Netflix has released the trailer for its upcoming animated comedy ‘Leo’, which stars Adam Sandler as a 74-year-old lizard who has a midlife crisis and becomes a therapist for a bunch of fifth graders. The film, which premieres on November 21, is directed by Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, and David Wachtenheim, and co-written by Sandler, Smigel, and Paul Sado. The film also features the voices of Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider, and more.
The trailer shows Leo, a jaded class pet who has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades, escaping his cage and discovering that he can talk to humans. He soon becomes a confidant and mentor for the students, who share their dilemmas with him. Leo also has his existential crisis, as he realizes that he has not accomplished anything with his life and that he may die soon. The film is a musical comedy, with songs written by Smigel and performed by the cast.
Adam Sandler returns to animation after ‘Eight Crazy Nights’
‘Leo’ is the second animated feature from Sandler’s production company Happy Madison Productions, after the 2002 film ‘Eight Crazy Nights’, which was also a musical comedy. Sandler has also voiced characters in other animated films, such as ‘Hotel Transylvania’, ‘Pixels’, and ‘Shrek 4-D’. Sandler is known for his comedic roles in live-action films, such as ‘Happy Gilmore’, ‘The Wedding Singer’, ‘The Waterboy’, and ‘Uncut Gems’. He has also produced and starred in several Netflix original films, such as ‘The Ridiculous 6’, ‘The Do-Over’, ‘Sandy Wexler’, ‘The Week Of’, and ‘Murder Mystery’.
Sandler has also collaborated with Smigel, who is best known for his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’, where he created the ‘TV Funhouse segments and the ‘Ambiguously Gay Duo cartoons. Smigel has also written for ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’, ‘Late Night with Conan O’Brien, and ‘The Jack and Triumph Show’. He has also appeared in several films and TV shows, such as ‘This Is 40’, ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’, and ‘30 Rock’. Smigel is also the voice of Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog, a puppet character who mocks celebrities and politicians.
The film is a family affair for Sandler and his SNL friends
‘Leo’ is also a family affair for Sandler, as his wife Jackie and his daughters Sunny and Sadie voice characters in the film. Sunny plays Summer, a talkative girl who is the first to take Leo home, and Sadie plays Jayda, a snobby popular girl who is pressured by her parents. Jackie plays Jayda’s mom, while Jason Alexander plays Jayda’s dad. Alexander is best known for his role as George Costanza on ‘Seinfeld’, and has also voiced characters in ‘Duckman’, ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’, and ‘The Simpsons’.
The film also features several other actors who have worked with Sandler and Smigel on ‘SNL’ or other projects, such as Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Rob Schneider, Nick Swardson, Heidi Gardner, and Jo Koy. Burr plays Squirtle, a turtle who is Leo’s terrarium mate and friend. Strong plays Ms. Malkin, a strict substitute teacher who is loathed by the students. Schneider plays the principal, while Swardson plays a bunny who is another class pet. Gardner plays Eli’s mom, a helicopter parent who monitors her son with a drone. Koy plays Coach Komura, a gym teacher who is obsessed with dodgeball.
‘Leo’ is a heartwarming and hilarious tale of friendship and self-discovery
‘Leo’ is a film that appeals to both adults and children, as it deals with themes such as growing up, finding your purpose, and overcoming your fears. The film also showcases the humor and talent of Sandler and his friends, who bring their unique voices and personalities to the animated characters. The film also features catchy and funny songs that add to the charm and fun of the story. ‘Leo’ is a film that will make you laugh, cry, and sing along, as you follow the adventures of a wise lizard and his human pals.
