There's a worm in the apple of Disney's live-action films. After enjoying some pretty good theatrical successes, from The Lion King to Aladdin, including more straightforward reimaginings like Cruella and Maleficent, Disney seemed to be having trouble bringing viewers together in the same way. The remake of Snow White only grossed $196 million on an estimated budget of $270 million. Even Mufasa: The Lion King fell short of industry expectations, grossing $722 million compared to $1.6 billion for the 2019 film.
Proof, if any were needed, that all is not well in the land of Disney live-action remakes, the company with the big ears has just put its project surrounding Tangled on hold. Lilo & Stitch arrives in a rather tense context for the format, which often tends towards repetition. The first reviews are in and could well surprise the format's detractors.
“The best live-action to date”
After a screening held yesterday in the United States, several spectators and members of the press shared a brief impression on social networks. While we'll have to wait a little longer to get our eyes on long reviews, the public's opinions are rather enthusiastic. Some even go so far as to call this the best live-action produced by Disney.
This is the case for a certain Juan, who was able to get his eyes on the film before its release in the United States and France. He explains: “Lilo & Stitch is the best live-action film yet! It’s still as funny, adorable, and heartwarming as ever, capturing everything that was great about the original. The story is hilarious and touching, with a stellar performance from Maia Kealoha.”
A sentiment echoed by critic Michael LJ Lee. “The film is a cute reinterpretation that captures the spirit of the original with a contemporary lens. The relationship between Lilo and Nani is even more sincere. It remains raw, authentic, and central to the story. Of course, Stitch brings some hilarious chaos.”
Journalist Austin Ashburn is also full of praise. “The adaptation is full of emotion and will touch everyone’s heart. Maia Kealoha is an absolute superstar, with an extremely sincere and funny performance. This film perfectly captures the magic of the original.”
Safe choice?
It seems that the live-action Lilo & Stitch is very similar to the animated version. For Doug Jamieson, critic behind The Jam Report, it’s a safe choice, but it pays off. “A wise choice. Super sweet and touching, with plenty of zany mayhem for the kids. The finale is reworked to deliver more intense emotion. The CGI Stitch is beyond adorable. Billy Magnussen is a delight.”
Lilo & Stitch Stitch arrives in theaters this Wednesday, May 21st. The film is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, who brought us Marcel the Shell. In front of his camera, Maia Kealoha and Sydney Elizabeth Agudong take on the roles of Lilo and Nani. Courtney B. Vance, Zach Galifianakis, and Bill Magnussen play Cobra Bubbles, Jumba, and Pleakley, respectively. Tia Carrere, who voiced Nani in the cartoon, appears as Ms. Kekoa.
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