It can be so hard for a new kid’s movie to stand out these days as there are so many! Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is the latest kids’ movie to try and bring a popular kid’s book/character to the big screen and I feel that it succeeds pretty well. If you have younger children, this would make for a great day out at the cinema.
How to Download Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
The film will be available for download most probably not sooner than 45 days after its theatrical release which happened on 7 October 2022. Click on the Download button at the end of this review and check current availability. You should also definitely check out some hit songs by Shawn Mendes who plays the green reptile – There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back, Señorita, or Stitches.
The Movie Review
I went with my niece who is six and she loved the movie and had a super fun time. Made by the duo of Will Speck and Josh Gordon who have a series of comedies to their names…. some better than others! Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is based on the titular character that has been around since the 60s, this movie is actually based on the House on East 88th Street, the first book in the series.
The story of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is about as predictable as you can get for a kid’s movie, but I am ok with that. Set in New York City, charismatic magician Hector P Valentini is trying to make it big and he thinks that his special singing crocodile, Lyle is the act that can make him rash and famous. Javier Bardem plays hector and he is clearly having a great time with this role!
While in theory, a singing crocodile would sure be a big hit on the stage and on screen. Lyle has some severe stage fright and cannot perform, this leads to Hector losing his home that he put up as collateral and he is forced to move out, leaving Lyle to live in the attic alone. Lyle is voiced by singer, Shawn Medes which I am sure some people will get a real kick out of.
Shortly after, the Primm family moves into the house. The Primm family consists of young Josh, dad Joseph and mother Katie. Josh is not too happy about living in this creepy house, but then he finds Lyle in the attic! While initially terrified, the Primm family becomes very close with Lyle and he becomes one of the family.
Things get complicated when Hector comes back on the scene and without giving away any spoilers. Lyle ends up in trouble and put in the zoo and Hector and the Primms need to do what they can in order to save him and get him out. Look, you know right from the start pretty much the way this movie is going to go. However, it is still a fun ride to get there.
I would have to say that I feel Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is telling a story that is kind of like the two Paddington movies being melded together. That is not meant as a criticism and I would say that if you enjoyed the Paddington movies, you would probably enjoy this as well as it really is quite charming and just a lot of fun.
Overall, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile turned out to be way better than I thought it would. My young niece had a really fun time watching this in the theatre. I would highly recommend taking your kids to see this as it has more than enough to keep them entertained. Plus, I would also say that there is some fun to be had for the adults too.
