*It’s only been out a short time, but Disney’s live-action remake of its 2002 animated classic “Lilo & Stitch,” is showing what happens when CGI mixes successfully with the human presence.
The Dean Fleischer Camp-helmed film, released May 23, centers on a misunderstood young Hawaiian girl named Lilo who befriends an aggressive and near-indestructible genetically engineered extraterrestrial she names Stitch, with the belief that he is a very unusual looking dog.
Although Disney could have made “Lilo & Stitch” a duplicate of its fully animated original, the reimagining takes it a step further with finding what SlashFilm‘s BJ Colangelo deemed “the perfect balance between CGI animated elements within the live-action world.”
The result?
An easier way for filmgoers to immerse themselves in the story than ever before. It follows the lead of previous live-action fare from the Mouse House, such as 2015’s “Cinderella” and 2016’s “The Jungle Book,” movies where human actors’ interaction with other humans, CGI characters and scenery and tangible sets comes off incredibly well.
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Further proof of the effective combination is found in Disney classics like “Pete’s Dragon”
“Obviously, Disney can do whatever it want with its IP and will continue to do so regardless..,” Colangelo pointed out while voicing his support of the class of live-action adaptation found in “Lilo & Stitch” and the difference between it and adaptations that fall below that level.
“When the animated film already exists, having something fully CGI like “The Lion King” feels redundant. Likewise, there’s something almost uncanny about “Beauty and the Beast” or “Snow White” thanks to the abundance of CGI overwhelming the handful of human elements. Finding the balance is crucial, and it’s what unites all of the best of these reimaginings.”
“The original “Lilo & Stitch” is one of the best movies set in Hawai’i ever made, utilizing stunning watercolor techniques for the backgrounds of the film, he continued. “In the live-action reimagining, Disney similarly (and wisely) showcases the Hawaiian setting in all of its glory. After the cold open on a spaceship, both films open underwater as a school of fish swims by, and the way the remake transports viewers through the memorable opening of the animated film, but with real fish and actual people swimming, is pure Disney magic.
“When Nani (Sydney Elizebeth Agudong), Lilo (Maia Kealoha), and Stitch (Chris Sanders) go out surfing to the tune of “Hawaiian Roller Coaster Ride,” it’s doubly impressive watching real people shred waves. Even when digital elements are at play (there are aliens and portals for crying out loud), it’s easier to suspend disbelief because there’s enough tangible, practical reality to ground the story.”
Yes, Stitch alone could’ve been enough to still bring young and old movie watchers to theaters. But there is something to be said about quality and hard work to make something worthy of being among Disney’s best, a feat that can’t be replicated with only CGI.
“Pete’s Dragon” is another film that found the perfect balance, with the human expressions and tangible settings helping to trick the audience into perceiving the CGI aspects as the real thing,” Colangelo mentioned while highlighting how “The Jungle Book” took one human performer to have moviegoers hooked on CGI animals and scenery.
Overall, the success of “Lilo & Stitch” proves the house Mickey built is on the right path with how it handles its live action / CGI mix business.
A path comprised of “relatable, human experiences” we all have that enables film watchers to just let themselves go and experience uninterrupted world building to the fullest.
For more on Disney’s successful blend of CGI and live action elements for “Lilo & Stitch” and other classic remakes, click here.
MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: Stitch Gets Real in Exclusive EURweb Chat Ahead of ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Live-Action Release | WATCH
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