Promotion for Sony Pictures
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, a delightful live-action / CGI musical comedy based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, will be in New Zealand cinemas from 6th October 2022.
Amy, a serious movie buff, was invited to a preview of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. She took along five kids from 5 years old to teenagers and shares with us what they all thought.
Introducing Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. 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 new home.
The two become fast friends, but when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbour Mr Grumps, the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti, to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places – and there’s nothing wrong with a big singing crocodile with an even bigger personality.
Amy’s review
Sunday was a beautiful sunny day and I had to literally drag my five along to watch what they thought was a ‘little kids’ movie (my three boys, aged 14, 9, and 5, plus a few extra teens). After some bribery and a few choice words, I got them to the preview of the Lyle Lyle Crocodile movie (based on the cult book by Bernard Waber, first published in 1965). And by jeez were we surprised!
The first comment from Mr 9 was ‘oh is this a real movie’ … from the poster they thought that it was a cartoon … and then my excitement was to see that it was set in my favourite city – NEW YORK!!!
The surprise and delight didn’t stop there. The movie was packed with so much hilarity, laughing at Hector P. Valenti, the mad performer that would sell his grandma to make a buck (or in this case poor little crocodile Lyle). All of the kids actually cried when Lyle was taken away … yes, even the 14-year-olds who then were laughing about the fact they were crying about a make-believe crocodile.
Make a family connection
Lyle is so believable and charming as a character (you won’t believe it till you see it), you even get caught up in the enchantment. So much so, that when he sings, you really believe in him (the voice by Shawn Mendes is dreamy). The friendship and bond between Lyle and Josh (Winslow Fegley) helps Josh build confidence navigating New York City and his new school.
When his stepmom (Constance Wu) connects with the two of them, her identity as a step-mum, wife and professional is all questioned and re-evaluated. This is where I really connected to the movie and Lyle as a ‘joy bringer’. Tell ya, I really got the feels and was so glad I had spent the day with my boys at the movies together!
This is a real ‘family connection’ movie. DO NOT miss out by dropping the kids off while you go shopping. Go with the whole family, grab a couch and connect. Laugh and cry together. This is not just ‘another movie’ – it is filled with surprise and delight, emotions and so many important messages of love, honour, what makes up a family; and even some great messages in there for dads (stop being a serious grumpy old guy and have fun) – let go of control and just ENJOY THE MOMENT!
Thank me later,
Amy (serious movie buff)
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.