Dolittle (2020) is a family adventure film directed by Stephen Gaghan, based on the character created by Hugh Lofting. This version of the story, starring Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. John Dolittle, is a reimagining of the classic tale about a doctor who can communicate with animals. The film is intended to appeal to a younger audience with its whimsical premise, colorful characters, and comedic tone, though it struggled to connect with critics and general audiences.
The story follows Dr. Dolittle, a once-famous physician who has withdrawn from society after the death of his wife, whom he deeply loved. Living in seclusion in his sprawling estate with an assortment of talking animals, Dolittle’s world is turned upside down when Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls ill. The Queen is poisoned, and only the legendary doctor can cure her. Dolittle is reluctantly pulled back into the world to embark on a high-stakes adventure with a young, brave apprentice named Tommy (Harry Collett), along with a crew of eccentric animal companions. They set out on a journey to find a rare, magical tree that can provide the cure for the Queen’s illness.
Along the way, Dolittle and his animal crew—voiced by a talented cast including Rami Malek, Octavia Spencer, Kumail Nanjiani, and John Cena—encounter a series of comedic obstacles and challenges. They also face a villainous character, Dr. Blair Müdfly (Michael Sheen), who wants to get rid of Dolittle and gain control over the Queen’s illness for his own gain. The film is full of slapstick humor, exaggerated characterizations, and fantastical adventures as Dolittle and his animal friends try to save the Queen while healing their own emotional wounds.
Dolittle attempts to be a vibrant, lighthearted family film, filled with moments of whimsy, magic, and humor, but it doesn’t quite land with the same charm as some of its predecessors in the genre. The movie struggles to balance its fantastical premise with meaningful character development and coherent storytelling. The comedic elements often feel forced, and the pacing can be uneven, with some of the humor falling flat, especially for older audiences. While there are a number of fun, quirky animal characters, they don’t add much depth to the overall narrative, and the film lacks the heart and emotional resonance that many other family adventures bring to the table.
Robert Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Dr. Dolittle is eccentric, quirky, and, at times, an odd fit for the role. While Downey certainly brings energy to the character, his interpretation of Dolittle’s reclusive nature and oddball personality can feel inconsistent and disconnected from the story’s tone. The animals, though well-voiced and animated, often steal the spotlight with their amusing antics, sometimes overshadowing the human characters and the emotional core of the film.
Visually, the film is colorful and eye-catching, with lavish sets and vibrant CGI effects bringing the animal kingdom to life. The environments, from lush jungles to stormy seas, add to the grand sense of adventure. The film’s sound design and musical numbers (featuring original songs by Dan Auerbach) contribute to its whimsical and energetic vibe.
Dolittle ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. While it has all the elements of a fun family adventure—animals, humor, magic, and heart—it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential. The film struggles with its identity, trying to appeal to both children and adults, but ends up feeling overly chaotic and uneven in execution.
