User reviews

Due to life lessons, this film was made for kids and adults! This is a beautiful, heartening, and emotional (shed a few tears) animated film. This was a surprise. I did not know what to expect, but it was a gem! It kept me smiling throughout the whole film!! The kids in the movie and those watching at home learn important lessons about empathy and self-forgiveness from wise lizard Leo (Sandler) and his ability to lend a supportive ear. It was one of the best family films I've seen in a long time! The film can be summed up in one of its final lines: "Find your Leo (a representation of meaningful listening, mixed with prudent advice) to listen to you." The "Leos" we should look for can connect and offer sound advice precisely because they are lovingly listening rather than dictating. I love a film with a positive message, which is why I resonated with the story! Bravo to Adam Sandler, who is a fantastic voice actor! The humor and songs were catchy and funny! The last movie I loved from Sandler was 50 First Dates, and afterward, I couldn't connect with his films until Leo! It's been a while since I praised Sandler, but this movie deserves that adoration!

There's not really anything bad I could say about this film. It's a new Sandler movie for Netflix and this time going into animated territory is a fresh idea that has paid off. Sandler voices Leo. A classroom pet lizard that's watced many kids come and go throughout the years and longs to get out of there. So when a substitute takes over and makes taking home the pet mandatory he makes it his mission to help the kids his watched. Also there is squirtal. A turtle voiced by Bill Barr that also adds some good comic relief. I thought the animation was great and designed well and the hillerious way the pre schoolers with the big eyed was done to. It was fun throughout and a great animated film, maybe even one of the netflixes best movies perhaps ever.

Giving this an 8/10 rating

Saw preview in the cinema for this absurd and wonderful animation. It really must get a proper cinema release.

Adam Sandler is Leo, an aged reptile stuck in rut with his turtle friend - Squirtle, voiced by a very laid back Bill Burr. Both are stuck in glass tank at the school watching life go by in the classroom, when a big change happens that leads the both of them, on a complete turn events.

Each human kid and adult are profiled and transformed in quite hilarious ways, and the songs are not to be taken seriously as you will be laughing along with the visual gags that go with the flow.

It looks all brilliant and the character designs work and not look dopey, which seems to be a trend these days, bad character design. Great musical numbers that are well staged are used just right. Adam Sandler is noted down as writer and producer, it's his company, after all. More like this please, Adam.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

Great movie. Fun and entertaining for the whole family. Adults and kids both laughing. Wholesome! Best kids and family movie I have seen in years. Disney please take notes. I call movies like these Disney Destroyers. It delivered wholesome positive messages, that were not forced, but delivered comically. This movie was entertaining, funny, yet emotional and projected positivity towards kids. I loved that kids in movie were taught to reflect inward, face their issues and change. I love that political controversial topics were avoided, I love that political messages are not being force fed to me and my family.

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!

This movie was a fun watch: great animation quality, good writing, funny, sweet. I had no idea Adam Sandler's company can do animations, so this was a nice surprise. Great job.

Adam's voice is a great fit for the wise advice-giving lizard. Generally the voice acting is great.

The plot is great and full of funny moments and twists. I never felt bored, so I think that's a testament to great writing. The movie doesn't take itself too seriously but still manages to deliver a heartwarming fun experience.

It's definitely worth a watch and I hope Happy Madison do more titles like this one, great start.

Anytime you have Adam Sandler involved in a movie...It's "Worth The Watch". This is a movie I imagine, I would've loved as a kid. It's a very simplistic story line with simple, dry-humor that'll make almost any kid laugh. This is film you'll be wanting to get the family together for on movie night. As usual, Sandler came with many friends and family members from last movies such as ( Bill Burr, Sadie Sandler(Daughter), Sunny Sandler(Daughter), Jackie Sandler(Wife), Jo Koy and Jason Alexander ). All in all, the animations were clean, the script was simple but well out together. This is a movie I will definitely re watch with a niece or nephew over time. Thank you for another classic Adam Sandler!

This looked like a cute idea for a movie and the previews looked fun. But the songs!! They're so stupid and unnecessary. Every time someone would start singing, I'd have to fight a strong urge to turn the channel. It's like they were made up and put in as they were recording the voices for the film.

Also, what's with the rabid 1st graders? They don't even resemble humans. Adam Sandler's voice isn't as annoying as I thought it would be, but theres just so much crammed into this film, you're worn out by the end.

There are definitely funny parts throughout the movie. If there weren't, it wouldn't be watchable.

This movie has some great moments and is a great watch for young and old alike.

Story Summary: And biology class type lizard and turtle are well on age and when Leo the Lizard finds out he has little time to live he wants to give back to the kids.

Analysis: The makers really tried to do something different here. And it comes through. The movie is lovely and even has quite of bit of action in there to keep viewers engaged.

Dialogue & Music: It can get a bit talkshowish at times, but being as wholesome the sweetness does fit the movie.

Voice acting: No stand outs, everyone is doing a great job.

Visuals: Absolute excellence the vibrant colors and characters as well as the scenes are fantastic.

It was cute,nothing interesting when it comes to the music though. But the plot was nice,I enjoyed the story. Definitely a good family movie. I like that they casted Adam Sandler as the lizard.

He's one of my favorite actors. Has a pretty good message about confiding in someone with your feelings. Also how crying is good for your emotional well being.

I really enjoyed that part. I really enjoyed the message of the movie as well as helping your friends out when they need help. Again,nothing outstanding for the music really,I don't think I'll remember any of the songs by heart.

But other than that I liked it.

Last month this year, one of the biggest animated surprises came out in the form of an animated musical comedy on Netflix called Leo. Brought to us by Adam Sandler and friends, this marks the second feature length animated movie produced by Happy Madison Productions following the infamous Chanukkah related Eight Crazy Nights from 2002. Unlike that film however, this feature has garnered largely favorable reviews from critics and audiences and has also been regarded as proof that Sandler has grown better in recent years. So what makes this out of nowhere gem so charming in the first place?

Set in Fort Myers, Florida, the film tells the story of a tuatara named Leo who longs for an exciting life beyond his elementary school upbringing. Upon becoming worried about possibly dying soon, his life takes a turn for the better when different students get to look after him. It should go without saying that the story is about impacting the lives of others, especially given the context of Leo realizing he has not done much in his old age. Considering that the children Leo guides are fifth graders who are worried about growing up, there is a surprising amount of endearment layered throughout this feature. While the plot does follow the typical liar revealed formula you'd expect from your average family film, the message of keeping someone close that you can trust ultimately makes the film as heartwarming as it is funny. And as far as the humor goes, the film is sprinkled with numerous gags that are aided by Leo's bonds with the kids, the animation, modern social culture and humorous voice acting. Sometimes, all you need to make an ordinary plot stand out is some engaging heart.

Now given Adam Sandler voices Leo himself, he actually does a good job portraying the character's cynicism while still emphasizing his heart of gold. As the character's heart speaks louder than his words, the film succeeds in making him grow as a genuinely caring aid to the kids' insecurities. In addition, Bill Burr portrays Leo's pal Squirtle with wisecracking pessimism, and the duo's chemistry could be the highlight of the film's verbal humor. In regards to the students, they represent tropes you would expect in any classroom setting, including the popular girl, the talkative nerd, the obnoxious bully, the class clown, etc. In balancing out all of the different kids through Leo's guiding wisdom, the students all become appealing through acknowledging their flaws and growing as a result. As for the disciplinary substitute teacher Ms. Malkin, her role as the adult with real issues is both intimidating and problematic, especially when she acts like an antagonist because the film feels like it needs one. In embracing familiar archetypes, the characters all prove they have the chance to change for the better.

Going into the filmmaking, the animation team at Animal Logic put in a lot of fun visuals and art direction into Leo. Although the character and background designs don't stick out much conceptually due to the cast being comprised of ordinary people and talking animals, not to mention how the film's school setting can get routine pretty fast, the execution of the animation succeeds in delivering some fun slapstick, facial expressions and over the top visual gags. In addition to the animators putting a lot of personality in Leo and Squirtle in spite of their animalistic proportions, the humans work in a pseudo realistic yet cartoony flair to help all species blend well within the film's universe. Kudos must be given to some additional moments of 2D animation to illustrate some fantasy moments and spice up some musical numbers. Maybe the film's rendering doesn't look as polished as the actual animation, but the lighting and layouts keep it from sticking out like a sore thumb. Maybe people will remember the humor and characters more than the animation, but it did its job well enough.

Finally, it's time to praise the songs written by the film's co-writer and co-director, Robert Smigel. As Smigel's background in SNL and puppetry influenced the soundtrack, the musical numbers are executed in a self aware mode where they pop up without the need of a real song & dance showstopper. In a way, it's debatable if Smigel and the team behind Leo wanted to fully commit to putting on a musical and only felt like doing so to add into the comedy. That being said, the lyrics and visual gags are quite humorous on their own, especially when establishing the school setting and how the kids feel about facing the inevitability of growing up. Perhaps the best numbers come up when Leo shares his wisdom to the kids thanks to his charming anecdotes and witty singing. Along with Geogg Zanelli's complimentary upbeat score, the musical numbers in Leo might be the closest an animated family film has come to feeling like a children's show as opposed to an elaborate stage show. Maybe the film wouldn't have been quite as special without these extra contributions after all.

With an undeniably heartfelt message, charming characters, witty humor and committed talent involved, Leo is one of the biggest surprises in Netflix's recent animation output and Adam Sandler's career yet. Unless you're plain sick of Happy Madison and modern animated family fare, this film is worth checking out at least once for the humor and heart alone. It really is saying something when a film about a lizard who gives good advice to children has shown to be one of the better received animated films this year compared to the competition. There is as much to feel enlightened as there is to laugh at.

This film really caught me off guard. The script feels razor sharp and seriously funny. It works on levels that younger kids will enjoy, but adults also can really enjoy. I honestly laughed harder in parts of this movie than in many other comedy movies. The juxtaposition of what we usually get in these animal movies for kids, with a much more sharp and surprisingly funny script. I'm in my 40's and watched with my 12 year old who also really found it funny. It's up there with one of my favourite animated family movies. Don't sleep on this one, I worry it might get overlooked as something way less interesting than it actually is.

Adam Sandler has, in particular, made two very smart decisions in his career. One was starring in Punch-Drunk Love and proving that he is secretly one of the finest actors of our time. The other was starring in Hotel Transylvania. By branching out into animation geared towards families, Sandler found a proper vehicle for his silliest abilities and doing so without alienating people with the kind of overly juvenile humor that plagued his comedy movies in the 2000's. He's back voicing an elderly and wise lizard in Leo. Folks, I mean this without a hint of irony when I say that Leo is very nearly the funniest movie of the year. I expected to like this movie, but I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did. Credit belongs to veteran SNL writer, Robert Smigel. Leo is filled to the brim with a Shrek 2-caliber of amazing sight gags. Plus, it has the funniest interpretation of kindergarteners that I've ever seen. As for Adam Sandler, he brings a level of warmth and goofiness to his character that felt like a loving tribute, both in style and tone, to the late, great, Gilbert Gottfried. No, this isn't a lame showcase of a new Sandler voice that will drive you mental by the 10-minute mark. Leo is a lovable protagonist. The cringey and forced musical numbers hold this thing back from being a pretty solid animated movie all around.

I love the movie Leo -it is funny and relatable. Leo is a coming-of-age story, seen through the eyes of a school's class pet, as much as it is a coming-to-terms with aging story.

The story features Leonardo (Adam Sandler) and Squirtle (Bill Burr) who are quick witted, full of jokes and the best classroom pets ever. Leonardo, Leo for short, overhears a parent saying that lizards live up to 75; at age 74, Leo decides it is time to escape and live his life to the fullest. In comes strict "old school" substitute teacher Ms. Malkin (Cecily Strong) who wants to teach the 5th graders responsibility by taking turns to care for the classroom pets over the weekend. Each reluctant 5th grader who takes Leo home discovers his secret, along with wisdom about who they are and how they can better fit in the world. Every student returns Leo to the classroom and Squirtle is his biggest fan, boosting Leo's spirits and outlook on his caged life. When his secret is revealed, jealousy and distrust seeps in and Ms. Malkin, who feels the most threatened, takes Leo away.

Each 5th grader experiences positive change after their time with Leo and, in return, Leo experiences living like he never has before. The animation is colorful and realistic, from the background scenery to the small details like how a caterpillar is depicted. Each of the actors who play the 5th graders fits their character from their personality to their hair and body type. I especially liked Summer (Sunny Sandler) with her fast-talking, super sweet kindness, as well as the overly "great" and popular Jayda (Sadie Sandler). The little balls of energy that represent the kindergarteners are on point. And from the overprotected, super-safe, drone-watched home of Eli (Roey Smigel) to the over-the -top, mega-great mansion of Jayda's family, it is easy to get a sense of each character from their surroundings. The musical element of Leo propels the characters into songs that tell of their struggles, hopes and dreams while moving the story along in a beautiful way. I like the opening song that expresses how the last year of elementary school is about being on top and the melancholy song toward the end of the film each 5th grader sings about when they were younger.

While facing his mortality, Leo learns the important lesson that he has a lot of life experience to share. He is transformed from a grumpy old lizard with nothing to show for his 74 years to beloved friend and confidant who discovers he has many more years ahead of him. Another theme of Leo is in the significance of not underestimating yourself and the film delivers the message to live an authentic life by sharing your talents and being true.

I give Leo 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12, plus adults. Leo releases on Netflix November 21, 2023. By Madeleine H., KIDS FIRST!

"Leo" is a lizard who has lived with his tortoise pal "Squirtle" in a school classroom watching the kids come and go over the years. They've actually become quite adept at on-the-spot evaluations of them - the spoiled ones, rich ones, lonely ones etc., and are a bit tired and cynical. A chance conversation gives "Leo" a bit of an headache - he may be about to die of old age! He is determined not to end his days in this glass cage, and when a disciplinarian supply teacher ("Ms. Malkin") decides that each child has to take a pet home for the weekend, he sees an opportunity to abscond! Needless to say, his escape attempts are the stuff of slapstick, but instead he begins to bond with each child. He can talk! They can talk! He only talks to them, though - they are special...! "Leo" is their secret friend who actually turns out to be quite the social worker/therapist/motivator soon becoming a firm favourite - even if he is no nearer freedom. Can he get to the Everglades before he hits the terminal 75? This actually reminded me a little of "Ron's Gone Wrong" (2021) in that it uses animation - and quite a sarcastically observant script - to again draw our attention to just how children are increasingly "un-parented". Left to their own devices - quite literally - and dependent on constant peer validation (or domination). The characterisations of the human beings here are a bit extreme, but it does serve to illustrate quite well how a broad gamut of parenting skills results in a broad gamut of increasingly flawed and vulnerable small people. The ending involves quite a fun bus chase and some menacing crocodiles - but are they are terrifying as a fed up "Ms. Malkin"? It's worth a watch to see...

Ok so we got tricked .. In case you dident know its a musical!!!!!! We was bery very confused haha.. but it all turned out well. Somthing that was really nice. It was real to a degree about the kids. It also did not add any PC STUFF not needed unless it waa somthimlng small we missed. If you have seen the show Recess you will love how they show the littles. Everyone learns a lesson in the movie. It was not a sloe movoe and we was sad It was over. There are a few like always adult jokes but thats Adam for ya! It was still very family friendly . As a adult, i cried, laughed and cheered. I will ne rewatching this one for sure.

'Leo' (voiced by Adam Sandler) is a lizard living in an terrarium habitat in a grade school class room with his friend Squirtle (voiced by Bill Burr). After substitute teacher Ms. Malkin (voiced by Cecily Strong) tells the students they are to take one of the class pets home for the night, Leo accidently lets it slip that they can communicate with humans. What ensues thereafter is some much needed therapy, jealousy, and shenanigans - all from the whimsical mind of the Happy Madison production company.

Decent flow and fairly amusing plot. The script is straight forward and doesn't leave a lot to interpretation. There are some adult humor jokes in the film, but they are tame in comparison to other Sandler films, like 'Eight Crazy Nights' (2002).

Worth a watch!

'Leo (2023)' opens with a song and you think "I bet this is one of those movies where there's one song at the start and that's it" and then another song happens and it's really jarring and the realisation that it's an actual musical starts to set in... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and you're always expecting the songs to get cut off in some sort of meta, self-aware subversion but they just don't... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and you wonder how each song can still be surprising when it's been well established this is a musical musical... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and you wish everyone would just stop singing because they're barely carrying a tune... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and the whole thing just feels half-baked and bizarre... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and you'd have thought you'd have learnt by now but your butt still clenches up each time they start to sing... and then another song happens and it's really jarring and then it finally ends.

It's just a really weird, undercooked experience that's a little more than nothing but a little less than something. It has a few moments of enjoyable animation and it gets better as it moves into its final third (although they may just be because it's beaten you into submission by that point), but it's totally uninspired and generic and lifeless and actually really strange. Although it has some genuinely important messaging, it's not good. It's not good at all.

Leo (Adam Sandler) is a lizard. Along with Squirtle (Bill Burr) the turtle, they are the class pets in a Florida Elementary School. A new group of students is starting another year. For Leo and Squirtle, it is another year, new kids, and they get new names. Animals can speak, but they never reveal that fact to the humans. Leo comes to realize that he's at least 74 years old. His dream of escaping into the Florida glades is fading away. When a grumpy old substitute teacher takes over, she reinstates the old practice of a student taking the class pet home for the weekend. Leo accidentally reveals to a student that he can talk. He starts doing that for each different student and giving them good advice.

This is animated. It's good, not great. I like the concept. I would zero in on the animals as the leads right from the start. I feel like there should be an explanation on why no animals had ever talked to a human. It's a given in the movie, but it needs something. It may even be a funny historical montage. I like Sandler in this. He's a lizard and not being Sandler. I like the kids. I find most of this very enjoyable.

Leo didn't need to be a musical and the songs are definitely the weakest part however, the humour and heart of it all means it remains a really good animated movie. Focusing on mortality and how life at any age can be stressful means it has a strong core, plus having 2 great comedians leading it means the gag rate is really solid.

Adam Sandler is great as Leo, the high pitched voice he imbues the character with could've easily become annoying yet remains endearing instead. Bill Burr isn't really acting here, this is his usual shtick with no major changes and that works perfectly, bringing a level of grumpiness that is 100% him and very funny.

Robert Smigel, Robert Marianetti and David Watchenheim craft a film with a colourful if basic animation style, thankfully still interspersed with some fantastical flourishes. The other standout aspect is the character designs themselves with Leo looking so adorable and feral preschoolers being a real highlight.