“Dolittle” (2020) is a fantasy adventure film directed by Stephen Gaghan and based on the character of Dr. John Dolittle, who first appeared in the 1920 novel The Story of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. in the titular role of Dr. Dolittle, a doctor who has the ability to speak to animals. It is a reimagining of the popular Dolittle character, and the movie features an ensemble voice cast of animals, including Tom Holland, Rami Malek, Octavia Spencer, John Cena, and Emma Thompson.
Plot Summary
Set in the late 19th century, Dolittle follows Dr. John Dolittle, a reclusive, eccentric doctor who has withdrawn from society after the death of his beloved wife. Living in a secluded mansion with his animal companions, Dolittle spends his days avoiding human interaction and helping his animals with their problems. However, his quiet life is disrupted when a young girl named Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett) arrives, seeking Dolittle’s help for a wounded animal. Tommy becomes his new apprentice and joins Dolittle on an adventure to find a cure for Queen Victoria, who has fallen gravely ill.
Dolittle, along with a group of animal companions, embarks on a journey to find a mythical tree that holds the cure to the Queen’s ailment. Along the way, they encounter a series of challenges, including pirate ships, dangerous creatures, and a rivalry with the sinister Dr. Blair Müdford (Michael Sheen), a former associate of Dolittle’s who has his own plans for the Queen’s recovery.
The group includes a variety of animals, each with their own quirks and personalities, such as a parrot named Poly (Emma Thompson), a squirrel named Kevin (Octavia Spencer), a tiger named Chee-Chee (Rami Malek), and a gorilla named Gizmo (John Cena). Throughout their journey, Dolittle and his companions must work together to overcome obstacles and save the Queen, while also rediscovering Dolittle’s purpose and finding healing for his own past.
Themes
Dolittle explores themes of healing, friendship, and personal redemption. The film focuses on Dolittle’s emotional journey from a withdrawn, grief-stricken man to a hero who once again opens his heart to the world. His relationship with the animals is central to the story, showing that caring for others and having empathy can bring healing, not just for the animals but also for Dolittle himself.
The movie also emphasizes teamwork and loyalty as Dolittle and his animal companions work together to solve problems, overcome challenges, and navigate their adventures. Despite the humorous antics and fantastical elements, the characters learn the importance of relying on one another and facing challenges head-on.
In addition, the film touches on the idea of environmentalism and the importance of caring for nature and animals. Dolittle’s ability to communicate with animals is symbolic of the need for humans to listen to and understand the natural world around them.
Cast and Characters
- Robert Downey Jr. as Dr. John Dolittle: The film’s protagonist, a doctor who can communicate with animals. Downey’s portrayal of Dolittle is quirky, eccentric, and somewhat tragic, as his character must rediscover his purpose after the loss of his wife.
- Harry Collett as Tommy Stubbins: A young boy who becomes Dolittle’s apprentice and accompanies him on his journey to save the Queen. Tommy provides the human connection and emotional anchor in the story.
- Rami Malek as Chee-Chee: A nervous, hypochondriac tiger who joins Dolittle’s adventure. Malek’s character adds humor and heart to the film.
- Tom Holland as Jip: A dog who is one of Dolittle’s loyal animal companions. Holland’s character brings a sense of youthful energy and comic relief.
- Octavia Spencer as Kevin: A squirrel with a big personality who aids Dolittle on his journey.
- Emma Thompson as Poly: A wise and sarcastic parrot who serves as Dolittle’s confidante and voice of reason.
- John Cena as Gizmo: A gorilla who is strong but sweet-natured, contributing to the film’s humor and emotional moments.
- Michael Sheen as Dr. Blair Müdford: The villain of the story, a former colleague of Dolittle who is determined to take over the Queen’s treatment for his own gain.
- Antonio Banderas as King Rassouli: A pirate leader who has a past with Dolittle and plays a key role in the film’s adventure.
Style and Tone
Dolittle blends fantasy and comedy with action-adventure elements. The film’s tone is lighthearted and family-friendly, with a mix of slapstick humor, witty dialogue, and heartwarming moments. The movie’s vibrant and colorful aesthetic, along with fantastical creatures and settings, creates a whimsical atmosphere that appeals to younger audiences while offering plenty of humor for adults.
The visual effects used to bring the animals to life are a standout feature, with the animals being portrayed as fully realized characters that speak and interact with Dolittle and the human characters. The film’s action sequences are fast-paced and full of humor, often using the animal characters’ unique traits to overcome obstacles in inventive ways.
The tone of the film is primarily comedic, with many humorous interactions between Dolittle and his animal companions. However, the film also incorporates emotional moments that delve into Dolittle’s grief and his journey of self-healing, giving the movie an underlying message of personal growth and redemption.
Reception
Dolittle received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who criticized the film’s inconsistent tone, pacing, and lack of coherent storytelling. Many found the humor to be uneven, with the film struggling to balance slapstick comedy with its more emotional elements. The plot was also seen as predictable, and the movie was often compared unfavorably to other family films in terms of creativity and character development.
However, some audiences enjoyed the film’s lighthearted approach and whimsical atmosphere. The performances of Robert Downey Jr. and the voice cast were praised, with Downey’s eccentric portrayal of Dolittle being a particular highlight. The visual effects and animation of the animals were also noted as impressive, even though the film’s overall execution fell short in some areas.
Despite the critical reception, Dolittle was commercially successful, grossing over $250 million worldwide against a production budget of around $175 million, making it a financial success for Universal Pictures.
Conclusion
Dolittle (2020) is a fun and fantastical adventure film that blends humor, action, and emotional moments. While the movie didn’t resonate with all audiences and critics, it has a charming cast and plenty of heart, particularly in its message of healing, teamwork, and rediscovery. The film’s whimsical elements, along with Robert Downey Jr.’s quirky portrayal of the titular character, make it a family-friendly option, particularly for younger viewers. Though it may not have lived up to expectations in terms of story and consistency, Dolittle remains an entertaining, if flawed, adventure
