Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Review

Last Updated on October 10, 2022

PLOT: Based on the children’s books by Bernard Waber, Lyle is the story of a crocodile who happens to know how to belt out a tune.

REVIEW: Lyle Lyle Crocodile is a children’s book series written by author Bernard Weber. The story revolves around a family who find they have a crocodile living in the Victorian brownstone they just purchased. Starring Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, and Winslow Fegley, Lyle presents a new take on mixing animation with live action. And speaking of animated, you’ll also find Shawn Mendes as the musical voice behind Lyly the Crocodile. He doesn’t ever talk, but he can sure sing. And many of Mr. Mendes’s fanbase will likely be thrilled to hear his vocal talents on display. Co-directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, let’s see what all this croc action has in store.

This adaptation begins with showman Hector P. Valenti, a man searching for fame and fortune. After repeatedly failing to round up an audience, he encounters something magical, a singing baby crocodile. Believing that he found something spectacular, he brings the little creature with him to perform. Things don’t go well. Instead of trying other venues, Hector leaves his pet at home and seeks out work. That doesn’t go well, either. Years later, the Primm family moves into Valenti’s long-lost property, only to discover the original inhabitant, the singing croc. Soon, young Josh Primm (Winslow Fegley) finds friendship with the animal, but the cranky neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman), begins to suspect that the family is hiding something. And they sing and dance a bit.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a sweet story. Lyle, the animated crocodile is a charming character. Winslow Fegley (Come Play, 8-Bit Christmas) is terrific as a neurotic young man discovering a friend. Constance Wu and Scoot McNairy add terrific support as his parents. And they are having a great time getting into the fantasy of it all. Then there is Javier Bardem. If you ever wondered if this guy has range, perhaps you should compare and contrast to every other role the guy takes on to this. The man is astoundingly talented, which is not a shock. And while the character is at times frustratingly selfish, he manages to bring a sense of charm to the performance.

With music written by Justin Paul, Benj Pasek, and Matthew Margeson, the flick offers up big musical numbers with songs like “Heartbeat,” “Carried Away,” and the ever-present “Take a Look at Us Now.” The poppy soundtrack presented will entertain the young ones and maybe even a few of the older crew. That “Take a Look at us Now” is a bit of an earworm at times. That said, not all the songs connected, and for a long stretch early on, there isn’t much to offer in the form of new tunes. However, all the classic music from artists like Elton John – you know which song I’m talking about – and Stevie Wonder add a sense of fun.

Gordon and Fleck do an admirable job of mixing the animation with the live action. While this crazy croc story may not be the perfect movie for the parents, it has enough to at least find some enjoyment in the experience. Yet the younger viewers at my screening loved every minute and gave a round of applause at the end. Ultimately, the film has a positive message about believing in yourself. It also warns against dealing with a nosy neighbor like Mr. Grumps. Brett Gelman has a bit of fun with this crotchety and annoying downstairs meanie.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile has charm thanks to entertaining work from Winslow Fegley and especially Javier Bardem. Shawn Mendes makes good use of his talents as the singing animal. And Mr. Gelman is ideally suited to his character’s name. You could do much worse if you are looking for a family-friendly film with catchy tunes and a little comedy and adventure. The cast is game, and the animated crocodile is impressively done. And yes, the big, old-fashioned musical numbers may at least have you humming along. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile opens this Friday at a theatre near you.

Lyle Lyle Crocodile

AVERAGE

6

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