LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE – Review

So, are you looking for a “family-friendly” flick to perhaps introduce your “pre-K’ tots to the wonders of moviegoing? Well, many parents may be leery of much of the fare, since the “kid aimed” movies are often part of an ongoing franchise or based on a line of toys, video/computer games, or TV shows, perhaps resembling a feature-length commercial to provide “product synergy”. So where are the big-screen adaptations of classic children’s books, one that may inspire the wee ones” to (gasp) read? Well, we’ve got one opening “wide” this weekend based on a beloved tale that’s almost sixty years old. Oh, and it’s filled with music often sung by an adorable animal. A reptile, actually, with a rhyming moniker. Straight from the swamp and into your heart comes LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE. And he’s at the multiplex now, not “after while”.

Now the kiddos will have to have a bit of patience as the opening sequence introduces us to the hustling, but largely unsuccessful magician Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem) as he finagles his way into another failed attempt to win a spot on the TV showcase “Show Us What You Got” (you can figure out its real-life talent show inspiration). A dejected Hector ambles into a run-down NYC pet supply store to replenish his live props (pigeons, bunnies, etc.). As the store manager searches his inventory, Hector hears an angelic singing voice. He follows it to the back room and meets Lyle, a young crocodile (his pipes are provided by Shawn Mendes). Hector now has an idea for a new act. The duo heads back to his East 88th Street duplex and begin rehearsing some song-and-dance duets. Hector contacts a theatre owner about renting his venue. But he needs cash “up front”, so Hector offers his home. Opening night, the place is packed and …Lyle is silenced by “stage fright”. Not a peep. Back home, Hector tells Lyle that he’ll have to seek new funding. He insists he’ll return, but in the meantime, Lyle should stay in the attic and act “stuffed”. Cut to many months later as a high-end prep school has taken over the house and has made it availible to the newest faculty member Joseph Prim (Scoot McNairy), his wife Katie (Constance Wu), and timid, nervous pre-teen son Josh (Winslow Fegley). The Prims settle in after meeting their abrasive downstairs neighbor Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman) and his pampered Persian kitty Loretta. Late that night Josh hears a noise from above and heads to the attic where he meets the now full-grown adult Lyle. Somehow the two become friends and eventually the croc helps the family become closer through their fun antics. But what happens when Hector does return? Can they keep the critter a secret from the sour old Grumps? But more importantly, will Lyle finally get the courage to sing for the whole world?

Well, I suppose I should start with the title character and say that Mr. Mendes is quite the spectacular crooner, belting out the new tunes and the standards with equal aplomb. However, I was stunned that the movie’s true MVP is the energetic Bardem who hurls himself into the Hector role with enormous energy and charm to spare. We knew he could sing after his turn as Desi a few months ago, but who knew that this robust athletic frame was so graceful? He commits to every glide, every sidestep with the confidence of a veteran “hoofer”. Hector’s a rascal and a bit of a reprobate, but Bardem turns him into the ultimate “cool uncle” to the Prims. Speaking of, Wu also gets a musical number with Lyle and shows us that her vocal chops are as polished as her…moves in HUSTLERS. Plus she brings in a bit of drama as Katie frets over being a perfect stepmom to Josh. He’s given an endearing twitchy vulnerability by the effusive Fegley. In a chance of pace from his often dark supporting roles, McNairy does very well as a bumbling but warm papa Prim. Of course, we need a “baddie” and Gelman is pure prissy poison as the unctuous, conniving Grumps (if he didn’t have a full beard he could twirl his mustache with devilish glee).

Overseeing this mix of live-action and mo-cap (Lyle and Loretta) are the directing team of Will Speck and Josh Gordon, who made their mark in several adult comedies. They’re comfortable in “kid-mode”, crafting a tale that the small ones will enjoy and inspiring some to perform along) and the adults will find amusing (again, Bardem), Their take on the “big apple” covers it in a bright candy coating, one that’s a tiny bit scary, but full of pretty nice reg’lar folks, save for the cartoonishly cruel Grumps. The tech wizardry is pretty good on the story’s star, though he often (in his younger version) seems like a smooth molded-plastic cuddle toy (how many more weeks till that holiday), but he seamlessly interacts with the human and his CGI feline sidekick, The new songs by the award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul aren’t quite on the level of their showstoppers from LA LA LAND or THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, but they’ve hummable and enter the ear easily. It’s all a cozy spirited romp that makes for a pleasant matinee (or later). Though he doesn’t bite, this green guy can belt out the melodies while being light on his feet…um, claws…in LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE.

3 out of 4

LYLE, LYLE, CROCODILE is now playing in theatres everywhere