Where I Watched It: Netflix

English Audio Description?: Yes

Written By: Liz Gutman

Narrated By: Jamie Lemcheck

Cast: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider, Allison Strong, Jo Koy, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Ethan Smigel, Roey Smigel, Jackie Sandler, Heidi Gardner, Robert Smigel, Nick Swardson, Stephanie Szu, and Chris Kattan.

Written By: Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler, and Paul Sado.

Directed By: Robert Marinetti, David Wachtenhem, and Robert Smigel

Tread lightly when expecting something from a Happy Madison production. Admittedly, the reason I still watch Adam sandler’s output is that I hope that every once in a while he gets it right. I’m looking for those early classics that peppered his resume, from billy Madison and Happy Gilmore to The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. I even like big Daddy. Of his Netflix output, it seems like he’s been given the green light to coast, and he’s been just largely coasting (save for his drama Hustle). but, when I saw he was doing an animated production, I was optimistic, because the last time he did this, it was Eight Crazy Nights, which I still enjoy today. Could Leo find that same magic?

Well, he had me at hello. I’m all about acknowledging bias.When I realized that Sandler, for whatever reason, has leo set in a Fort Myers Elementary School, it was an unfair nostalgic arrow to my heart. I don’t live there now, but my K-5 was spent living in Fort Myers doing essentially what these kids are doing. And, we even had class pets. Not every year, but I do remember a Guinea Pig in 2nd grade, and a snake no one took home in 4th. So before this had really even started, my brain was pulling in all of these memories. Not to mention that the dream of leo is to one day have an adventure in the Everglades, and the film has a plot point that involves going to a Disney World like place. If you feel my grade is too high, I’m admitting it’s skewed, because it triggered so many positive feelings that people do encounter from time to time when a story hits close to home. I just did not think it would be Leo.

But the story of two class pets, Leo (Sandler) the lizard and Squirtle (Bill Burr) the turtle captured my heart. Leo has heard that Lizards only live to be 75, and when he calculates that he is now 74, he realizes he’s about to die, and he wants one last shot at adventure. However, that adventure is found in the eventual form of going from students home to students home, and sharing in these unique experiences. but also, he takes the opportunity to prove that not only has he been listening nad paying attention for the whole time he’s been in that room over the years, but he can recognize and empathize with these young kids and their various problems. He starts revealing to the students that he can speak, and soon he starts improving their lives. And they need it too, because their favorite teacher has just been replaced by a substitute while she’s on maternity leave.

There really isn’t an antagonist in this film, though several characters play temporary antagonists until Leo gets to them. It’s a really genuine film, with its heart in the right place. buried deep within the humor of Eight Crazy Nights, you can say the same thing. With Leo, it’s more obvious. And there are songs! just like with Eight Crazy Nights! Not that one specific song feels like an Oscar nominee, but they all felt like they complimented each other. I think a lot of the credit has to do with Robert Smigel hopping on board as a Writer/Director. The man who brought animation to Saturday Night live has been relatively quiet, but jumps back into the game, and I think he helps pull Sandler back onto track.

The audio description does a good job of describing the various locations, the differences in kids, and the interesting presence of the new substitute. Also, the changes she makes. She seems to hate the direction education has been headed, and puts a stop to the way these children have been learning, for a much stricter regime. But, with the help of Leo, it is when both sides meet in the middle that learning can actually happen.

I want more of this. i want Sandler and Smigel to find more stories they can bring heart too. It’s been so long between Eight Crazy Nights and Leo that I don’t believe another one is in the cards. It’s a shame, because I’d much rather have ten more like this than one more Murder Mystery. this year has treated us with some truly special animation, in some surprising places, and while I admit my grade is slightly skewed, I do believe this movie is worth checking out, no matter where you grew up. It just put such a big smile on my face, and I think it might do the same for you.

Final Grade: A