When the Primm family moves to New York City, their young son Josh struggles to adapt to his new school and new friends. All of that changes when he discovers Lyle — a singing crocodile who loves baths, caviar and great music — living in the attic of his new home. But when Lyle’s existence is threatened by evil neighbor Mr. Grumps, the Primms must band together to show the world that family can come from the most unexpected places.
Shawn Mendes
Lyle (voice)
Winslow Fegley
Josh Primm
Javier Bardem
Hector P. Valenti
Constance Wu
Katie Primm
Scoot McNairy
Joseph Primm
Brett Gelman
Alistair Grumps
Ego Nwodim
Carol
Lyric Hurd
Trudy
Jason Kravits
Cy
Ben Palacios
Lyle's Motion Capture
Joshua Vasquez
8th Grade Boy
Marc Farley
Animal Store Owner
Sal Viscuso
Judge
Adam Murray
Lowlife
Mary Neely
Security Technician Mary
Don DiPetta
Paramedic
Lindsey Moser
Wrestling Coach
Matthew Risch
Walkie Talkie Police Officer
Clayton English
Young Security Guard
Mac Wells
Show Security Guard
Jef Holbrook
Audition Stage Manager
Matthew Wilkas
Night Construction Worker
Lauren Boyd
Live Show Stage Manager
Reif Howey
Sweep Dancer
Evangeline Miller
Sweep Dancer
Jene Moore
Sweep Dancer
Chance Mizell
Sweep Dancer
Christine Moon
Zookeeper
Angela Davis
HOA Member
Kathy Orlando
HOA Member
Caden Brillantes
Wrestling Student
Kyson Galligan
Wrestling Student
Alton Williams
Wrestling Student
Thomas Williams
Wrestling Student
Irving Thigpen
Wrestling Student
Matt Rogers
Show Host
Eric Rutherford
Esteemed Judge
Eboni Nichols
Show Judge
Taylor James
Judge
Donnie Cormier
Security Guard #3
Rick Pearson
Live Show Producer
Al Thompson
Animal Control Officer
Keiko Bell
Court Spectator (uncredited)
Director
Josh Gordon
Director
Will Speck
Book
Bernard Waber
Lyricist
Justin Paul
Lyricist
Benj Pasek
Screenplay
William Davies
October 20, 2022
6
Javier Bardem steals the show here - he is clearly having some fun in this otherwise rather derivative adventure caper. He is "Hector", a failing magician who can no longer get any work. On a visit to a pet shop one day, he encounters the eponymous character whom he discovers can hold a tune. Ah, thinks he - a fortune to be made. He puts just about everything he has on the line but poor old "Lyle" has stage fright... won't sing! Ruin befalls our entertainer so he leaves his home in the hands of the "Primm" family. Not long after they move in, the son "Josh" (a creditable effort from Winslow Fegley) hears noises in the attic and off we go on the more standard series of escapades peppered with some tunes and hysterical antics from his slightly surprised parents, an intervention from the city authorities and a gently pleasing conclusion that does elicit just the merest hint of a tear. Shawn Mendez ("Lyle") has one of those voices that I find instantly forgettable, and the pens of "Dear Evan Hansen" creators Benj Pasek and Justin Paul really don't bombard us with much to get the toes tapping aside from, perhaps, "Top of the World". The storyline reminded me a lot of "Clifford the Big Red Dog" (2021) - child and curious pet deal with fun adventures and mishaps - and as a gently entertaining piece of drama this does fine. It's just not a film that I think I will remember watching.