Lessons from Lyle Lyle Crocodile Adoptive Parent Review written by the Ent on October 8th, 2022. 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: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile
Rating: PG
Genre: Children’s, Musical, Comedy
Length: 1 hr. 46 mins.
Age suggested: 5 and up
Release Date: October 7th, 2022
Warnings: Mild peril and violence, very mild language, family loss, manipulation and abuse. Check out our Is Lyle, Lyle Crocodile Appropriate” Section for more details.
Quick Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Summary
Josh and his parents have recently moved to New York. Josh is struggling with the change and especially making friends at school. Things take a pretty big turn when Josh finds a full sized alligator in his attic who stands on two legs and sings beautifully! The whole family learns to dream big, brave, and stick together.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Adoptive Parent Review
(Contains Mild Spoilers)
-Why Watch Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie–
Honestly, there are quite a few reasons to watch Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile. The overall feel and plot of the movie is relatively light, but also provides some genuine heartfelt moments. All the actors add their own unique flair to the movie and music. The Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Soundtrack isn’t an instant classic, but definitely has some fun songs that the whole family will enjoy. Shawn Mendes (the voice of Lyle) adds a great tone and lovability to his character and has some surprisingly pleasant duets with Javier Bardem.
Although the plot is pretty simple, it does have a few twists and turns to provide an entertaining journey. I will say here that for younger viewers there is a bit of a lull about a quarter of the movie, but it does pick up by the end. Overall, this is pretty much just a good family fun night kind of movie with some heart to it, but there some things to check out before you let littles watch it.
-Is Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Appropriate?-
*Spoilers Included*
There is a fair amount of peril towards a few characters in the film (mostly Lyle and Hector). This ranges from mild threats to tranquilizer darts to Hector getting thrown out of a moving car. Nothing is overtly violent, but something some younger viewers may notice. There is also very mild language usually used in moments of shock (oh my god, etc.)
An Adoptive Parent Note on Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Movie
*Spoilers Included*
We were unexpectedly triggered by this movie. In a lot of ways, there are direct parallels between the Primm’s experience with Lyle and that of a foster family. An established family unit receives an unexpected addition and both groups have to work to warm up and familiarize themselves with the other. In this movie, Lyle, through a set of individualized actions helps each member of the family warm up to him
Lyle is taken out of the Primm home and placed in the Zoo. Ultimately, he does end up with the Primms, but this could be triggering for kids who are sensitive to that issue/topic. Due to our recent experience, one song sung by Lyle had my wife and I in tears, but the kiddos weren’t nearly as affected by it.
Also, Hector acts somewhat as a “bioparent” in this movie. He is someone who does genuinely care about Lyle, but just keeps making poor choices that causes separation between them. He is also generally manipulative and abuses Lyle for money and then neglects him. In this movie, that is also resolved and all is forgiven with Hector remaining in the Primm’s lives.
The Primm’s also increased Josh’s anxiety by trying to keep him so safe. That was a good reminder for me as a trauma parent. Our kiddos have experienced so much pain that we often want to keep them away from all other pain.
Although this movie doesn’t use any of the official terms of adoption (i.e. forever family, adopted, etc), it can still act as a good point of discussion for kids with that experience or as educational points for kids who don’t. But it also could be very triggering, something to be aware of before you watch it.
Continue Reading for out Lesson from Lyle Lyle Crocodile
Lessons from Lyle Lyle Crocodile
Doing Things Together Builds Connection (Although Sometimes Messy)
One the more heartwarming parts of this movie to me was Lyle convincing different members of the family to dumpster dive with him. Although some of this is played for laughs, I saw something a bit deeper. Sometimes, we need to do things that seem messy or weird to allow a good connection.
Words Are Not Needed to Spread Joy
One consistent things throughout this movie is that Lyle spreads joy simply through actions (and yes, sometimes singing). He does this with so many of the characters (even the grumpy neighbor cat).
Legalism Isn’t Love
Mr Grumps is just as his name would imply. A Bit of a grump. He often veils his actions as loving actions or being a good neighbor. You can tell he does genuinely love his cat, but even by the end of the movie the cat turns against him. Everyone in the movie realizes that his actions of “keeping things right” was simply manipulation.
Friendship Can Help Us Do What We Didn’t Think We Could
Throughout the entire movie, Lyle experiences crippling stage fright. It is only when Josh stands with him and encourages him that he is able to do it. Hector has tried several times before, but it was always from a place of selfishness, not friendship.
Forgiveness Can Help Maintain Family Ties
Speaking of Hector, when he does something unspeakable, it is expected that this is the last time we are going to see him. This ends up not being the case as he comes back to help Lyle. Although this act does not make up for the betrayal, it was a start. As seen in the epilogue, Hector still remains close with the Primms.
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Discussion Questions
Themes to Discuss: Family, Talent, Responsibility, Anxiety, Stage Fright
- What was your favorite song from the movie?
- What was the funniest scene to you?
- Do you have a secret talent like Lyle does?
- Have you ever been scared like Josh was on his first day at his new school?
- Why did Hector eventually sell out Lyle? What did he do to apologize?
- Have you ever experienced stage fright? If so, how did you overcome it?
- How did Lyle help Josh and Mr. Primm overcome their anxiety/fear?
Thanks for reading out Lessons from Lyle Lyle Crocodile Adoptive Parent Review. Before you go, check out these other posts:
–Timmy Failure Review
–Instant Family Adoptive Parent Review
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