Leo movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Leo

This absolutely adorable animation is now playing in select theaters and on Netflix.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 1 hour 42 minutes

MOVIE REVIEW MOM GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Adam Sandler and his family do it again! After their fantastic movie, You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah on Netflix,

they have created a funny and endearing animated musical that is family-friendly and inspiring. I loved it and, actually, watched this movie alone! I wish I could have had some kids with me to see and hear their reactions to all of the humor. I think my four sons would have absolutely loved this when they were young.

It’s about a 74-year-old lizard named Leonardo (Leo) who decides to escape from the terrarium where he has lived as a class pet at an elementary school in Florida. He thinks he only has one year left to live, so he wants to live out his dreams while he can.

The film was directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, and David Wachenheim. The playful script was written by Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel, and Paul Sado.

THINGS I LIKED:

Adam Sandler is known for his raunchy comedies, but every now and then, he comes out with a family-friendly gem for everyone to enjoy. This is the first time he has been involved in an animated film since his popular Hotel Transylvania franchise. In fact, because he was working on this movie, he wasn’t able to voice Drac the Vampire in the last of the four Hotel Transylvania films.
The terrific voices were created by Adam Sandler and his family, as well as Bill Burr, Jason Alexander, Cecily Strong, Rob Schneider, Heidi Gardner, Nicholas Turturro, Nick Swardson, and more. I love that Adam Sandler always includes his friends and SNL cast members.
The musical numbers often sound like quirky Broadway bits, but a few of them are really lovely. The lyrics are always amusing and insightful. They’re all surprisingly short.
The color palette is bright and friendly, appealing perfectly to kids. The animation, itself, is creative, detailed, and super cute.
The biting honesty is refreshing, insightful, and hilarious.
With all of the anger and fighting in this world, it’s wonderful to have an uplifting movie like this to share with your kids. Don’t get me wrong…there are many lessons for adults here too.
With foul-mouthed comedians Adam Sandler and Bill Burr leading the pack, I was worried this movie would be filled with inappropriate humor, so I was pleasantly surprised by the family-friendly content. There are some jokes and gags aimed at adults but the edgier ones should fly over the heads of little ones.
During one joke, a character breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the audience. That always makes me laugh.
The film doesn’t take itself too seriously which is refreshing and delightful. I had a big smile on my face during the entire movie.
The portrayal of wild kindergarteners is hilarious and adorable.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Adam Sandler really only has one voice when trying to do characters and this is it…again.
It’s not quite a musical but it has some musical moments. Not all of them are memorable songs your kids will want to sing around the house.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Parents are going to absolutely love the many life lessons and wisdom in this film.
We see pee in several scenes. The requisite number of farting and talk of poop for a kid’s movie are met.
Leo the Lizard eats lots of bugs.
Dishonesty and its consequences are shown.

THEMES:

Education
Purpose in life
Friendship
Finding your place in the world
The power of listening
Kindness
Service to others and making them feel special

FUNNY LINES:

“I hope everyone’s met our class pets: Leonardo and Squirtle.” – Mrs. Salinas “I’m not touching those things.” – Jayda “Don’t they eat, sleep, and poo in the same place? – Logan “Hey! I poo where he sleeps.” – Squirtle
“You do not want demerits.” – Ms. Malkin “What’s a demerit?” – Skyler “I think he played for the Clippers.” – Cole
“You’re great, but no one’s that great. We’re all just people and lizards.” – Leo (Adam Sandler)

INTERESTING LINES:

* “That’s what great teachers do. With the little time they have, they try to make a difference.” – Leo (Adam Sandler)

“Life gets more difficult the older we get. It’s called growing up.” – Ms. Malkin (Cecily Strong)
“Guys, you don’t have to be afraid of change. Change is a beautiful part of life.” – Mrs. Salinas
“When people share stuff, they feel better.” – Leo (Adam Sandler)
“I didn’t know how to help. So, I just listened and that helped.” – Leo (Adam Sandler)
“This is a tough time, but these are the best years. Believe me, enjoy not knowing everything.” – Leo
“Remember, everyone’s scared. So, don’t keep it to yourself. Find your “Leo” to talk to. It could be your teacher, your mom, your friend, your turtle. They’re ready to listen. I promise they’ll make you feel better.” – Leo