Arlo the Alligator Boy is a super cute kids movie that is the perfect lead in to the new show coming to Netflix.
Arlo the Alligator Boy is filled with catchy music, off the wall characters, and a decent, but predictable, plot. It is sure to teach children valuable lessons and is the perfect lead in to the new series that is coming to Netflix soon. There are a lot of recognizable voices attached to the film, and kids are sure to be giggling as they watch it. Adults might not love it, but they are likely to still enjoy watching along with their kids.
This movie follows Arlo the Alligator Boy as he goes on a journey to find his father, and learn about where he came from. When he was just a baby he was left floating in the swamp and found by a hilarious old woman, who lives all by herself — for fear of being caught and arrested, apparently. Along the way he meets a ragtag group of misfits, the he fits in with perfectly. They all team up together to head to New York City and see if they can find Arlo’s father, going by only a last name.
What Works With Arlo the Alligator Boy
Arlo the Alligator Boy is filled with music, which is one of the best things about it. The songs are unique and easy to dance to, and they are catchy enough to get stuck in your head. This movie feels very much like a musical at times, but also has enough speaking parts and plot to take the audience out of the music, and into the story, which is a really good thing. While the songs help propel the plot points forward, the rest of the movie doesn’t get lost in between them.
All of the characters in this movie are completely unique. They are such a fun group of friends that are easy to relate to. You have a ball of hair, a giant woman, a cat, a fish man, and a tiny man — and of course, an alligator boy. What more could you ask for? The best part about them is that they all have a heart, and they are all easy to relate to. Each and every one of them is dealing with something personally, and they all are just looking for others to be there for them.
The Netflix film is a set up for a new series that is coming, and it does a great job letting the audience get to know the characters, and their stories, so that they will be eagerly awaiting what comes next for Arlo and his friends. It is a great lead in to a series, leaving enough to be desired, but enough of the story resolved that it could be a stand alone.
What Doesn’t Work With Arlo the Alligator Boy
This movie clocks in at just 80 minutes and while that doesn’t seem long, parts of it do drag on, making it feel a bit longer. If it wasn’t for the music breaking it up a bit, the pacing would suffered more than it did. As a parent, I found myself bored a few times, however, my kids were glued to the screen from start to finish, soaking up everything about Arlo and his journey.
The reveals are definitely predictable, and something that can be figured out early on if the viewer is paying any kind of attention. However, it is still a fun ride, especially because of the fantastic music and unique characters.
Overall Thoughts
Arlo the Alligator Boy is a musical adventurous journey that is a blast to go on. It perfectly sets up the series, allowing the audience to get to know, and become invested in, these characters. There are important lessons about friendship, trust, and acceptance, sprinkled throughout the film, which makes it a must watch for kids.
The songs are catchy and fun, but they don’t take away from the actual story, which is sometimes hard to do. Arlo and his friends are likely to be a hit in any household with kids and while the parents might zone out here and there, they will love to see their kids so excited to go on this adventure.
When taken for what it is — a kids musical movie featuring lots of wacky and quirky characters — it is a good time. Likely one the parents will want to skip, though.
About Arlo the Alligator Boy
Upon learning that he is from New York City, Arlo, a wide-eyed boy who is half human and half alligator, decides to leave his sheltered life in the swamp and search for his long lost father. The animated musical movie, Arlo the Alligator Boy, will launch Arlo’s journey as he meets a group of misfits who quickly become his new family.
Once Arlo’s adventure lands him in New York City, the series, I ❤️️ Arlo, will kick off as he and his newfound crew set up shop in an abandoned seaside neighborhood and help bring it back to life. Featuring original music including the Follow Me Home!
Arlo the Alligator Boy is coming to Netflix April 16th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.