For the most part, the new version sticks pretty closely to the 2002 animated film. The story centers on two sisters, Lilo and Nani, who are navigating life after the death of their parents. Nani, a teenager just about to head to college, struggles to hold down a job and watch out for her sister, who is a bit chaotic.

With Lilo & Stitch‘s journey to live-action, at least one character didn’t return from the original 2002 Disney animated film. Director Dean Fleischer Camp recently explained he had to “free up real estate” in his new remake,

Lilo & Stitch,” Disney’s latest live-action remake, is crash-landing in theaters this weekend. It arrives 23 years after the original 2002 animated movie stole the hearts of many fans with its chaotic blue alien Stitch and the lovable young girl Lilo who looks after him.

Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. And in the world of Disney live-action remakes, "Lilo & Stitch" is now firmly in that ohana forever. The original film was first released in 2002 as an animated feature.

Disney's original "Lilo & Stitch" is one of the most beloved animated movies this century. But is the new PG-rated remake suitable for all youngsters?

“And also I do stand by the decision ‘cause I feel like a lot of the things that in trying to ground these characters more and tell a story with a little more emotional depth, especially between the sisters, I feel like you have to free up real estate to allow that breathing room to do those things.