Ryan Crego’s first original project arrives in Arlo the Alligator Boy. In this animated musical a young half-human/half-alligator boy goes off to find his father. Along the way he’s joined by a colorful cast of characters and an even brighter soundtrack. This also marks Crego’s directorial debut in his career.

Arlo the Alligator Boy is a 2021 animated musical film, it is produced by Titmouse & Netflix Animation, and distributed by Netflix. It will release on Netflix on April 16, 2021.

Editor’s Note: An advanced press screener for Arlo the Alligator Boy was provided by Netflix in support of this review. This is a mostly spoiler-free review of the film absent of many major plot points. 

So I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m not much of a fan of musicals. I have no idea why it’s just something about musicals that kind of make me cringe. There are excepts of course like Lion King, but they were few and far between. Arlo the Alligator Boy is one of those exceptions. Impressive animation and even more impressive music makes Arlo a memorable film which won’t be soon forgotten.

THE GOOD: In the beginning of the film Arlo is living in the swamps with Edmee. His adoptive mother who raised him as a child. Arlo learns full name from a name tag and that he’s from New York. With Edmee’s blessing he goes off to New York to find his birth family. On the journey his appearance shocks the locals and he gains the attention of alligator hunters. They plan to use him as a sideshow attraction to get rich and chase him to New York. While pursued Arlo is saved by Bertie a kind-hearted giant girl. 

Arlo and Bertie meet a group of con-artists led by rodent-like Teeny Tiny Tony. Arlo befriends the group & after breaking out their friend from an aquarium they go to New York together. While out on the beach Bertie and Arlo bond along with the others. After reaching New York, Arlo sees a news story featuring a wealthy man looking to rebuild a run down part of the city. Believing this to be his father he chases after him across New York. Arlo begins to question his desire to find his father after the man denies his relation. Arlo travels the New York sewer system as he ponders what to do next.

Firstly, this was a beautifully animated film. I don’t know who did what between Titmouse & Netflix Animation or if it was a 50/50 effort. But the promotional art for Arlo does not do it’s animation justice. You’re probably looking at me with a raised eyebrow, but I can’t tell you how often an animated film or TV show has drawn me in just by the promo work. Not the trailers or TV spots, but the posters and promotional imagery. Arlo didn’t really do any of that for me, I thought it might be good on first glance honestly. Again, not a fan of musicals, but I’m so glad I kept an open mind for this movie. 

The animation for the action sequences, something Titmouse is fairly known for is some of the best you’ll ever see. It’s unexpected to be impressed with action scenery in a musical, but it oddly works here. It’s a very action heavy film actually. In regards to the music, I can’t believe I’m saying this but there wasn’t a single song that I didn’t like. From the opening number in the swamp to Follow Me Home and the music number with the wealthy man every song feels like something I’d proudly put on a music player. Most of the characters are very well thought out and have great character arcs. I’m probably going to have to release a spoiler review to go into full detail.

THE BAD: Honestly, I don’t have much negative to say about Arlo the Alligator Boy. If I did it would be that they didn’t really flesh out the con-artists very much minus one character (again spoilers). However, this is seemingly already rectified by the TV series.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Arlo the Alligator Boy is a feel good movie about family, acceptance, and relationships with others. The music is well written and the story & characters are entertaining and it does a good job of setting up the TV sequel. Some characters aren’t build up as much as they should be, but this is where the TV series comes in to fix that. Otaku Dome gives Arlo the Alligator Boy an 85 out of 100.