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Review: Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) – A Tender Reimagining That Deserves Its Own Space
If you’re heading into Disney’s new live-action Lilo & Stitch expecting a scene-for-scene remake of the beloved 2002 animated classic, recalibrate now. This isn’t a nostalgic trip down memory lane — and that’s okay. What this film offers instead is a heartfelt reinterpretation, grounded in emotional authenticity, cultural reverence, and a more grounded realism that suits its live-action format.
Gone are some of the cartoonish exaggerations and galaxy-hopping chaos, and notably absent is Captain Gantu, the towering alien enforcer. While some fans might lament this exclusion, I found it to be a smart and deliberate choice. Gantu, in a live-action setting, would likely require heavy CGI that could risk pulling the viewer out of the story. We’ve seen this kind of disconnect before — most recently with the uncanny Seven Dwarfs in Disney’s Snow White remake — and the filmmakers here seem to have wisely chosen substance over spectacle.
This version of Lilo & Stitch centers more deeply on the relationship between Lilo and Nani, grounding their story in the nuances of grief, resilience, and the day-to-day struggles of a fractured family trying to hold it together. The lush Hawaiian landscapes feel beautifully lived-in, and there’s an intimacy to the storytelling that works particularly well in this more realistic setting.
Die-hard fans will smile at the respectful nods to the original. Cameos from original voice actors Amy Hill, Tia Carrere, and Jason Scott Lee are subtle yet meaningful, acting as spiritual bridges between old and new. They don’t steal the show — they bless it.
Of course, the release hasn’t been without controversy. Some have called for boycotts, citing the iconic line: “Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten.” Critics argue that the film contradicts this ethos in its casting choices or character adjustments. But this interpretation feels narrow. If anything, this Lilo & Stitch expands the idea of family. It reminds us that “family” is not always defined by blood or perfect adherence to the past. It’s shaped by love, support, and — yes — change.
Does anyone truly get left behind in this film? No. What we’re seeing is a widening of the circle, not a breaking of it.
In the end, Lilo & Stitch (2025) is not trying to be your childhood classic. It’s trying to be something else — something more grounded, more current, and quietly powerful. Give it that space, and it just might surprise you.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
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Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
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Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.

As an unabashed fan of the original 2010 animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon, I approached the new live-action adaptation with cautious excitement. And let me say this upfront: it blew me away. This isn’t just a remake—it’s a heartfelt reimagining that understands exactly what made the original special, while carving out a new legacy all its own.
The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the animated trilogy, was nothing short of inspired. His return doesn’t just lend authenticity—it infuses the film with the same emotional richness, visual wonder, and narrative soul that made the original soar. DeBlois clearly understands that this story isn’t just about dragons—it’s about identity, empathy, and the quiet courage it takes to be different.
This film is a masterclass, in my opinion, on how to adapt animation to live action. Instead of chasing spectacle for spectacle’s sake, it stays grounded in character and emotion. The filmmakers preserve the heart of the story—Hiccup and Toothless’s bond, the tension between father and son, the forging of peace between enemies—while adding just enough new layers and textures to make it feel fresh. Small changes enhance the world rather than distract from it, proving that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you’re already working with gold.
The performances, across the board, are extraordinary. Mason Thames is a revelation as Hiccup. He captures the awkwardness, intelligence, and inner strength of the character with stunning nuance. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick with even greater emotional depth—his presence is towering, both literally and figuratively, anchoring the film with gravitas. Nick Frost brings warmth and perfectly timed humor to Gobber, effortlessly making the character his own. And Nico Parker’s Astrid is fierce, grounded, and utterly magnetic—her chemistry with Thames sparks with authenticity.
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever. It’s rare to see a remake that feels both lovingly faithful and genuinely new, but How to Train Your Dragon accomplishes just that. With breathtaking visuals, deeply human performances, and an unwavering emotional core, this film isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this world of dragons in the first place.
Heartfelt, heroic, and unforgettable—How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a 10 out of 10
Movie
Review: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a stylish and brutal addition to the ever-expanding John Wick universe. Set between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film seamlessly slots into the timeline without feeling like a stopgap. Instead, it builds something fresh, introducing a new protagonist on a vengeful journey of her own.
Ana de Armas delivers a fierce and emotionally layered performance as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-trained assassin seeking justice for her family. While her motivations mirror Wick’s, the film avoids repetition by diving deeper into the Ruska Roma and High Table lore. It’s a testament to the world-building that this spin-off doesn’t just feel justified—it feels essential.
As expected, the fight choreography is at its peak—gritty, inventive, and ruthlessly beautiful. Every action set-piece hits with a kinetic energy that’s both thrilling and brutal. This franchise continues to prove that when it comes to stunt work and direction, it’s in a league of its own. Can the John Wick series really disappoint? So far, no.
The story is tight, the pacing brisk, and each supporting performance, especially the cameos from familiar faces, adds weight and continuity to the narrative. Ballerina proves that this universe is more than just one man’s war; it’s a whole underworld waiting to be explored.
With compelling characters, rich mythology, and jaw-dropping action, Ballerina is a strong 9/10—one of the best spin-offs in recent memory.