'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile' review: Warm and bright family flick lacks a bit of bite

Based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber, 'Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile' has plenty of bright moments, but lacks a cohesive, smooth finish. – Photos: Sony Pictures Malaysia

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is indeed a strange beast, both the animal — a city-dwelling croc with the voice of an angel — and the movie, which is also a sort of monstrous hybrid of unexpected tones.

Based on the children’s book series by Bernard Waber, adapted by Will Davies, Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile is directed by Josh Gordon and Will Speck, who are known for more adult comedies like Office Christmas Party, The Switch and Blades Of Glory, and they bring a bit of that ironic sensibility to the film, which is both a blessing and a curse.