Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Parent Guide
A whole lot of fun mixed with messages about courage and loyalty, all carried aloft on some wonderful music.
Parent Movie Review
A crocodile singing in the bathtub? That’s something new in the world of kids’ movies and it comes from a classic book. Lyle, Lyle Crocodile is based on the 1965 story by Bernard Waber which describes a boy’s unconventional friendship with a crocodile and their shared adventures.
The movie opens with failed showman Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem) unexpectedly finding a crocodile singing in a pet shop. He takes Lyle the crocodile (voiced by Shawn Mendes) home to his New York brownstone attic and trains him to be his partner in a song and dance routine. Lyle’s stage fright puts an end to Hector’s dreams and he leaves to seek his fortune elsewhere.
Eighteen months later, the Primm family move into Hector’s old home and begin the uncomfortable adjustments necessary in establishing a new life. Josh (Winslow Fegley) has trouble with anxiety and fitting in at school. Joseph (Scoot McNairy), the dad, is a teacher who lets his students walk all over him. Katie (Constance Wu), the mom, is a cookbook writer who tries valiantly to bring everyone together with her wonderful culinary skills and sheer willpower. Their crabby neighbor, Mr. Grumps (Brett Gelman) and his horrid cat just add to the family’s misery. Then Josh discovers Lyle in the attic and the fun really begins!
I brought my ten- and seven-year-old grandchildren to the movie with me and they both loved it. They were sometimes right on the edge of their seats with excitement and at times they laughed out loud. There were some rather intense moments in Lyle, Lyle Crocodile and for that reason, I wouldn’t bring very young children to see it, but most grade school age-kiddos will be able to handle the suspenseful scenes.
My young guests and I loved the music, much of which was original. Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who also wrote the soundtrack for The Greatest Showmanand Dear Evan Hansen, lent their considerable talents to Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. Their new songs and the musical productions that went with them elevated the entire film, conveying messages and emotions that couldn’t have been shared nearly as well in any other way. The movie’s themes of courage, forgiveness, friendship, loyalty, and love of family were beautifully carried in the music.
Lyle, Lyle Crocodile is a fun, light family adventure movie with great music and a heartwarming message – everything it promises to be.
Directed by Josh Gordon, Will Speck. Starring Javier Bardem, Constance Wu, Shawn Mendes. Running time: 106 minutes. Theatrical release October 7, 2022. Updated January 12, 2024Watch the trailer for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Rating & Content Info
Why is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile rated PG? Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is rated PG by the MPAA for mild peril and thematic elements.
Violence: There is some mild slapstick violence plus brief moments of peril and threat. A crocodile snaps its jaws at a man cornered in an enclosure. A crocodile is tasered and sedated. A crocodile swallows a pet cat and then spits it back out again. There are brief comic chase scenes on foot and by car. A boy suffers a panic attack and receives medical care and reassurance from his family. There is a little bit of wrestling. A boy is briefly bullied at school but this behavior is portrayed negatively. There are nonexplicit mentions of a man’s problems with loan sharks.
Sexual Content: There are a few scenes of a married couple kissing.
Profanity: There is a single term of deity.
Alcohol / Drug Use: Adults toast with champagne.
Page last updated January 12, 2024
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Parents' Guide
How does his friendship with Lyle change Josh’s life? How does Lyle affect the Primm parents? Have you ever had a friend who has affected your life?
Did you know that some crocodile populations are endangered? You can learn more about how to help crocodiles at these links:
Crocodiles of the World: Conservation Status
The Guardian: Human activity “driving half of world’s crocodile species to extinction”
Loved this movie? Try these books…
Bernard Waber has written a trove of books following on Lyle, Lyle Crocodile. Check out your nearest library or bookstore to follow the adventures of your favorite croc.
Home Video
Related home video titles:
Another crocodile has musical dreams in The Princess and the Frog. Living in the bayou, Louis the crocodile dreams of playing trumpet in a jazz band in New Orleans.
Animals explore their musical dreams in Sing and Sing 2. When a desperate theater owner starts a talent show to boost ticket sales, he’s surprised at the local talent that comes out of the woodwork.
The most infamous crocodile of all makes an appearance in Peter Pan.
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