LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE

If you want a funny, warm family comedy, this is an easy choice. Lyle is a singing crocodile, but the heart of the story belongs to Josh, a middle school boy who is anxious about moving to New York City and starting at a new school. Through his friendship with Lyle, Josh grows in confidence and courage.

The movie also emphasizes loving others, friendship, and thinking about others above yourself. It is well made, with good acting and excellent CGI animation. The main weakness is that parts of the story do not have much jeopardy, and a crocodile’s loud growling may frighten very young children.

For most families, see it together—though parents of little or sensitive children should be ready for a few scary moments.

Josh has moved to New York City and feels nervous about his new school and unfamiliar surroundings. Then he discovers Lyle, a talking and singing crocodile, living in the attic.

After Lyle protects Josh in a dark alley, the two form an unlikely friendship. Their adventures help Josh become braver, but keeping Lyle a secret becomes difficult when Josh’s family and grumpy neighbor start to notice what is happening.

Four stars means this is a highly entertaining family movie, even though it is not packed with jeopardy. LYLE, LYLE CROCODILE is funny and enjoyable, with good acting and excellent CGI animation.

The main character does a great job acting, and the friendship between Josh and Lyle gives the comedy a warm emotional center. The movie’s quieter stretches may feel less exciting, but viewers will still be entertained.

The movie presents a strong moral worldview with redemptive elements. It promotes loving others, friendship, thinking about others above yourself, and putting someone else’s needs ahead of your own. Josh’s journey from anxiety and a lack of confidence toward courage gives these themes a clear personal shape.

The film also offers a positive example of family and marriage. A shady character lies and deceives but eventually apologizes for those actions. There is a reference to a miracle, along with mentions of magic presented as illusions.

These themes align with the biblical call to humility and selflessness, even though the movie does not present them as explicitly Christian teaching. Scripture says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3).

This is a funny, well-made family adventure with excellent CGI, good acting, and a strong message about love, courage, and selflessness. Some scenes may frighten very young children, and the story occasionally lacks jeopardy. For most families, it is WORTH THE TRIP.