Disney's live-action Lilo and Stitch remake and Tom Cruise's supposedly final Mission: Impossible outing have opened as two of the biggest films of the year in a record-breaking weekend at the box office. Lilo and Stitch, which revisits the 2002 animated family favourite, exceeded expectations with takings of $341m (£252m) around the world. That made it the second highest opening of 2025 so far after A Minecraft Movie,Variety reported, and broke the record for the Memorial Day weekend in the US. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, the eighth film in the franchise, also proved a hit with $190m (£140m) in ticket sales. Cruise has been playing agent Ethan Hunt since 1996, and seemingly confirmed The Final Reckoning would be the last instalment bytelling the Hollywood Reporter: "It's the final! It's not called 'final' for nothing." But some have doubts about whether it will really turn out to be the end. The blockbuster has had some rave reviews, withthe Guardian calling ita "wildly entertaining adventure" in a five-star review, andVanity Fair describing itas "a worthy send-off". However, not everyone was blown away, withthe Hollywood Reporter sayingit's "a disappointing farewell", andMashable sayingthe series risked going out with the "fizzled whimper of a message self-destructing in a tape deck". Meanwhile, Lilo and Stitch is the latest in a long line of live-action remakes of beloved Disney animations, and achieved the third-best box office opening behind 2019's The Lion King and 2017's Beauty and the Beast, Variety said. The new version stars Courtney B Vance and Zach Galifianakis alongside eight-year-old Maia Kealoha and a computer-generated cuddly runaway alien. It has also had mixed reviews, being described as "jovial, zany, and sweet"by the Daily Beast, but a "mind-numbing abomination"by the Times.
Lilo and Stitch beat Tom Cruise in box office bonanza
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Disney's Lilo and Stitch Live-Action Remake Outperforms Tom Cruise's Final Mission: Impossible Film at Box Office"
Bbc News
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
Disney's live-action adaptation of 'Lilo and Stitch' has made a remarkable impact at the box office, grossing $341 million globally over the weekend, making it the second highest opening of 2025, trailing only behind 'A Minecraft Movie.' This new rendition of the beloved 2002 animated classic not only shattered records for the Memorial Day weekend in the United States but also positioned itself as one of the most successful live-action remakes in Disney's history. The film features a mix of established actors such as Courtney B. Vance and Zach Galifianakis, alongside the young talent Maia Kealoha, who plays the lead role. Critics have had varied responses to the film, with some praising its jovial and sweet nature while others have harshly criticized it, labeling it a 'mind-numbing abomination.' Despite the mixed reviews, its box office performance indicates a strong audience interest and engagement with the franchise.
In contrast, Tom Cruise's 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' also debuted to impressive numbers, earning $190 million worldwide. This film, which marks the eighth installment in the iconic action series, has been touted as Cruise's final portrayal of the character Ethan Hunt, a role he has embodied since 1996. While many reviews have celebrated the film as a fitting conclusion to the franchise, with publications like The Guardian calling it a 'wildly entertaining adventure,' others have expressed disappointment, suggesting it may not deliver the grand finale that fans hoped for. The mixed critical reception reflects a range of opinions on the film's narrative and execution, with some critics suggesting the series risks concluding with a lackluster exit. Both films have showcased the enduring appeal of established franchises, drawing significant box office numbers and sparking discussions among audiences and critics alike.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent report highlights the significant box office performance of Disney's live-action adaptation of Lilo and Stitch, which has outperformed Tom Cruise's latest Mission: Impossible film. This outcome suggests a shift in audience preferences and the potential impact of nostalgia-driven content in contemporary cinema.
Impacts on Audience Perception
The article aims to create a narrative around the success of Lilo and Stitch, positioning it as a cultural phenomenon that resonates with both new and returning audiences. By emphasizing its box office achievements, the report seeks to foster a positive perception of Disney's strategy in remaking beloved classics. This may also create excitement and anticipation for future remakes, tapping into a sense of nostalgia and family-friendly entertainment.
Comparative Performance
While both films have opened strongly, the comparison highlights a potential rivalry between franchise films and standalone remakes. The article suggests that Lilo and Stitch's success might indicate a preference shift among viewers, showcasing an appetite for family-oriented narratives over action-heavy blockbusters. However, the mixed reviews for both films hint that critical reception does not always align with box office success, which could be a point of contention among audiences.
Hidden Agendas?
There doesn't appear to be a clear attempt to hide information; however, the focus on box office numbers could overshadow deeper discussions about quality, originality, and the implications of remakes on the film industry. By framing the conversation around financial success, there may be less scrutiny of artistic merit or the potential for cinematic innovation.
Manipulative Aspects
The report may contain a degree of manipulation through selective emphasis on box office figures, possibly downplaying the mixed critical reception of both films. This could serve to reinforce the idea that financial success equates to viewer satisfaction, which is a common narrative in Hollywood.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The report seems to be a reliable reflection of current box office trends and audience reactions, as it cites credible sources and includes a range of opinions. However, the selective highlighting of success over critique raises questions about its overall balance.
Cultural Context and Audience Targeting
The article likely appeals to families, Disney fans, and general moviegoers who enjoy nostalgic content. The success of Lilo and Stitch may resonate particularly with audiences who have a fondness for the original animated film.
Market Impact
The box office results could influence stock performance for Disney, especially considering the company's ongoing investment in live-action adaptations. A positive reception may bolster confidence in similar future projects, potentially affecting related stocks.
Geopolitical Relevance
While the article focuses on entertainment, the success of major films can reflect broader cultural trends and consumer behavior, which are relevant in discussions about global markets and entertainment consumption patterns.
AI Influence in Reporting
It's possible that AI could have played a role in shaping the language or structure of the article, particularly in summarizing data or generating responses to audience interest. The straightforward presentation of box office numbers and reviews could suggest a formulaic approach often seen in automated news generation.
Final Thoughts
The report primarily serves to highlight the competitive landscape of modern cinema, particularly the interplay between nostalgia and audience preferences. While it provides valuable insights, the framing of success through box office figures may skew public perception toward valuing financial over artistic achievements.