Lilo & Stitch (2025) Discussion with Jack Martin

The latest episode of The Austin B Media Podcast is now available for everyone!

This week, I’m joined once again by film critic Jack Martin of Film Feeder to break down Disney's latest live-action remake, Lilo & Stitch (2025). We delve into our initial expectations, whether the film has any heart, the standout performances, the questionable pacing, and how it compares to the beloved 2002 original. Does it capture the ‘ohana spirit, or is it, as Jack says, just "kinda Lilo & Stitch?".

If you'd like to listen to our podcast about the original Lilo & Stitch (2002) first, you can do so here.

What's The Movie About?

Disney’s Lilo & Stitch (2025) is the live-action reimagining of the 2002 animated classic. The story follows the bond between a lonely Hawaiian girl named Lilo, who adopts a chaotic alien, Experiment 626, from a shelter, believing he's a dog. Through her love, faith, and unwavering belief in ‘ohana, Lilo helps unlock Stitch's heart, all while they try to evade intergalactic capture.

Chapters

  • 00:08 – Introduction

  • 00:34 – Guest Introduction: Jack Martin

  • 04:13 – The 10-Year History of Film Feeder

  • 06:45 – Movie Recommendations: The Ballad of Wallis Island & Opus

  • 21:37 – First Impressions & Lack of Heart

  • 26:27 – Critique of the Film's Pacing and Editing

  • 33:51 – Standout Performances

  • 43:03 – The Underwhelming Alien Designs

  • 47:03 – The Portrayal of Hawaii & The Lack of Elvis

  • 54:02 – Was This Meant for Theaters or Streaming?

  • 59:18 – The State of Disney's Remake Strategy

  • 01:14:21 – Spoiler Warning

  • 01:14:48 – Stitch's Character Arc

  • 01:19:30 – Jumba as the Villain & Franchise Implications

  • 01:25:30 – The Human Story: Lilo, Nani, and 'Ohana

  • 01:28:02 – The Controversial Ending

  • 01:35:05 – David and Cobra Bubbles' Roles

  • 01:42:25 – Final Thoughts & The Future of Disney

  • 01:52:50 – Outro

Support The Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider supporting the show on Patreon! For just $3/month, you get 48-hour early access to podcasts like this one, access to exclusive posts, and more. At the $10/month Wallace’s Warriors tier, you get access to monthly behind-the-scenes posts, uncut podcast episodes, and our monthly Film Club!

Join here: Patreon.com/AustinBMedia

Where to Watch Lilo & Stitch (2025)

Where to Find Our Recommendations

Jack's Recommendation: The Ballad of Wallis Island is available to stream on Peacock in the US.

My Recommendation: Opus is available to rent and will likely stream on Max.

Austin Belzer

My name is Austin Belzer. I’m a cynic, a perfectionist, high-strung (I’m told), and an overly anxious human being. I love to write. Whether it’s on GameSkinny, The BladedTech Show, Proven Gamer, The Vertical Slice, Movie Health Community, or SiftPop, I have always felt the need to write or create

https://www.austinb.media
Previous
Previous

The Studio Season One Discussion with Gal Balaban

Next
Next

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Discussion with Ben Miller