Live-Action 'Lilo & Stitch' Review Sparks Debate Over Cultural Accuracy

A new live-action adaptation of Disney's Lilo & Stitch has sparked debate. Film critic Hiililylani, known for her insightful commentary on Hawaiian representation in media, has released a scathing review of the film's portrayal of key characters. She praises Maia Kealoha's performance as Lilo, but criticizes the casting of Nani and the handling of other pivotal characters, stating, "This version of Lilo...lost so much of what made her special." Hiililylani also notes the film's lack of depth compared to the original. She concludes that the film was a "watered-down, poorly paced, commercialized version" of a deeply emotional story. Her full review can be found on her Linktree. This film's release highlights the ongoing conversation about authentic representation in Hollywood.