Arlo the Alligator Boy Review

Rickety Biscuits! Arlo the Alligator Boy is headed to Netflix in a new film, premiering Friday, April 16th. This half alligator, half boy is endearing and has a wonderful singing voice (thanks to star, Michael J. Woodward) but what is this film really about? Is it truly OK for kids to watch? Read my no-spoilers, parent review and watch the trailer to decide if Arlo the Alligator Boy will be the feature presentation at your next family movie night.

Disclaimer: I was provided early access to Arlo the Alligator Boy for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A No-Spoilers, Parent Review of Netflix's Arlo the Alligator Boy

He's an alligator, he's a boy. He's Arlo the Alligator Boy.

I'll be honest, I had to actively stop myself from trying to think of the logistics of how Arlo the half alligator, half boy could exist - that's just not a road anyone should go down.

​Once you are able to look beyond the oddness of the physical makeup of the main character you'll see that Arlo the Alligator Boy is a film with a lot of heart, great messages and a phenomenal soundtrack. 


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Arlo the Alligator Boy | Synopsis

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.

Arlo the Alligator Boy | Cast

• Michael Woodard
• Mary Lambert
• Jennifer Coolidge
• Tony Hale
• Haley Tju
• Vincent Rodriguez III
• Jonathan Van Ness
• Annie Potts
• Michael "Flea" Balzary

Arlo the Alligator Boy | Review

Parent Review: The Plot

Arlo discovers that the world he's known his whole life is not his entire story.

Arlo sets out on a journey to meet his father in New York City and much like Buddy the Elf who embarks on his own journey to NYC, Arlo is kind-hearted and has the same kind of naivety to him. 

​Arlo finds a rag-tag team of misfits on his journey and they create wonderful friendships, that we, the audience will continue to see grow as Arlo gets his own series for Netflix (currently in production).


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Parent Review: The Language

Here's the good news, Arlo is a sweet and kind-hearted alligator boy so he does not curse. Instead he says "rickety biscuits" - so be on the look out for your child to say this after they see the film.

Other sayings heard in Arlo the Alligator Boy are, "What in Sam Hill?", "What the Heck?", and "Sure as Shoot".

Parent Review: The Peril

Because Arlo is an alligator boy he is highly sought after by some evil characters in the film who see him as their meal ticket.

To drive home the fact that Stucky and Ruff are the "bad guys" their teeth are green, their eyes a bit darker with deep-seated bags underneath them. These two characters are just not nice to look at.

There's a chase scene and there is a scary, large dog.

However I wouldn't say Arlo is ever in full-on peril.

Parents, just be mindful of Stucky and Ruff and keep an eye on children who are easily frightened when they are on screen.


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Parent Review: Final Thoughts

Once you get passed the idea that Arlo is half alligator, half boy you'll find that this film has a lot of heart.

The music in Arlo the Alligator Boy is fantastic. Michael J. Woodward has a voice that is as smooth as butter with a joyous tone. He is complemented wonderfully by the very talented, Mary Lambert. 

The takeaway here is family isn't necessarily what you're born into but who you grow with, who surrounds you, and who lifts you up. 

Parents, your kids will find it hilarious that Arlo is an alligator boy, don't let that stop you from watching this film. Stay for the songs, stay for the message - and try your best to overlook some of the quirks of this film.

Recommended age for Arlo the Alligator Boy: 6+

Arlo the Alligator Boy | Official Trailer

Stream Arlo the Alligator Boy on Netflix, April 16th.