Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review
Nathan Swank
October 7th, 2022
Based on the book series by Bernard Waber, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is a family film about… well, a crocodile named Lyle. I guess the title explains that much. But this crocodile is special because it can sing. More specifically, sing like Shawn Mendes. Like all works of art, once music is involved, we as a society believe it to be much better than it actually is. I think the singing aspect of Lyle is secondary to the fact that it can walk around and understand basic human language whether it be spoken or emotional. Lyle is also kind and unwilling to eat people or even animals, unless it’s prepared to perfection in a kitchen.
A down on his luck magician, Hector P. Valenti, played by the always amazing Javier Bardem, discovers a tiny crocodile singing to itself in the back corner of an old pet store in New York City. Hector sees dollar signs and immediately begins working on a song and dance show featuring himself and Lyle. After a montage of the two singing and dancing in matching outfits throughout Hector’s home, the curtain is pulled on the big stage and poor Lyle freezes up. Owing too many people too much money, Hector skips out on his responsibilities including Lyle. 18 months later, Mr. and Mrs. Primm, played by Scott McNairy and Constance Wu, along with their son Josh, played by Winslow Fegley, move into their new home. As the whole family struggles with the new move, Josh is especially dealing with the anxiety of trying to meet new friends. That is until Josh hears a noise in the attic and the discovery of Lyle opens up the family’s lives to a joy they’d nearly forgotten about.
I’m not sure what I expected with LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE, but having kids has given me a better perspective and enjoyment of not only family movies, but all movies in general. And I think that’s why it’s sort of difficult to say, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is fairly forgettable, offering nothing new or delightful to the genre. Javier Bardem is fantastic. And clearly giving it his all, pouring so much energy into his role, which is quite the opposite of his Oscar-winning performance as Chigurh, the most terrifying cinematic bad guy in NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN. The other standout is Brett Gelman as the angry downstairs neighbor, Mr. Grumps. His two obsessions, his spoiled cat and to get the Primm’s evicted, are deliciously over-the-top wickedness.
Clearly influenced by, “One Froggy Evening” from Warner Bros.’ Merrie Melodies, LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is a poor imitation of the classic short animation from 1955. While it might work better in its original children’s book form, the film version of the story feels a bit bloated with unnecessary filler even with a 106 minute runtime. The musical numbers are cute and baby Lyle is truly adorable. But even my 6-year-old son questioned Lyle’s inability to speak, saying, “if you can sing, then you can talk.” Ultimately, both my children gave it a thumbs up, so that’s clearly a positive. But to be fair, I doubt they ever ask to watch it again. LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is fine as a wholesome way to entertain the kids for a couple of hours, but I think there are better ways to fill that time and certainly with better kids movies that have a bigger and tastier bite.
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