The Mixed Bag Movies of Summer: ‘Lilo & Stitch,’ ‘F1’ and ‘The Bad Guys 2’

By Amelia Morris

This summer was packed with mixed genres of movies. Each one had a story to tell and a weekend of summer to dominate and prove itself to the audience. But, they could not all succeed. Some films would make huge breakthroughs in the opening weekend, just to eventually drop off because of word-of-mouth. Others would be able to maintain a stagnant presence in theaters for months after its release. “Lilo & Stitch,” “F1” and “The Bad Guys 2” all debuted this summer, but the similarities end there.

The live-action remake of the 2002 original film “Lilo & Stitch” hit theaters Memorial Day weekend. The release was highly anticipated for summer 2025. Disney fans around the world were excited to see a live-action Stitch on the screen for the first time. But what was supposed to be the beginning of summer blockbusters turned into the summer’s biggest flop. 

The movie did not live up to the expected hype. I, along with the majority of the audience, was looking forward to watching a shot-for-shot adaptation of the original animated film. Disney did not deliver the film that audiences were anticipating. Instead, they were met with bad CGI, adjusted or completely absent characters and a modern twist to the already perfect ending of the film. 

The ending was contradictory to the mission of the original film. As someone who truly loves the “Lilo & Stitch” animated movie, the live-action felt like a separate entity. The new movie does not stay true to the original film’s theme of Ohana and the necessity to keep the family together. Instead, the movie fabricates an ending that completely derails the film’s original mission. Disney could have done much better and the audience knows it.

“F1” crafted a story between an unlikely pair of professional race car drivers in Formula 1 racing. Sonny Hayes (Brad Pitt) has been viewed as “the greatest that never was.” After an unfortunate accident in the 1990s, Hayes was forced to give up his F1 dreams but he has maintained his racing love through alternative racing circuits for thirty years. 

After his hiatus, Hayes was offered an invitation back into Formula 1 racing. But, if he agrees he will be joining a team of two drivers, entering a Formula 1 team that has yet to win a single race. Hayes’ adversary and partner is none other than rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) who is not too happy to have an “old timer” viewed as his equal. 

The film followed Hayes’ and Pearces’ struggles as individuals, as a team, as partners and eventually as friends. The team’s cumulative success was entirely dependent upon the ability of these two drivers to win a race during the season. It took both drivers working together to accomplish it.

This film is thoroughly enjoyable. It’s action-packed and adventurous, while also exploring sentimental themes of an unlikely friendship. It’s a typical racing movie but it goes beyond basic expectations by pulling on your emotions for every single race. Every race counts towards the team’s success or demise.Every moment mattered in the film,  not just the races but the people behind the races and the work they do. Definitely a must see movie.

The new sequel, “The Bad Guys 2,” came out in early August this year. The movie is centered around a group of human-like animals called The Bad Guys who are trying to turn their lives around by being good. Their plans, however, take an unexpected turn when they are framed for a crime they did not commit. The Bad Guys attempt to clear their names through unconventional terms and end up on an unexpected adventure. 

The characters, the writing, the animation, the story and the stakes all made this movie flawless. The movie was unique in how it dealt with the conflict between characters and kept the audience wondering what the team was planning next. It felt like the audience was discovering the solutions to their case along with them. 

The movie does not limit itself to only young age groups. The story and characters are engaging and hilarious, pulling everyone in.  In fact, the movie is perfect for people of any age, not just families and kids. One of the best parts of the film was hearing the kids in the theater laugh at the jokes. “The Bad Guys 2” was the best animated movie in theaters this summer, without a doubt.

Of course, not every movie is going to be a winner. The mixed bag movies of the summer were met with equally mixed reviews from the audience. Movie-goers were met with disappointment early in the summer, but it was a way for us to look forward to the jam-packed fun of the movies that followed. Maybe it was a good thing “Lilo & Stitch” was out of the way early. “F1” and “The Bad Guys 2” were great movies and made me believe in the movie industry again. 

“Lilo and Stitch” available to stream on Disney+

“The Bad Guys 2” and “F1” coming soon to streaming. 

Amelia Morris is a freshman journalism major and writer for Cedars A&E. She loves reading, writing, exploring nature and being with her dogs.

Pictures courtesy of Walt Disney Animation Studios, Apple Original Films, Plan B Entertainment, and Dreamworks Studios.