Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (G)
- Director: Josh Gordon, Will Speck
- Cast: Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Shawn Mendes, Brett Gelman, Winslow Fegley, Lyric Hurd
- Genre: Family
- Running time: 1 hour 46 minutes
I never thought I’d be reviewing a movie about a crooning reptile, who enjoys a scrub in the tub, to kick off the new year.
But, that’s what happens when you need to keep your troublesome nephews entertained during the school holidays.
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI musical comedy that brings this beloved character to a new, global audience.
When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his school and with his fellow students.
However, all of that changes when he discovers Lyle, a singing crocodile (Shawn Mendes) who loves baths, caviar and great music, living in the attic of his home.
Both outcasts, of sorts, it doesn’t take long for the two of them to become friends.
But, when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbour Mr Grumps (Brett Gelman), the Primms must band together.
They join forces with his charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places and there’s nothing wrong with a large singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.
After the doom and gloom of the past couple of years, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile boasts just the right mix to lift the spirits of adults and children alike.
It’s light-hearted, humorous and easy to watch with a few great toe-tapping tunes, including the original Take a Look at Us Now and the timeless James Taylor classic How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You).
Of course, Elton John’s Crocodile Rock is there, too.
And, even though you don’t see megastar Mendes in person, he gives the self-titled croc a ton of personality, with his vocals flawless.
The surprise packet, however, is Bardem.
More well-known for his serious roles in No Country for Old Men, Skyfall, Eat Pray Love and Vicky Cristina Barcelona, his take on Hector P. Valenti – as the flamboyant showman and magician – showcases another string to his brilliant acting bow.
All-in-all, at 106 minutes, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is the perfect family film.
As for the young relatives, they also gave it the big “thumbs up”.
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