Leo

'Leo' is a film with a message. It cleverly introduces us to very different characters to convey powerful messages about different members of our society. Being an animated film and aimed at a young demographic, 'Leo' can almost serve as an educational video to youngsters - and they will be thoroughly entertained at the same time. In the process, they will learn about insecurity, vanity, and various misconceptions kids might have about life.

Leo is a lizard, who has been living in captivity for 74 years. Erm, correction, he's been the class pet since 1949 and lives in a glass cabinet in a classroom, with his best friend Squirtle the turtle. With their beloved teacher going on maternity leave, the class now faces a strict, elderly substitute teacher, Mrs Malkin. In order to teach them responsibility, she suggests a pupil takes home one of the class pets for a weekend to care for them.

And so the kids in turn take home Leo, who turns out to be a talking lizard. To each kid, Leo tells them they are the only one able to hear him, and in the process he has a profound impact on their lives as he gives them advise on their personal dilemmas. My favourite character was Eli, a kid with over-protective parents who has a drone to look after him. The drone itself was a delightful and funny character.

With many scenes being very cartoonish and a bit silly, this film is definitely more for kids. Having said that, it is still a film adults will enjoy, too, and there are indeed many very funny moments. Towards the end it also becomes an action-packed adventure.

The only thing I didn't like about the movie, was all the constant singing. Ever since the huge success of 'Frozen', so many animated movies since features musical segments. It's like found footage movies that overstayed its welcome. I get it, young kids like so sing or hum to a catchy melody when they watch cartoons, but I found it a little annoying. Oh, go on, call me a grump if you must...

In general, 'Leo' is an enjoyable film, and yes, I definitely enjoyed it.

Randomly saw this movie on Netflix and gave it a shot. Even as a children-family oriented movie, I liked it.

Adam Sandler has been on a streak of featuring in movies were mostly okay or so so. Leo turned out to be better than expected with satisfying parameters.

While most of the interactions were with children, the offered wisdom and guidance to help them was insightful. This movie is a good reminder everyone is going through their own struggles in life. People are not alone in their daily problems, everyone needs some help sooner than never.

It was interesting to see some adult like references which were played out very well. This is a good movie, a nice watch on a relaxing day.

This movie is great for the whole family. It is relatable to kids and adults. The music may not be like some Disney movies, but each song is original, entertaining, and not overly drawn out or overdone. The movie tries to incorporate current topics, trends and technology. It incorporates multicultural, ethnic and generational aspects. It also brings to light many issues that may be sensitive to kids of all ages. This includes issues like bullying, class clowns, popularity, ADHD, where do babies come from, etc. The kid actors do a nice job, including the singing. The movie is a little long compared to many animated movies, but it's okay since the movie keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Just like his children's movies such as 'Bedtime Stories' or any from the 'Hotel Transylvania' franchise, Adam Sandler always brings a very endearing quality. His newest animated feature, 'Leo,' portrays a class pet who shares his wisdom of the last 75 years, living through the decades in his final years. Leo brings a dignified heart to the movie. As he opens up, he can talk to students in the classroom who take him home as an assignment, helping them work through their personal problems and struggles of growing up. It's this kind of endearment that Adam Sandler brings to his children's movies that I am such a sucker for. Of course, I love his raunchy comedies and more adult flex, but every time I see Adam Sandler pursue children-related content, he always leaves a deep, profound message for children to identify with and learn from. Also, this movie is quite musical, which I found surprising at times!

Long story short, this is the perfect movie for any child to help them understand life's hardships growing up. It can seriously help children develop their own confidence in facing the struggles they may encounter in this day and age. As I stated before, I wish Adam Sandler would commit to making more children's movies because he really drives meaningful messages that many other children's movies don't often tackle enough. I give Adam Sandler credit for this movie. While it's aimed at a much younger audience, there are things even adults can learn from this movie's perspective if watched with a childlike sense of heart. Definitely go check this movie out with your kids! It'll be a fun watch with a lot of important life lessons about self-esteem and being comfortable with who you are!

Overall, I felt that the first half of Leo was much better than the second half, which suffered from poor pacing and loses steam. The musical numbers come out of nowhere and are deeply forgettable but the fun, silly humor (minus a few dirty jokes that went over kids' heads and felt shoehorned in) with which Leo interacts with the students is delightful. Even if you hate Sandler's comedic stylings (I don't), you will likely find yourself somewhat charmed by this septuagenarian lizard imparting wisdom to 5th graders. The substitute teacher's character arc is convulated and non-sensical, contributing to a final act that feel rushed at times, too slow at others, and wholly unsatisfying. But, to be clear, it is a fine move for what it seta out to be: a cute family film that delivers thoughtful lessons packaged in Sandler's classic style of humor. 6.8/10.