Leo
Directed by David Wachtenheim, Robert Marianetti
- animation
- comedy
- family
The story
Jaded 74-year-old reptile Leo has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium-mate turtle. When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside but instead gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students — including an impossibly mean substitute teacher.
What it’s like
Bright, saturated 3D animation with the clean, slightly plasticky sheen of a Netflix family feature: primary colours on classroom walls, fluorescent-lit hallways, and the warm glow of a Florida afternoon through school windows. The camera stays fairly conventional and tidy, with rhythmic cuts and bouncy character staging rather than long contemplative takes. Sound leans on upbeat musical numbers and jokey score cues, with easy laughs and a few sung moments that break up the chatter. The vibe is gentle and sunny with a wry, grumbling undertone, easy company for a lazy weekend afternoon, a family movie night, or something light while folding laundry. Pacing is brisk and episodic, the tone cheerful with a dash of sarcasm. The central arc is a crusty, world-weary older lizard slowly softening toward the kids he has been ignoring. Intensity is low: slapstick mishaps and playground-scale meanness from the substitute, with no real violence, gore, or sexual content, though the grumpy adult humour will feel broad to some. For families and anyone who wants a warm, unhurried comedy about second chances and found family.
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