Dolittle

2020 • 101 minutes
3.9
86 reviews
15%
Tomatometer
PG
Rating
Eligible
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About this movie

Robert Downey Jr. electrifies as the man who could talk to animals: Dolittle. After losing his wife, he hermits himself away behind the high wall of his manor, but is forced to set sail on an epic adventure when the queen falls gravely ill. Helping Dolittle in search of a rare cure are his rambunctious animal friends-including Chee-Chee (Oscar® winner Rami Malek), an anxious, self-conscious gorilla; Dab-Dab (Oscar® winner Octavia Spencer), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck; the bickering duo of cynical, neurotic ostrich Plimpton (Kumail Nanjiani) and chilly-but-chill polar bear Yoshi (John Cena); as well as a headstrong parrot named Polynesia (Oscar® winner Emma Thompson).
Rating
PG

Ratings and reviews

3.9
86 reviews
Cedric P.
September 13, 2020
If I had to describe this film using only one word that word would be - "BAD". There that says everything you need to know about this film in a nutshell. If I had to use another word to describe it due to someone having already used the word BAD then my one word would be - "AWFUL". Take your pick both words perfectly describe this movie. Poor script,poor acting,guessable ending.Total time waste,and not in a good way. I expect more out of Robert Downey Jr. apparently he was just in this film for a pay check,some free food,and a beer,or two.From the look of him in the movie Robert didn't even like this film. Not recommended for adults.
13 people found this review helpful
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Stephen Jacewicz
January 5, 2021
From Fantasy Island from last year to this from last year my mind is boggled!!! This is a gross film at times, it's boring alot, and the visuals of the animals aren't that great. Downey Jr. Puts on a good accent however and scenes of locations look better then the animals probably more then I think. However I don't know how Robert Downey Jr. And Tom Holland went from one of the greatest films of all time, Avengers: Endgame, to this in Janauary of last year.
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Kyle Vansteelandt
April 2, 2021
No Spoilers. Last year, I went into this movie just to see how bad it really is and I was sorely wrong! I was completely mistaken. It was such a pleasant surprise and I was never bored. The plot is really compelling; Dr John Dolittle lives in solitude in his manor filled with his creature companions that he can talk to, but when Queen Victoria becomes gravelly ill, he and his animal buddies must embark on a perilous journey to mythical island to find the cure which is a special fruit from a mythical fruit tree. I actually find the story easy to follow; The movie explains some understandable reasons like what would happen if they don't go on this journey and why they stopped at Lily's Island along the way. There are also some moments that show us the map that has pitstops in the way. The film has great messages about helping others, teamwork, compassion, communication, treating animals well, and going out to the outside world. The themes of the movie is about loss, abandonment, and overcoming pitiful grief. I was impressed by the direction by Stephen Gaghan; There are moments where the direction of the movie lets our guard down and teases us so we won't guess what was going to happen next and there is one surprise at the end of the film that Stephen manipulated amazingly. The comedy that Stephen Gaghan provides is really funny because it is unexpected and clever, and some of the comedy that I laughed at is silly in a way that is not insulting or stupid. There was a family with young kids below my seat aisle and they were laughing at the comedic bits that I thought were funny. There was one joke that involves with the humpback whales and Dr Blair Mudfly that was made to be a joke that will fly over the kids heads and only the grownups will understand. As attentive as I was, I was unable to find anything messy, immature, or insulting about it. As a family film, 85% of it's content is innocent enough. There are only three small plot-holes that are nonsensical and needs some improvement, But again, most of it quite harmless and the nature of this movie is flamboyant, amusing, good-natured, and nutty. It reminded me of "George of the jungle" (1997), but this film is a lot less broad or wacky than George of the jungle and a little more straight and subtle. The score by Danny Elfman was beautifully engaging, and the CGI effects alongside the production design is nicely executed and incredible to look at. The movie has an impressive cast of well-known actors and actresses that contributes the engaging entertainment and amusing comedy that made me let out a good laugh. My only problem is that Rami Malek as the largest primate (the gorilla) is a miscast. They should've hired Bill Fagerbakke to voice the shy but noble gorilla. But there are two times where I chuckled at his voice performances. Robert Downy Jr as Dolittle is intriguing and enjoyable as the Welsh eccentric veterinarian. The reason why Robert Downy decided to make his character Welsh is because it takes place in the United Kingdom and his character was inspired by a nutty Welsh doctor/neo-pagan physician named William Price. Dr. Blair Mudfly (Michael Sheen) is a fun kooky villain; he is a vicious, talentless, and not so smart villain with an obsession for Dolittle because he is impressed by his special abilities. His goal is to stop Dolittle and his animals from getting the fruit to the queen. To conclude: While "Dolittle" is not a perfect masterpiece, I like "Dolittle" a lot; I find it so amusing and pleasant. Heck, I also find it a lot more entertaining than "the nutcracker and the four realms." Recommended for families indeed.
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