Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Review: There’s some magic in the films that don’t just speak specific things but allow for the masses to feel because they were once there and coming-of-age cinema talks to the masses at the same time because growing up is something we do, figuratively and literally and the struggle to fit in this big, wide world is real and those who do not, know the pain of that and there’s something magical about a coming of age story.
Whether it is any living thing, it grabs a punch if told beautifully and here we have Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile the Computer Animated film based on the famous children’s book of the same name.
The film is a beautiful story about a crocodile named Lyle who yearns for belonging, and he sings beautifully. He can’t talk but conveys the messages in songs. His yearning for belonging in a pet store is ended when Hector, a washed-up but very charming stage performer finds him and takes him home in wishes for both of them to become a singing duo but his dreams are set back when Lyle gets stage fright.
After pouring his own house into the stage performance leaving Hector with nothing, he goes on the road to get some money leaving Lyle in the attic until the Primms move in with their son Josh who is confused and scared that he won’t fit in NYC and we see his struggle as well. The film moves with the story of how Lyle, who wants to be loved and to be with Josh goes on a roller-coaster ride and overcomes his fear of the stage.
It’s a pretty sweet film and enjoyable film with a runtime of 1 hour 47 minutes. The film does very well in letting us know what it wants us to focus on and that is, Lyle but at the same time, we see the struggles of the Primm family and those of Hector as well. The animation is spot-on and the crocodile which is supposed to be a scary reptile becomes so outrageously cute.
Havier Bardem is brilliant in the film and carries that charming persona really well, not to forget that he can really sing as well. Shawn Mendes who voiced Lyle is, well obviously a great singer but the rest of the cast seemed to have been overshadowed by Havier’s character, but they did justice to the character.
Overall, the film is enjoyable with a good message and shows well what it means to find your own place in this world and actually be comfortable with yourself. Well, what would you expect from a movie based on a children’s book right? It’s a decent watch.
Final Verdict: 3/5