Movie review
October 7, 2022 · 106 min · PG
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
This 2022 family musical has zero political dialogue and no activist messaging. The story sticks to a kid overcoming anxiety with help from a singing crocodile, plus basic found-family bonding against a grumpy neighbor. Casting shows light diversity with Constance Wu as the Asian stepmom in a blended family, but it fits the modern NYC premise without mismatches or preaching. No identity politics, no institutional lectures, no queer elements, and no reframing of the original books into current social-justice themes.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.
Woke representation / casting
Light diversity via Asian stepmom in blended family; plausible for 2022 NYC but noted as DEI in one review—still not preachy or mismatched to premise.
Woke political dialogue
No political, activist, or social-justice dialogue reported.
Identity-driven story themes
General found-family and acceptance themes tied to literal crocodile; not centered on race, gender, or identity politics.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Minor “beta dad” insecurity moment that gets redeemed; no modern activist framing of patriarchy, capitalism, or Western institutions.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
No backlash claiming it pushes identity politics; opposite reaction of relief for avoiding lectures.
Creator track record context
Mainstream comedy background with no pattern of woke or activist work.
Production
