Adam Sandler’s latest original movie on Netflix, a delightful animated comedy called Leo, proves that the Sandman should be taking more roles in the world of animation. Sandler’s title character in Leo is the pet lizard of a fifth-grade classroom, who decides to share his wisdom with the students when he overhears a parent estimating that he’s going to die soon. Sandler also co-wrote the script for this heartwarming elementary school musical with Paul Sado and fellow Saturday Night Live alum Robert Smigel.
Ever since moving to the streamer for his 2015 western spoof The Ridiculous 6, Sandler has worked almost exclusively with Netflix. Most of his Netflix movies, from The Do-Over to Murder Mystery, have been panned by critics. But his more recent Netflix originals have been met with praise, like the dramatic effort Hustle and the coming-of-age gem You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Leo continues that redemptive trend with lovable characters, a rapid-fire gag rate, and a really sweet message.
Leo Is One Of Adam Sandler’s Best Movies Ever
Leo isn’t just the best movie out of Sandler’s run of Netflix originals; it’s one of the best movies of his entire career. As a slow-moving reptile surrounded by hungry alligators and mean teachers, Leo is the ultimate underdog. His quest to help the kids with their problems makes him easy to root for. Sandler shares hilarious on-screen chemistry with Bill Burr as the other class pet, Squirtle the turtle, and they’re backed up by the recognizable voices of supporting players like Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, and Rob Schneider.
Sandler’s best-known previous animated role is Count Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania franchise. Leo is at least as good as any of the Hotel Transylvania movies, and might be even better. It has just as many laughs and also has a clearer message than those monster-infested romps. Leo tells its audience that every kid is special in their own way, which is a message that its young viewers need to hear (especially in a world dominated by social media and its related anxieties).
Netflix’s New Movie Proves Adam Sandler Should Tackle More Animated Roles
The success of Leo proves that Sandler should be taking on more animated roles. Sandler is one of the kings of funny voices; he affects a different voice to play almost all of his characters, and Leo is a prime example. With animated roles, exaggerated vocalization is actively encouraged, because the actor’s voice is all they have to bring their character to life. Like all the best Sandler movies, Leo is fun for the whole family.
