Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, based on the beloved best-selling children’s book by Bernard Waber, is a heartwarming musical crocodile adventure that blends live-action animation with unforgettable original songs. As a family-friendly movie by Sony Pictures, it promises wholesome entertainment with a strong emphasis on music, humor, and inclusivity. This family film review dives into every detail parents need to know, covering its visuals, themes, performances, and age appropriateness.
Introduction
Adapted from a popular kids book, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile takes the charm of the family book series and transforms it into a delightful CGI animal movie. Directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, and distributed by Columbia Pictures, the film stars Shawn Mendes as the titular singing crocodile. With a unique mix of humor, music, and heartfelt storytelling, it’s tailored for family viewing, making it an instant hit among children and adults alike.
This movie review for kids will explore whether the movie lives up to its promise of being a safe for kids, child-friendly content, ensuring a memorable experience for families.
Visual Appeal and Animation
Animation Effects and Visual Excellence
The film’s CGI technology seamlessly brings Lyle to life. The visual effects achieve a perfect balance between realism and whimsy, making the title character adorable and relatable for young viewers.
- Special Effects Highlights:
- Lyle’s expressive eyes and charming smile add warmth to the character.
- Dynamic sequences where Lyle interacts with real-world environments showcase cutting-edge film graphics.
- Use of animation effects during musical numbers enhances the storytelling.
How Visuals Enhance the Story
The vibrant film graphics and rich color palette appeal to younger audiences. The realistic design of Lyle ensures the story feels grounded despite its fantastical premise. The live-action animation blend is reminiscent of other family-friendly movies like Paddington and Clifford the Big Red Dog, but with its unique flair.
You might also like “Pinocchio (2022) Movie Review: A Reimagined Classic”
The Story and Themes
Plot Summary
The story follows the Primm family as they move into a new home, only to discover a singing crocodile named Lyle living in their attic. Despite initial fears, Lyle becomes an integral part of their family, spreading joy and teaching valuable lessons about acceptance and friendship. However, complications arise when their grumpy neighbor insists that a crocodile has no place in a human household.
Core Themes and Takeaways
- Blended Families: The Primm household reflects a non-traditional family structure, emphasizing inclusivity and diversity.
- Friendship and Trust: Lyle’s bond with Josh Primm, the family’s son, showcases the power of trust and empathy.
- Courage: The characters learn to face their fears, whether it’s performing on stage or standing up for loved ones.
These family-friendly themes resonate with children while sparking meaningful conversations about acceptance.
Music and Performances
Film Soundtrack and Musical Numbers
The movie’s original score, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (of La La Land fame), is its soul. With catchy music tracks and uplifting original songs, the musical film keeps audiences humming long after the credits roll.
Popular Musical Numbers:
| Song Title | Performer | Theme or Mood |
| “Top of the World” | Shawn Mendes | Empowerment and optimism |
| “Take a Look at Us Now” | Ensemble | Family unity and resilience |
| “Carried Away” | Shawn Mendes | Lyle’s love for life |
Performances That Shine
- Shawn Mendes: As a pop star turned musical performer, his vocals bring Lyle’s character to life, adding layers of charm and emotion.
- Javier Bardem: The co-star delivers a standout performance as Hector P. Valenti, Lyle’s quirky caretaker.
- Constance Wu and Winslow Fegley: Their heartfelt portrayals of the Primm family members add depth and relatability to the story.
Humor and Entertainment Value
The movie balances family comedy with moments of heartfelt drama. Its humor is clean and appropriate for all ages, ensuring even the youngest viewers are entertained. Scenes of Lyle’s quirky antics and his interaction with the human world provide plenty of laughs.
Age-Appropriateness and PG Rating
Rating Explanation
The age rating for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is PG, which means parental advisory is suggested. Here’s why:
| Content Element | Details | Parental Notes |
| Language | Mild, family-friendly | No offensive words |
| Violence | Comical, non-threatening situations | No real danger |
| Themes | Friendship, family, and acceptance | Positive messages |
Age Recommendation
- Best for ages 5-12: The humor, visuals, and themes resonate most with this group.
- Suitable for family viewing with younger kids if parents are present to explain subtler themes.
Educational and Moral Takeaways
Parents will appreciate the movie’s focus on kindness, inclusivity, and self-confidence. It encourages children to celebrate differences and stand up for what they believe in.
Parent’s Concerns and Content Guide
Mild Peril
While the film contains moments of mild peril, such as Lyle’s encounters with the grumpy neighbor, these are portrayed in a way that is not overly intense.
Language and Themes
There’s no inappropriate language or adult content, ensuring a kid-friendly experience.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a delightful children’s book film adaptation that successfully merges music, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. With its catchy film soundtrack, vibrant CGI technology, and endearing characters, it’s a must-watch for families.
Who Should Watch?
- Families seeking a child-friendly content option.
- Fans of book-to-film adaptations.
- Parents looking for a safe for kids movie with positive messages.
If you loved Paddington or Clifford, this family-friendly movie is for you!
Related Recommendations
For families who enjoy literature adaptations, consider:
- Paddington 2
- The BFG
- The Jungle Book (2016)
This comprehensive review ensures you’ll know exactly what to expect from this delightful musical movie. So grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the crooning adventures of a lovable singing crocodile!
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.
