Lilo and Stitch: are Disney live-actions worth watching?
With the live-action Lilo and Stitch coming to theatres on the 22nd of this month, we have all been anticipating, will the live action compete with the original? Usually, the answer to this is no, yet the climax of the live actions always has us hoping it might meet our standards, but no matter how close it comes to perfection, us viewers find something to critique. Are we too harsh on these live actions, having to hold up in comparison to the original nostalgic Disney movies, or should Disney accept that they should stop making live actions?
The Snow White movie from two months ago is the catastrophe that spread the worldwide hatred for live actions – the problem of these movies usually being the fashion, styling, actors, and a change in the storyline, destroying the timeless impact of the original movies. We all tend to romanticise these ‘vintage’ movies, gushing over the aestheticism of Aurora’s trip to the forest, Prince Charming’s dedication to finding his mystery girl, and Belle’s sunshine gold dress. Although, as our society is developing, shouldn’t we encourage the modernisation of these classics that are so outdated? I remember when the 2015 Cinderella made its entrance into the cinema, I was 10 years younger, yet I still remember when I watched it, not just because I spilled pink Fanta over my mum, but because I resonated with Cinderella and felt the story to be more realistic because the princess had come to life. I will admit, Lily James’s dress still makes me envious, along with her voice, yet I loved to see the adaptation of a movie I used to yawn to in my younger years.
These adaptations also allow a more diverse and inclusive environment, setting aside the discrimination set in the original movies, which are clearly stuck in their time considering the customs and traditions generalized in the 1900s. These Disney expectations were challenged when Halle Bailey took the role of Ariel in The Little Mermaid around two years ago. Yes, she and the producers received extensive criticism for altering Ariel’s original appearance, but the anger of these people wasn’t justified considering this movie was produced for children, not grown adults sitting behind a computer insulting the adaptation of a movie they watched 30 years ago. Despite the backlash, I adored the film. Halle captured Ariel’s vulnerability and youth perfectly, supporting the role with her outstanding voice, and don’t get me started on Eric’s song, which melted my heart due to its additional depth to the pair’s relationship. Did I like it better than the original? I still can’t decide, yet for Cinderella I can definitely say they transformed boredom into magic.
However, the criticism didn’t shape Disney’s intention to continue their adaptations, as Lilo and Stitch isn’t the only film to be released, as How to Train Your Dragon also plans to make its debut on the 13th of June. I’ve never been too keen on either movie, yet you will find me with front row seats to both, expected a wave of nostalgia and maybe a few tears. How to Train Your Dragon is expecting similar opinions to the criticism of The Little Mermaid due to the difference of the appearance of Astrid, but I believe if you don’t want the movie to ‘ruin your childhood’ don’t watch it, the same thing I did with Snow White.
So, should you risk watching Lilo and Stitch with the constant comparison of the original and potentially shattered hopes of what the movie could have been? Definitely. We all watch bad movies and good movies, if it doesn’t meet your standards be proud you gave the movie a chance. Disney movies are meant for fun rather than provide aestheticism and originality, so don’t take it too seriously. Whether the movie doesn’t replicate the beauty of Lily James’s dress and vocals of Halle Bailey, it doesn’t need to win a battle against the original to prove itself a decent adaptation.
Lulu E, Year 10