Watch Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

"Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is a joyous family musical comedy based on the beloved children's book by Bernard Waber. Directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon, the 2022 film brings to life the tale of a singing crocodile who finds a home and a sense of belonging in the bustling city of New York. Packed with a star-studded cast, catchy tunes, and a heartwarming narrative, this movie is designed to entertain audiences of all ages.

The film stars Javier Bardem, Winslow Fegley, and features the vocal talents of Shawn Mendes as Lyle, the titular character. In "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile," we are introduced to the Primm family, who have recently moved to New York City. As they settle into their new brownstone on East 88th Street, young Josh Primm (played by Winslow Fegley), grappling with the challenges of adjusting to his new life and making friends, discovers a surprise in the attic: a crocodile that loves to take baths, play, and, most astonishingly, sing. This crocodile, Lyle, is no ordinary reptile; he has a zest for life and a talent for music which becomes the extraordinary bond that he shares with Josh.

Javier Bardem plays Hector P. Valenti, the showman who discovered Lyle and understands the extraordinary qualities of this unique crocodile. Valenti is a larger-than-life character whose fortunes have seen better days, and whose dreams of bringing Lyle's talent to the spotlight have landed them both in their peculiar living arrangement when the Primms move in. Grounded in his unwavering belief in Lyle’s star potential, Valenti's relationship with the crocodile is a nuanced blend of mentorship, friendship, and a dash of huckster showbiz flourish, yet it's clear his affection for Lyle is genuine.

Central to "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is the theme of acceptance and the celebration of individuality. It is about finding friendship in unexpected places and learning to embrace one's unique qualities. The film achieves this through a series of comedic and touching moments that see Lyle struggling to fit into human society while simultaneously teaching those around him to be more accepting of differences. Through Josh, we experience the initial apprehension and eventual wonderment that comes with having a crocodile as a friend, offering an important lesson about judging others on their character rather than their appearance.

Shawn Mendes brings a heartfelt performance as the voice of Lyle, lending his musical talents to the role and infusing it with warmth and charm. The songs in the movie are an integral part of the storytelling, propelling the narrative forward and providing context to the characters' emotions and journeys. Mendes' performance helps bridge the gap between Lyle's reptilian exterior and the audience, making him an endearing and relatable character whose desires and fears resonate with viewers.

Supporting characters enrich the tale with their own quirks and storylines, from Mrs. Primm (Constance Wu) and her own adaptation to city life, to the neighborhood bully who learns important lessons in kindness and empathy. These interactions shape the fabric of the community that Lyle becomes an unexpected part of, demonstrating the various ways in which individuals can impact one another's lives.

The filmmakers take full advantage of the New York City setting, painting an enchanting urban backdrop that feels both magical and grounded in reality. The bustling streets, colorful city parks, and charming brownstone interiors are all woven into the film's narrative, creating a vibrant stage for Lyle's adventures with the Primm family and their neighbors.

Visual effects are employed to bring Lyle to life, skillfully blending the animated crocodile with live-action performances. The result is an impressive cinematic creation that maintains a sense of realism, allowing audiences to suspend disbelief and engage with Lyle as a living, breathing character. Careful attention to detail ensures that Lyle's expressions and movements mirror the emotional beats of the film, enabling the audience to connect with a crocodile that feels joy, sadness, and an array of other human emotions.

"Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" is sprinkled with moments of laughter, bouts of excitement, and scenes that tug at the heartstrings. It is a movie that has something for everyone – toe-tapping music for those who love a good tune, relatable character arcs for anyone who's ever felt out of place, and a wealth of comedy that makes the narrative accessible to younger viewers. Beyond its entertainment value, the film offers a touching message about the power of compassion and the importance of finding harmony in our differences—a timely reminder in today's world.

Overall, "Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile" stands as an upbeat and feel-good film that captures the essence of family entertainment, paying homage to the classic book while delivering a fresh, modern adaptation for the silver screen. It is a movie that encourages us all to recognize and rejoice in the peculiar magic that resides within everyone, human or crocodile alike.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a 2022 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 46 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 51.