Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile * Funny; Contagious Music; The Love And Care For One Another Is Beautiful
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, starring Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem, Constance Wu and Shawn Mendes, is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience. When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle – a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music-living in the attic of his new home. The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primms must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti, to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.
KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Katherine S. comments, “Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is an outrageous musical movie that the whole family will adore, especially those who have read the Lyle the Crocodile books.” Keila V. adds, “This movie is funny; the music is contagious; and the love and care of one another is beautiful. The special effects and scenes of the film are incredible! What I love about the film is how Lyle the Crocodile (Shawn Mendes), with his special talent changes the lives of the main characters in the film.” Sariah R. wraps it up with, “! What makes this film so funny is that Lyle is a crocodile that can literally dance, cook and sing. Lyle, as baby, reminds me of my dog when he was a tiny puppy! Lyle as a grown-up has unexpected qualities; we didn’t expect him to be that shy, knowing he’s a beautiful singer.”See their full reviews below.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
By Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is an outrageous musical movie that the whole family will adore, especially those who have read the Lyle the Crocodile books.
This film is based on the beloved books about the super adorable singing crocodile, Lyle (Shawn Mendes) who lives in New York City. Lyle can’t talk, but he can certainly sing, and the first to discover that is an unemployed and undiscovered actor and magician Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem). After a failed attempt at becoming famous, Valenti leaves and Lyle is found by a young boy Josh Primm (Winslow Fegley), and they become best friends. But what will Josh’s parents and crazy neighbor do if they find out? Watch to see!
I love Lyle’s character design. The CGI is realistic, yet cartoonish, and his face is so cute. I really enjoy his big size and chubby body as the animation makes his movements clumsy and unstable. My favorite parts of the movie are the original songs – “Top of the World,” “Take A Look At Us Now,” “Rip Up The Recipe,” “Carried Away,” and “Heartbeat” – and their respective scenes. Kudos to Shawn Mendes and the song-writing team for creating such fitting songs.
Shawn Mendes, Constance Wu and Brett Gelman deliver my favorite performances. Shawn Mendes, as always, has an absolutely outstanding, beautiful and breathtaking voice, and I couldn’t wait for him to start singing again in each scene. Constance Wu, as Mrs. Primm, is such a perfect fit for the loving and caring motherly figure. Brett Gelmen shows just how fitting the name Mr. Grumps is for his character.
The messages of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile are that joy can be found even when things seem hectic and overwhelming, and that friendship can be found in unexpected ways and places. This movie is great for the whole family. There are some scenes that may be a bit frightening to younger children.
I give Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Fans of the book will definitely enjoy this movie. It releases in theaters October 7, 2022.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
By Sariah R., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
The storyline follows magic man Hector (Javier Bardem) trying to get his magic show produced. He is inspired to find something different, something amazing, so he goes to a pet store to find an exotic animal. Suddenly he hears beats and beautiful singing coming from the back room. Imagine his surprise when he finds a moving, grooving crocodile, Lyle (Shawn Mendez)!
This film kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! The storyline is super fun and bubbly. I admire how Lyle is able to bring Josh’s mom (Constance Wu), Dad (Scoot McNairy) and Josh (Winslow Fegley) closer together as a family. Even though Lyle is made by CGI he looks so real. What stands out to me most is the super fun and outgoing soundtrack. The songs and the music make me want to sing out loud throughout the whole movie. My favorite part of the film is the ending when Josh and Lyle go up on stage in front of a big audience, at a Broadway theater and they accomplished something very magnificent together. It is so inspiring. I love how, even though Lyle is a crocodile, Josh still thinks of Lyle as his best friend.
The message of the film is to never discriminate, and remember that anything or anyone can be your friend, no matter what they look like, or how big they are. It just depends where their heart is.
I give Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile gets 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters October 7, 2022.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
By Keila V., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a fabulous musical film about overcoming your fears, to accept something new while pushing the traditional boundaries of what we call family.
The storyline follows a boy, Josh (Winslow Fegley), moving to New York City with his parents and being uncomfortable with new challenges like an unfamiliar home, crowded New York City and meeting new friends at a new school. Josh is a kind soul, but he’s frequently afraid and lacks confidence. However he had no idea how much his life would change in a matter of days after his family’s move to the new city.
This movie is funny; the music is contagious; and the love and care of one another is beautiful. The special effects and scenes of the film are incredible! What I love about the film is how Lyle the Crocodile (Shawn Mendes), with his special talent changes the lives of the main characters in the film. It starts with Hector (Javier Barden), a struggling showman who never gives up on Lyle’s talent or his own and, after some bumps, learns the importance of friendship and family. Josh and Lyle become friends in a very awkward way and from then on never want to be separated from each other. Josh’s Mom (Constance Wu) and Dad (Scoot McNairy) can’t believe their eyes when they see Lyle for the first time, and their hearts open wide for the big creature.
My favorite scene is when Josh and Lyle sing, without any fear, to the whole city. The trust between them is honest and cute. As in almost every film, a bad guy (and his pet) are around. In this case, Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman) – a very not fun and unhappy neighbor and his cat, Loretta, who almost destroy the show of a lifetime and a beautiful family. You must see it!
The message of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is “Trust and believe your family and closest friends; they are always looking out for you and your success.”
I give Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters beginning October 7, 2022.
