When the Primm family (Constance Wu, Scoot McNairy, Winslow Fegley) 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 (Brett Gelman), the Primm’s must band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Javier Bardem), 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.

 

Outside of Disney remakes, live action family films are a rare commodity these days for which the makers of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile should be very proud. While  Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile doesn’t reach the heights of Paddington for example, it's still a breezy, fun filled family film that will entertain young and old alike. In our viewing crew there were a couple of adults, a going on six and ten year old and we all had a great afternoon out. 

 

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile follows a pretty well trodden family film path but one that in this case is punctuated with some pretty catchy singing numbers. This is where Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile not only differentiates itself but is also at its heartfelt best. While Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile feels a little bit flat in the middle, it more than makes up for it with some great slapstick comedy and some great themes about family and having courage. 

 

While it doesn’t hit the dizzying heights of other live action family films, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a breezy, fun filled family film that will entertain young and old alike.