When I came across Leroy & Stitch, the supposed conclusion to a franchise that started with such a unique spark, I couldn't help but feel let down. For me, this movie, while meant to be a big climax, suffers from the same issues as many direct-to-video sequels, watering down the original's charm in a production that, sadly, misses the mark on several key points.
What frustrates me most is how repetitive parts of the story are. The idea of Jumba and Pleakley needing a loyalty test makes sense, but forcing Stitch to re-learn the lesson of "ohana" (family) that he already got in the first movie feels like a creative step backward. This goes against his character development and repeats a story we've already seen, which is a major stumble for a film meant to end the saga. Also, keeping Lilo and Stitch apart for most of the movie is a bad choice for any fan of their central relationship; the emotional bond that was the heart of the original series is ignored in favor of galaxy-spanning action.
Despite that, the movie tries to deliver a big climax by focusing on Hämsterviel's galactic takeover and the threat of Leroy, an evil clone of Stitch. The idea of an army of "Stitches" is definitely exciting and answers a question many viewers have had since the first movie. Seeing all the experiments show off their powers in a final battle can be a treat for kids.
However, the production quality is an undeniable weak point. The animation, with its clearly limited and "cheap" look, feels like a TV movie, and that's especially tough to see for the conclusion of such a beloved franchise. The epic scale of the story deserved production values that matched the original film, but the visuals are disappointing, lacking the flow and energy that defined it. The charm, charisma, and quality of the first Lilo & Stitch are just gone, and the whole thing feels lifeless and uninspired.
For me, Leroy & Stitch is a disheartening finale for a franchise that started so brightly. While it tries to be a fun climax and answers some questions about the universe, it fails to capture the essence and quality of its predecessor. The repeated themes, the sidelining of the Lilo-Stitch relationship, and the visibly low-budget production make it an unsatisfactory experience for anyone who loved the original movie. It's a product that works better as an extended TV episode for kids who watched the series, but not as a worthy farewell to one of Disney's most cherished creations. Honestly, I hope this is the end of the direct-to-video Stitch saga, allowing the memory of the original film to remain untouched by such weak sequels.
