loss and belonging, but told in a way that feels slightly more grounded, without sacrificing the fun. Hannah Waddingham (who voices the Ground Councilwoman) actually popped up at the early screening of 'Lilo & Stitch' and called the movie a 'juicy berry,' which felt like the perfect way to describe something so sweet, lively, and full of heart. The real question: Does it work? Is it worth the trip back to the islands with a new cast, new look, and new energy? Here's my full take on Disney's latest reimagining — what it gets right, where it takes creative swings, and why it might just be one of Disney's strongest live-action remakes to date. From the opening notes of Elvis Presley's 'Heartbreak Hotel' played by Lilo when she was having a tantrum to the familiar sight of the ice cream man's cone meeting its inevitable fate, Disney's live-action 'Lilo & Stitch' is a heartfelt homage to the 2002 original. Watching it with my dad (who introduced me to the animated classic when I was little), I found us both discreetly wiping away tears by the time the credits rolled. Clearly, this movie did something right. 'Lilo & Stitch' pretty much follows the same plot beats as the original. We start off by seeing the Galactic Federation, led by Ground Councilwoman (Waddingham), convicting Dr. Jumba for illegal experiments after he creates Experiment 626 — a 'destructive, intelligent creature.' When 626 escapes and crash-lands in Hawaii, he's mistaken for a dog and taken to a shelter. It's there that Lilo ends up adopting him and naming him Stitch after he accidentally rips the leather seats in Nani's car. Fans of the original will be pleased to know that the remake doesn't venture far from the classic in terms of storytelling. This remake actually has fun introducing new scenes, and they don't detract from the experience at all. When Stitch explores his new surroundings after crashing on Earth, he ends up unintentionally gate-crashing a wedding when he smells the cake, and it's a hilariously fun watch. There are also wholesome moments between Lilo and Stitch, including splashing each other with lemonade, her teaching him how not to break things and a sweet moment where she teaches him a form of hula dancing. At the center of this emotional journey, and the reason why the remake works so well, is newcomer Maia Kealoha, whose portrayal of Lilo is nothing short of impressive. She brings so much warmth and honesty to the character, capturing all the things that made Lilo so special in the original: the mischief, the loneliness, the stubbornness, and that deep need to feel like she belongs. The movie thoughtfully preserves the original's core themes — grief, identity, and the unbreakable bonds of family — while introducing them to a new generation. It hits that sweet spot where kids can enjoy the fun and chaos, but adults will feel the emotional weight, too. What really got me, though (and why you need tissues), was Lilo and Nani's relationship. Their dynamic has always been the heart of the story, but this version made it feel even more real. Sydney Agudong brings a grounded, emotional weight to Nani that makes their bond feel even more powerful than I remember. You can feel the love and frustration between them, and it gives the story substance. Director Dean Fleischer Camp (of 'Marcel the Shell with Shoes On' fame) brings that same mix of tenderness and humor here, and it works beautifully. And the decision to have Chris Sanders reprise his role as the voice of Stitch adds a layer of continuity that fans will appreciate. Like most live-action remakes, 'Lilo & Stitch' makes a few changes along the way, but luckily, none of them take away from the story's emotional core. In fact, most of the updates feel more like clever workarounds than major detours. One of the biggest changes is that Jumba and Pleakley appear as humans while on Earth. This was clearly a budget decision since animating two aliens for the entire movie would've been a major challenge. Surprisingly, it works, as the aliens use a device on two tourists at the resort, allowing them to take their physical form. Their personalities are still totally intact, and it was actually pretty fun watching Zach Galifianakis and Billy Magnussen bounce off each other in these roles. Their chemistry adds a lot of humor and heart, even if their appearances are more grounded than fans might expect. Another noticeable absence is Captain Gantu. He's a towering alien military officer originally tasked with capturing Experiment 626 after Jumba and Pleakley fail their mission. Again, this was probably due to CGI constraints, but the movie finds a smart way around it. Instead of introducing another alien presence to introduce the conflict in the third act, the story leans more heavily into Jumba's arc. He essentially steps into the antagonist role near the end. His motivations are still tied to retrieving Stitch, and it gives his character a little more depth in the process. The movie also slips in some fun nods for long-time fans. Tia Carrere, who originally voiced Nani, now appears as the social worker. There's also a live-action version of Tūtū (Amy Hill), the neighbor from the 'Lilo & Stitch' series and grandmother of David (Kaipo Dudoit). Speaking of David, I felt as though his performance got a little lost in this remake, and that was likely due to the heavy focus on Lilo and Nani's sibling conflict (which fortunately paid off). These cameos don't shift the story much, but they're nice touches. The only change that raised an eyebrow was turning Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance) into a CIA agent hunting the aliens, but even that felt like it fit into this version's slightly more grounded tone. All in all, the tweaks are noticeable, but they don't mess with the spirit of the movie. It's still 'Lilo & Stitch' at its core, just with a few new tricks to please a new generation. 'Lilo & Stitch' proves that a live-action remake can honor the original while still feeling fresh. It keeps the heart, humor, and emotional depth that made the 2002 movie so beloved, all while introducing smart updates for a new generation. The cast is excellent, especially Maia Kealoha and Sydney Agudong, and the movie's thoughtful changes (though not perfect) never take away from its soul. It's nostalgic without being hollow, emotional without being forced, and funny in all the right ways. Overall, it feels like this remake was made by people who genuinely get what 'Lilo & Stitch' means to so many of us. It adds something new and somehow makes the magic feel fresh all over again. Final warning, though: You'll definitely need tissues.
Boston Globe
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
‘Lilo and Stitch' is a live-action alien resurrection
Disney's latest beeline for your wallet, and your nostalgia, is a live-action remake of 'Lilo & Stitch.' If that title doesn't ring a bell, this movie is not for you at all. I'm astonished by how many of my millennial friends consider the 2002 original to be an essential staple of their childhood. The character of Stitch is a fan favorite for them, and these are the people Disney is trying to reach. It's smart counterprogramming to the behemoth that is ' Advertisement I shouldn't really be surprised by the Stitch love: I took my then-four-year old nephew to see the original 'Lilo & Stitch,' and I've never seen a kid enjoy a movie more. His raggedy uncle, however, was praying the movie would fry in the projector; I hated, hated, hated this frenetic cartoon about an obnoxious little Hawaiian girl named Lilo and her equally destructive alien pal, Experiment 626, aka 'Stitch.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up 23lilostitch - Stitch in Disney's live-action 'LILO & STITCH.' (Courtesy of Disney) Courtesy of Disney The remake keeps about 85 percent of the original plot, and a lot of its dialogue, so this recap will sound very familiar. The creation of a mad scientist named Jumba (Zach Galifianakis), Stitch was designed for maximum carnage. He's bulletproof, fireproof, smarter than a hundred supercomputers, and can learn and adapt to surroundings in the blink of an eye. Water is his only enemy, as his molecular structure will make him so heavy in water that he will drown. Advertisement Of course, when Stitch escapes from a tribunal where Jumba is being tried for creating him, he crash-lands on an island in Hawai'i, a state surrounded by water. He disguises himself as the world's ugliest dog, and Lilo (Maia Kealoha) temporarily adopts him from the pound. 23lilostitch - Maia Kealoha as Lilo, left, and Sydney Agudong as Nani in Disney's live-action 'LILO & STITCH.' (Matt Kennedy/Disney) Matt Kennedy/Disney Lilo's sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) has been taking care of her since their parents died in an automobile accident. Nani is trying to keep the family together, but she's barely an adult. The social worker assigned to the case, Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the 2002 original), is understanding, but warns Nani that Lilo may be put in foster care. Meanwhile, an alien called the Grand Councilwoman (Hannah Waddingham) is quite ticked off that Stitch escaped. She has no choice but to free the jailed Jumba and send him to Earth to retrieve his product. The cruel and unfriendly Jumba is joined by an extroverted, one-eyed Earth specialist named Pleakley (Billy Magnussen). Pleakley's job is to keep the hotheaded Jumba from creating an intergalactic incident. Also in the mix is the awesomely named Cobra Bubbles (Courtney B. Vance), whose role here is slightly altered from the original's incarnation, which was voiced by Ving Rhames. David (Kaipo Dudoit), the tongue-tied surfer dude who's sweet on Nani, also makes the leap to this version. Jason Scott Lee, the original David, has a cameo here as well. 23lilostitch - From left, Maia Kealoha as Lilo, Stitch and Sydney Agudong as Nani in Disney's live-action 'LILO & STITCH.' (Courtesy of Disney) Courtesy of Disney As for Stitch, fans will be happy to know that Chris Sanders is once again providing his voice. Sanders also co-directed and co-wrote the original film before going on to greatness with 2010's 'How to Train Your Dragon' and last year's superb adaptation, ' Advertisement I revisited the animated version of 'Lilo & Stitch' right before my screening of this movie. I still hated the original, but I found this version a bit more tolerable. Both of the titular characters are more likable here, with Kealoha giving a good performance as Lilo. Take that with a grain of salt; I may have been slightly softened up by the sight of Stitch driving his car through the screening room before the movie started. This was cuter than anything the movie had to offer. Given my disdain, I'm surprised he didn't try to run me over. There's still time to hit me, Stitch! Because from a visual standpoint, this film is the ugliest entry in the live action remake sub-genre. The troublemaking alien Stitch and his fellow alien cronies look terrible in this incarnation. Stitch has always looked ugly and acted ratchet—I believe that's why he's so beloved—but a 2-D drawing can pull that off far better than CGI. 23lilostitch - Jumba voiced by Zach Galifianakis, left, and Pleakley voiced by Billy Magnussen in Disney's live-action 'LILO & STITCH.' (Courtesy of Disney) Courtesy of Disney Director The concept of 'ohana,' or extended family, remains a central theme in the live action 'Lilo & Stitch.' According to Lilo, family means no one is left behind or forgotten. I'm not surprised that I had the same cynical reaction to this overly simplistic philosophy in both iterations of this film. However, this version's final speech extoling the virtues of ohana moved me a little bit. Perhaps I'm becoming an old softie after all. Advertisement ★★ LILO & STITCH Directed by Dean Fleischer Camp. Written by Chris Kekaniokalani Bright, Mike Van Waes. Starring Maia Kealoha, Sydney Agudong, Tia Carrere, Zach Galifianakis, Billy Magnussen, Hannah Waddingham. Courtney B. Vance, Kaipo Dudoit. At AMC Boston Common, Landmark Kendall Square, Alamo Drafthouse Seaport, AMC Causeway, suburbs. 108 min. PG (mild violence) Odie Henderson is the Boston Globe's film critic.
