L&S and HTYD 25' Remarks - 7.2./10

Jadd J.A.D.D. Jadd

Lilo and Stitch '25 - Doing this double feature is interesting because both directors, Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, made the original classics, not to mention Chris Sanders. Who not only directed and wrote the original Lilo and Stitch. But did Stitch's voice in the original and the remake? It changes story narratives from the original while not being a shot-by-shot remake. But it's being its own thing and being a loving tribute to the original.

Maia Kealoha is superb as Lilo and brings her to life, and is the perfect representation of who Lilo is, and she is so loved and endearing to millions. Sydney Agudong is fantastic as Nani and also embraces her, and is her version of the character.

Their relationship is beautifully realised from animation to live-action and reminds me why these characters are so beloved. Chris Sanders is, as always, amazing as Stitch and gives him so much personality and life.

Hannah Waddingham and Courtney B. Vance are excellent as Cobra Bubbles and Grand Council Woman. Billy Magnussen was fine as Pleakley. The lovely and graceful Tia Carrere and the heroic and strong Jason Scott Lee have cameos, and they do not disappoint.

Zach Galifianakis as Jumba was terrible casting. His design was awful and distracting. Captain Gantu's presence is sorely missed. I know the ending is very polarising and negative. I'm divided about it, and without a doubt, it doesn't represent or convey the message of the original, but it does have a good way of portraying the characters. I'm trying hard not to spoil it. The first five minutes are sloppy and rushed, serving as a condensed version of the original's opening.

How to Train Your Dragon '25 - This is a remark that's its own thing, but it also expands on the original movie and is an excellent adaptation. Both versions use the tools and technology to utilise the flying sequences that truly make you feel like you're flying with Hiccup and Toothless. It captures the scope and scale of the sky and the world. Bill Pope's stellar cinematography engages and pulls the viewer into the world.

Mason Thames, Nico Parker and Gerard Butler are all excellent and terrific; they expand on their characters from the original and give them all more dimension. The supporting cast, which includes Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Bronwyn James, Gabriel Howell, and Harry Trevaldwyn, is all good and brings their personalities to their characters. The dragon design is very much ripped straight from the animated movie and brought to life, and they look top-tier; the visual effects are incredible throughout the film.

However, when it does recreate a sort of beats and dialogue that are straight out of the original, it feels very stale and rehashed, except for two exceptions, which still resonate in both versions. I missed this movie when it came out in high school, so I don't have any nostalgic attachment to it. I saw it when it came out on DVD and have been begging for a release in IMAX ever since. I liked how the dragons stayed to their original design because a realistic take on the dragons would have been very awkward.

There is a character named Fishlegs, played by Julian Dennison and in this movie, he's Hiccup's best friend, and they missed an opportunity where I kinda wish they had swapped the story around that would've been very different from the original. It's strange because it's a cash grab, but it's genuine, and they change enough of it to make it different. It does explore more of a relationship between father and son and how much turbulence it can be. Being real, the relationships hit harder.

But as far as this movie goes, it's a fine, entertaining remake that I liked, and it has been given a sequel, and I have no idea how it will play out.