Adam Sandleris evidently continuing his winning streak with Happy Madison Productions. Riding off the success ofYou Are So Not Invited To My Bat Mitzvah, Sandler’s latest project,Leo,has won over the hearts of viewers. The animated feature film chronicles the adventures of a 74-year-old tuatara, Leo, who is a pet in a fifth-grade classroom when he realizes his life might be drawing to an end.
Leo, which was released on Netflix on July 22, 2025, has become a hit among viewers and is currently themost popular movieon Netflix. At the time of writing, the animated feature claims the coveted number-one spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart with 34.6 million views. The film, which runs for 1 hour and 42 minutes, was written by Sandler in collaboration with Robert Smigel and Paul Sado. Sandler and Mireille Soria take on the roles of producers, with Smigel reuniting withTV Funhouse’s Robert Marianetti and David Wachtenheim for directorial duties. With the endearing film instantly becoming a chart-topper,Leois a must-watch for parents and children alike.
Leo Features Heartfelt Life Lessons
A defining factor ofLeois thelife lessons it carries. Sandler’s Leo, although at first jumping at the chance to escape the four glass walls he has lived within all his life, becomes the class therapist. The creature is first taken home by Summer, a talkative little girl with few friends. She discovers Leo’s ability to talk by interrupting his quest for freedom.
However, Leo convinces her, similarly to how he convinces all the other children, that she is special, which is why he talks to her. Inadvertently becoming Summer’s confidante, Leo offers valuable advice that helps Summer with her relationships in the classroom. Thus begins Leo’s journey as not merely a class pet but a child therapist who becomes treasured by the fifth graders.
Leo listens to each child, doesn’t dismiss their problems, and offers genuine advice, obviously interspersed with a good dose of humor, to help each child better themselves. The creature’s wisdom becomes timely for a generation of kids who live in their own cocoons, strive to live up to the expectations of their parents, are over-protected, and are not listened to. Leo, breaking thought patterns, brings each child to the understanding that everyone has problems, but each problem has a solution. He also encourages kids to build their identity by being true to themselves.
The truths that Leo imparts to the children also become gentle reminders toparents that children, despite their age, have their own individuality and should be allowed to grow on their own. Drones that hover over a child to ensure that no harm comes to them and safety suits that protect from all germs do more harm than good by taking the carefree essence of childhood away.
Perhaps the most important lesson thatLeocarries centers on the importance of active listening. More often than not, the opinions and thoughts of children are dismissed. However, they, too, go through their own problems and, at times, simply need a genuine ear that listens.
Adam Sandler’s Performance as Leo
Adam Sandler is no stranger to animation, having previously voiced characters inEight Crazy Nightsand theHotel Transylvaniafilms. The actor’s experience in the genre shines through inLeo, making the film a pleasure to watch. Although he’s not supposed to talk to humans for fear of being taken away to a scientific research center and having a fate like E.T., 74-year-old Leo breaks away from this mold due to his new-found determination to leave a mark on the world when he realizes he might die within a year.
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Leo’s banter withBill Burr’s Squirtlethe turtle and his conversations with the children bring in the film’s comedic element. Sandler’s ability to change his voice to match the emotions demanded from scenes, from fear to annoyance to happiness, adds range to his role as Leo, allowing the character to keep audiences glued to the screen. Sandler also does a commendable job of breaking out into song as Leo sprinkles his wisdom on the children and Ms. Malkin.
Adding to Sandler’s performance as the charming tuatara is the fact that the actor isjoined by the rest of his familyinLeo,making the film a true family affair. Sadie and Sunny Sandler play Jayda, the popular rich girl, and Summer, the talkative firstborn, respectively. Sandler’s wife, Jackie, is also a part of the film, voicing Jayda’s mother.
Leo Has Catchy Musical Numbers with Enough Humor
Keeping to its identity as a musical,Leohas plenty of musical numbers to keep viewers entertained. Although the random bursts of song seem tiresome at first, when one listens to what the songs have to say, the connection of the vocals to the plot and the humor it brings becomes evident. From eager but nervous fifth graders singing about their new school year to the cantankerous substitute Ms. Malkin reminiscing on her younger days and singing about how she used to be happy, each song inLeocarries meaning.
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The catchy songs add color to the narrative, especially in those that Leo sings, and the humor is evident. However, while being entertaining, the humor and comedy never take away from the film’s core themes. Moreover, the manner in which Sandler weaves the musical numbers also takes the sting out of the message being delivered.
For example, if a character were to directly tell a child that she was not that great or that crying makes one ugly and dumb, audiences would be in an uproar. However,Leomanages to say such things as a part of a bigger message and still fosters understanding without indignation.
With its heartfelt messages, Sandler’s compelling performance as Leo,and catchy tunes,Leois a definite family must-watch that can simultaneously entertain both adults and children alike.Leois available for streaming on Netflix.
