Arlo the Alligator Boy Review and Arlo the Alligator Boy Discussion questions written by the Ent on 4/16/2021 This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch
Movie: Arlo the Alligator Boy
Rating: TV-PG
Genre: Animated, Family, Musical
Length: 1 hr. 30 mins
Age suggested : 8 and up
Release Date: April 16th, 2021
Themes: Acceptance, Belonging, Being yourself, Rejection
Warnings: Abandoned baby, Searching for bio-family, fraud/scams, mild frightening scenes, rude/crude jokes, rejection from loved ones, Bullying
Quick Summary of Arlo the Alligator Boy
Arlo, a human-alligator hybrid, has always felt he was missing something in his life. Upon his 15th birthday, he leaves the swamp he was raised in to find his bio-family. Along with his new friends, Arlo goes on an adventure to New York that takes him to grander worlds than he ever imagined.
Arlo the Alligator Boy Review (Spoiler-Free)
-Is Arlo the Alligator Boy appropriate?-
Arlo the Alligator Boy is about the same level of appropriateness as your typical Cartoon Network kid’s show. There are a few crude/rude jokes and some mildy frightening scenes, but ultimately doesn’t cross any major lines in those regards.
If your kid is adopted or in the foster care system, we would recommend either watching it with them and discuss things with them or go ahead and pass on this one. The entire plot revolves around 15-year-old Arlo leaving the woman who raised him in order to find his birth family in New York. There are definitely some scenes that could be saddening or triggering, depending on the child.
–Why Watch Arlo the Alligator Boy–
Arlo the Alligator Boy is a relatively simple kids movie that is elevated through its character development and soundtrack. Arlo is voiced by Michael J. Woodward (who placed 5th on season 16 of American Idol). Arlo’s friend, Bertie, is voices by Mary Lambert (from Macklemore’s song Same Love and much of her own original music. These two musical artists (along with the lyricists and producers) elevate this movie greatly.
On top of that, this movie does an amazing job with inclusivity. Almost every character struggles one way or another with acceptance. One of the main lessons in this movie is to learn to love yourself as you are and not to change yourself to please anyone. The plot is relatively straightforward, but that does not diminish the amount of heart and strength that is found within the characters.
-Characters-
The characters vary so greatly and add an incredible level of diversity across the board. This movie has several characters who are cross-species, but it truly shines in its body positivity and inclusion. This ranges from plus size characters to characters who could be seen as transgender. Many of the characters have to deal with how they look and how others interact with them because of their appearance. This is where much of the character growth occurs.
Arlo himself is very likable right off the bat and his journey to find his family causes him to become a fairly complex character. He learns how to overcome rejection and learn what family truly means. Bertie is also an interesting, dynamic character who brings so much life into this film. This is especially show when she starts singing Follow Me Home. Overall, there are some characters who hit a bit better than others, but the main characters carry this movie very well.
Arlo the Alligator Boy Discussion Questions
- What was your favorite song from Arlo the Alligator Boy?
- Which character did you relate to the most and why?
- What is the largest city you have ever visited? What did you think of it?
- Why was Arlo’s dad trying to hide who he was? How did Arlo change his perspective?
- Do you have any friends like Arlo’s friends? What is the biggest adventure you have been on with them?
Thank you for reading out Arlo the Alligator Boy Review. Before you go, check out these other posts:
-Other Family Friendly Netflix Suggestions
–Over the Moon: A little girl learns how to love and accept her step mom.
–The Willoughbys: A heavy movie (10+ age suggestion) that is very endearing about what family really is
Down The Hobbit Hole Blog and this Arlo the Alligator Boy Review and Arlo the Alligator Boy discussion questions post use affiliate links, we only link products we think you’ll like and you are never charged extra for them. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. We also use cookies to gather analytics and present advertisements. This allows us to keep writing discussion questions and telling ridiculous dad jokes. Find our other reviews with discussion questions here. Our posts about faith here. And our posts about family stuff here.