Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
Directors: Will Speck and Josh Gordon, Sony Pictures
Here’s your chance to … WIN … family tickets to a movie screening all over Australia in December!
A singing, dancing crocodile? Why not … especially if it’s Lyle, driven by love, who just wants a family, a home and to feel connected to people!
Based on the best-selling book series by Bernard Waber, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is a live-action/CGI family comedy film directed by Will Speck and creative partner Josh Gordon (Blades of Glory, The Switch, Office Christmas Party). Along with Hutch Parker, they produce the new film which screens in cinemas late next month.
The storyline is appealing: when the Primm family (played by 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. However, all that changes when he discovers Lyle ― a “good” melodic crocodile 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 Primms get defensive and band together with Lyle’s charismatic owner, Hector P. Valenti (Academy Award-winner Javier Bardem). What follows shows 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!
This film is distinctive because of the exciting way in which pop music has been brought into the narrative, through the songwriting talents of the Oscar, Tony and Grammy Award-winning songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. They are the Dear Evan Hansen, The Greatest Showman and La La Land composers.
To bring Lyle to vocal life, the filmmakers tapped award-winning vocalist Shawn Mendes who says “love is the reason I sing, too ― I sing when I feel comfortable, when I feel accepted. I relate to him [Lyle] a lot.”
The directors have been fans of Lyle books since they were children, so this musical is much more than just an adaptation of a beloved children’s book. Once you get over the intimidation and the fantastical idea that this crocodile can communicate in a human way, you realise he influences change, in a timeless and relatable way. Lyle is a “conduit” for unconditional support, an “agent of change that comes in and fixes the things in your life that aren’t quite working, and brings joy and passion and music into your life.”
It’s pure escapism!
Sony Pictures has generously given PS News 18 ‘Admit Four Family’ passes to give away to our readers for each of our publication’s nine state/territory/Australian Public Service editions. As usual, winning is easy. Just answer this simple question: Who brings Lyle, the singing crocodile, to vocal life? If the answer is correct, you could be one of 18 winners to get tickets to see Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile! The pass you receive should be presented at the box office of participating cinemas to receive the free ticket (for a family of four) to see this film. Conditions apply, see the ticket for more details. Entries should be sent to [email protected] by Monday, 5 December 2022. Names of the winners will be announced in Frank Cassidy’s PS-sssst…! column on 6 December 2022.
- Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile will be in cinemas nationally on 26 December 2022
