A lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo (Maia Kealoha) finds a friend in the pet dog she rescues from an animal shelter. However the pet dog, now named Stitch (Chris Sanders) is actually an intergalactic alien criminal on the run. 

Lilo is currently under the guardianship of her big sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) following the death of their parents. But Nani is really struggling to be a mum to her sister and maintain a job that pays enough to keep them alive. Their social worker, Mrs. Kekoa (Tia Carrere) whilst sympathetic to their plight decides to give them a deadline to get things under control. But this is when Stitch enters the equation and creates absolute chaos whilst giving Lilo a friend. 

On Stitch’s tail are two other aliens (Billy Magnussen and Zach Galifianakis), disguised as humans via alien technology rather than elaborately dressed per the original and a CIA agent (Courtney B. Vance). 

Focusing on the Hawaiian theme of ohana (family) whilst providing lots of chaotic slapstick fun this should be a hit for families. 

Disney’s efforts at turning their classic animated back catalogue into live action films has had rather mixed success. This remake of the 2002 beloved animation about a chaotic Elvis Presley loving alien and a Hawaiian family lands rather squarely in the “average” category. I suspect anyone who grew up with the original might find themselves fairly unhappy with a few minor plot changes and anyone unfamiliar with the original will be perfectly satisfied with the entertainment on offer. Personally I think that if you had a choice you should be watching the animated original but this is worth at least one viewing. 

Ultimately though, the original just seems to have greater spark and humour than this remake.