Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Is Lyle Lyle Crocodile safe for kids? Is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile OK for children? Read the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide to Columbia Pictures’ and Sony Pictures’ all-new original musical film starring Shawn Mendes, Javier Bardem and Constance Wu. No spoilers! #LyleLyleCrocodile May contain commissioned links.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide

It’s not all croc, folks.

Shawn Mendes hits the stage as the title character from the beloved children’s book series this fall. And I think that we can all agree that this guy can sing. But does a singing croc really resonate with families and kids today? Can the co-stars back him up? And can The Greatest Showman songwriters wow us again?

In this Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch the new Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile parents guide to the new Sony Pictures film. A no-spoiler parent review of Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, does this movie even compare to The Greatest Showman musical film standard?

Or should families be saying later, gator?!

The Visuals

Visually, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live action film blended with CGI animals. Most comparable to that of Dolittle (remember that film?), these animals definitely have enhanced animal and human-like qualities, but doesn’t take away from the story. It does get a little awkward at times with a crocodile walking around on two legs, but overall the CGI technology doesn’t distract audiences from the overall family feel of this Sony Pictures movie.

Photosensitivity warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, there are no photosensitive visual effects in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile for those with potential seizure or eye/light issues.

The Story

From the songwriters of “The Greatest Showman” and based on the best-selling children’s book series by Bernard Waber, Sony Pictures brings a singing croc character to life in an all-new CGI/live action musical comedy movie. Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile stars Grammy-nominated singer Shawn Mendes (“Wonder“) as Lyle, Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men“) as Hector P. Valenti, Constance Wu (“Crazy Rich Asians“) as Mrs. Primm, Scoot McNairy (“Argo“) as Mr. Primm, Winslow Fegley (“8-Bit Christmas“) as Josh Primm, Brett Gelman (“Stranger Things“) as Mr. Grumps and is directed by Will Speck and Josh Gordon (“Blades of Glory” and “Marvel’s Hit-Monkey“). Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile features all-new original songs performed by Shawn Mendes and written by “The Greatest Showman” songwriting team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

This easy to swallow storyline follows the Primm family and their move to New York City as their child Josh struggles to adjust and make new friends. Following the usual family comedy tropes, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile blends in original songs, dancing, laughs, and adventure in one fast-paced engaging movie for families. Overarching themes include family, love, inclusion and acceptance, with the most impactful theme of highlighting blended families, especially blended interracial families as a nice surprise.

That’s not to say that Lyle, Lyle Crocodile didn’t have it’s faults. Can’t say that I was sold on everyone’s acting (at times a little over-the-top) or singing (yes, a little cringe). There were a few Greatest Showman coincidences than I cared to see. And I definitely had trouble visualizing Javier Bardem as anyone BUT the James Bond Skyfall bad guy. But going in with very little expectations for this advertised kids film, I was shockingly more entertained than I thought I would be. (However, I honestly kept waiting for Zac Efron and Zendaya to fall from the sky on ropes at any given moment when that familiar beat hit the theater.)

That PG Rating

Is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile safe for kids? What’s really hiding beneath those crocodile scales? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings, especially PG. And as we all know, not all PG ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how movie ratings have shifted over the years with G-rated movies a thing of the past. With film ratings unpredictable these days, even PG ratings oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, there’s a wide age range between 0-12 years old for parental guidance to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie is truly family friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.

Why is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile rated PG? In this Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids, the live action crocodile film has a MPAA age rating of PG for “mild peril and thematic elements.” Is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile for kids? Or are there hidden red flags for parents beneath those scales? Let’s breakdown that PG age rating in this Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile parents guide.

Violence/Suspense. Surprisingly, peril, suspense and violence were more impactful in Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile than I would have cared for. There are a few dark scenes with mild suspenseful music and mild jump scares. Brief yet intense animal fighting. No blood or gore. Person is thrown from moving vehicle with bruising seen. Tranquilizer guns and tasers (both used) in the film. Very mild child bullying.

Animal abandonment and neglect are common themes throughout the film, which becomes more apparent and sad as the movie goes on. Children sensitive to animal cruelty may need to tread with caution. Mild animal fighting (all CGI) also occurs.

Adult Themes. Alcohol is seen throughout the film, with clinking of champagne glasses, wine in a glass, and discussion of “have you been drinking?” No alcohol consumption is actually seen on screen though, which is actually nice change of pace. Kids with smart phones and using social media also present in this film.

There are a few tween mishaps that could be loosely compared to Turning Red type of scenarios – like running into oncoming traffic, sneaking out, chase scenes, or walking the streets of New York City without an adult. But these scenes are all for audience engagement in the fast-moving plot.

Crude humor and mild innuendo/nudity are also in this film for comedic relief. This includes pooping, farting and burping noises, sitting on the toilet (nothing seen below the waist), showering and bathing (again nothing seen below the waist), and CGI puking for laughs. Innuendo is mild, mostly a couple of light kisses between a married couple, people in tight clothing, mild butt slap (while clothed), and the bathing/showering scenes mentioned above.

Language. As far as bad language goes, thankfully Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile doesn’t have a potty mouth. No swear words to report in this children’s book adaptation film, which is on par with the PG rating.

However, please note that there are 4 uses of “Oh my g-d,” and a few mild insults sprinkled throughout including “stupid,” “horrible,” “weirdo,” and “awful” to describe people. Overall, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is very family and kid-friendly when it comes to language. And that’s a relief.

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Age Rating for Kids?

The Overall

Is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile an oh, snap for families or will it croc your world? If you’re expecting “The Greatest Showman” level of entertainment, it may be “after Lyle, Crocodile.” With a simple, yet effective plot, a unique and surprising cast of co-stars, multiple original catchy tunes and enough interest for kids, Lyle certainly seems to hit all of the right notes. Abominable meets Alvin and the Chipmunks meets Sing, this loveable croc wins over audiences with original Greatest Showman caliber songwriting, fun dance moves and adorable personality.

I liked the film, don’t get me wrong. I laughed, I got misty, I even found myself tapping my toes. Lyle certainly exceeded my movie expectations, especially on redefining family and highlighting blended interracial families. And Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is certainly worth a family watch this fall. But with a spotlight on animal cruelty, off-key co-star singing, cringe-y acting at times, and missing that climatic spark – Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile doesn’t pull on my heartstrings in perfect harmony.

This movie is not a croc by any means, but not quite N’SYNC either.

Follow Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile on social media:

• Website: https://www.sonypictures.com/movies/lylelylecrocodile
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LyleLyleCrocodileMovie
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/lylecrocodile
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lylelylecrocodilemovie/
• #LyleLyleCrocodile

Looking for more parent movie reviews and TV reviews like Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Check out these popular posts:

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile sings into theaters on Friday, October 7, 2022. Will your family be watching this musical film?

I was invited to screen the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile film in exchange for this Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!