During my 10 years in Brooklyn, I witnessed numerous peculiar occurrences. The iconic pizza rat was on board, as were the usual “showtime” subway performers and (probably) humans dressed in costumes, all of whom stared at you and sat motionless while the train chugged from stop to stop. Therefore, the story of Lyle, Lyle, and Crocodile is quite believable. Shawn Mendes, who was nominated for a Grammy for his vocal work in the film, provides the song and animation for the film’s main character, a chameleon named Hector P. Valenti, who is discovered by the man who would eventually become his owner (Javier Bardem). Hector is working a normal day at the pet shop when he hears some lovely music coming from the back area.
With a grin on his face, Hector approaches the cage and he and Lyle exchange the most wholesome handshake you’ll ever see as they strike up the beginnings of their friendship and Hector learns that he is hearing a cute, tiny crocodile singing the catchy hook to Pete Rodriguez’s “I Like It Like That.” Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, based on the children’s book by Bernard Waber of the same name, will depict the narrative of the Primm family and their son Josh’s (Winslow Fegley) adjustment to life in New York.
When he finds Lyle living in his attic, the two hit it off and wind up getting into the sort of mischief that endears them to everyone in the neighbourhood except for Mr Grumps (Brett Gelman). Constance Wu and Scoot McNairy both feature Josh’s mother and father. While the preview for the next production shows that Bardem is a standout, it was unclear whether the Oscar winner would commit to the role since he was concerned that the comedy would detract from his serious chops.
Director Will Speck was able to persuade the star of No Country for Old Men to play the eccentric role after reassuring him during a conversation with Rebecca Landman, who paid a visit to the set of the film. When Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile roars into theatres on October 7, you can expect to tap your toes and perhaps have a song or two stuck in your brain.