There was plenty of excitement as the date got closer to the release of the new, live-action ‘Lilo & Stitch’ movie.

The original Lilo & Stitch is a popular Walt Disney Pictures animated film that was produced in 2002. It is a cross between science fiction and comedy, causing it to appeal to a variety of audiences.

The story revolves around two orphaned girls Lilo and Nani in Hawaii. Lilo struggles behaviorally throughout the story, but really she just longs for a friend. The friend that she chooses is Stitch, who she imagines is a dog, but really, he is an alien: Experiment 626.

The two characters form a close bond, which is present in the Hawaiian term “o’hana,” meaning “family.” Aliens from Stitch’s home planet try to capture Lilo, but because of their new close bond, Stitch saves her multiple times. The story is very creative, interesting, and family-friendly, and it is amazing for summer.

On May 23, Lilo & Stitch opened to theaters with a few new changes. The movie is live action, allowing the characters to come to life in a way they never have before. Maia Kealoha stars, playing Lilo, and Chris Sanders voices Stitch.

The casting of Stitch was very intentional because Sanders wrote and directed the story. He recreates Stitch’s famous and extremely recognizable voice.

Because the animated film is set in Hawaii, the live-action filming was also done in Hawaii. Not only is the atmosphere of Hawaiian geography important to the storyline, but so are the customs and traditions. The true tropical vibes in the new film are meant to capture the ideas found in the previous cartoon film.

Lilo & Stitch is a movie you should not miss this summer. Loaded with laughs and amazing summer vibes, it is sure to lift your mood and make you smile. It will be shown at many movie theaters local to John Carroll, so anyone who wishes to should take the chance to see it in theaters.