Movie Review # 341: Dolittle (2020)

Ladies & gentlemen, today, we finally review a film that I saw nearly a week and a half to couple weeks ago, as well as one that of course I would review, like many films that I have reviewed as of nowadays. Oh, and also, as you can see, we are less than ten reviews away from reaching Movie Review # 350. Again, I do have some ideas of what movie I will review for that special occasion, once that time. Well, for today, we dive into the story of Dolittle, which this one supposedly follows more closely to the original novel, or novel series (which is more than one can say about the 1998 and 2001 versions that starred Eddie Murphy).

Plot: After tragedy strikes Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), and the lives of his animals, Dolittle decides to confine himself, and the animals in his animal sanctuary in London, England. Years later, a female, who is an assistant to the queen of England, comes to Dolittle with a message saying that the queen is sick, and going on to say that if Dolittle doesn’t find a cure for the Queen before she dies, the animal sanctuary will be shut down permanently. So with the help of his animal friends, as well as some newer friends, can Dolittle get to a far away place to find a cure and back in time to cure the queen before it’s too late?

Now, it is very impressive how this story seems to try to go more along the route of the novel, The Voyages Of Doctor Dolittle. Not to mention that as a result, the makers were most likely trying to make this better than say the versions with Eddie Murphy that we got back in 1998 and 2001 respectively. Of course that’s not to say that those films were not good to one extent or the other. Anyway, did Universal Pictures, and the crew involved at that studio succeed in making possibly one of the best adaptations of this film? Well, this is a very good film, one should admit. However, there are some problems that the film has. First off, Dolittle fails due to having some cliches here and there, most notably with some of the villains being rather typical, and not being given much depth to themselves. To a lesser degree, the same can probably be said about some of the supporting characters as well. Not all, but at least some! There were also some scenes that seemed to feel a little rushed. Whether this was due to time restraint, or other reasons, the 2020 adaptation of the Doctor Dolittle story does not quite meet it’s full potential. At the same time, however, that doesn’t mean that this film is just as okay as something like Cats (which was just released a month before). As a matter of fact, Dolittle seems to have more quality elements to enjoy than that film.

Well, that leads to the good things to mention in this film. To begin, there are quite a few hysterical moments that will keep you laughing. Granted, the versions with Eddie Murphy might have been a little funnier. However, this version has it’s moments too. There is also some good action as you sail through the course of this film. Additionally, Danny Elfman has a very fun, and action-packed musical score. Man, how interesting that he feel from scoring from. Some Tim Burton films to certain Disney films, and now this film, eh? Additionally, for not being in films like Iron Man, Sherlock Holmes, or evening The Avengers series, Robert Downey Jr. succeeds in making another one of his best performances. The same can be said about some if the supporting cast, such as Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, and most, of not everyone else in this film. There are also some very creative, and heartfelt moments. Yes, even if this film doesn’t quite live up to it’s full potential, there is still some richness and depth in this story. Finally, there are some good messages such as not letting hardships and difficulties destroy your life, and/or who you are as a person. Not only that, but there’s also the message about learning to be courageous and brave, even when you feel scared in any dangerous situations.

And that’s my review for Dolittle. While not quite a perfect film, there is still a great plenty to enjoy in this film. Sure, Dolittle May feel a little corny at times. Still, how could that not be the case if Dolittle was supposed to talk to animals even in the original story, you know? There is some good heart here, good performances, and other elements that make this story very enjoyable, even if not quite in the A range. Definitely check it out if you haven’t yet. You’re to enjoy the film for the most part in the end.

Final Grade: B+