Robert Downey Jr. disappoints in ‘Dolittle’
Every other generation seems to get its own version of “Dr. Dolittle.”
Given that it’s been more than 20 years since Eddie Murphy first brought animal whisperer Dr. John Dolittle to the screen, and more than 50 years since the cult classic “Doctor Dolittle” starring Rex Harrison, the folks at Universal Pictures apparently thought the 2010 generation deserved Robert Downey Jr.
It’s the story revival that we neither asked for nor needed, but it’s here nonetheless.
The original books, written by Hugh Lofting in the 1920s and ‘30s, have inspired several movie adaptations, though Murphy’s version — and the sequels, which star Kyla Pratt — did not follow any of the original storylines.
“Dolittle” seems to draw some plot points from the 1922 book “The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle,” but otherwise
weaves an original story about a reluctant Dr. Dolittle, still reeling from the death of his wife Lily seven years prior, embarking on an adventure to cure Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley), who is unknowingly poisoned by one of her lords.
With the help of his canine friend Jip (Tom Holland), Dolittle determines the Queen has ingested deadly nightshade, and the only way to save her is to make the perilous journey with stowaway apprentice Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett) and other trusted animal friends to Eden Tree Island — the same voyage that killed his wife.
Along the way, there are suspenseful confrontations with an impressive lineup of villains, which includes Dolittle’s father-in-law King Rassouli (Antonio Banderas), Rassouli’s tiger Barry (Ralph Fiennes) and Dr. Blair Müdfly (Michael Sheen), which help move the story at a pace that will keep the kids entertained.
Save for the hardcore Robert Downey Jr. fans and parents who need a weekend afternoon activity for their young children, this film won’t have much crossover appeal to most demographics.
That said, “Dolittle” is a kids’ film that leaves some tidbits for their parents to enjoy — though it will likely be largely disappointing for most casual Downey fans. The visuals, from the sets depicting Dolittle’s menagerielike home to the CGI animals, are stunning.
But let’s talk about Downey, the guy who’s drawing audiences to this film.
The good news is that we have a feature film starring Downey following last year’s “Avengers: Endgame.”
The bad news is this isn’t the Downey you know and love as Marvel’s Tony Stark. He detracts from the film more than he contributes; his (Welsh?) accent is distracting; and his uncanny ability to lead a comedyadventure drama with his dry wit is missing in his portrayal of Dr. Dolittle.
Downey, confined to a PG rating, spends the majority of “Dolittle” portraying a rather unlikable crazy genius veterinarian who doesn’t get along with fellow humans and must be forced out of his abode to serve his country by his animal companions.
Downey’s pleasure in playing the beloved character feels just as forced as his character’s willingness to save his queen; any number of actors — Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Morgan Freeman — could’ve successfully brought their star power to this role. Not to mention that a female Dolittle isn’t unprecedented, either.
Dr. Dolittle’s animals, voiced by talented actors such as Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, Octavia Spencer and Kumail Nanjiani, are the true stars here, delivering laughs and delighting parents and kids alike.
Specifically, Nanjiani stands out as an ostrich named Plimpton who pleases the adults in the room with lines such as, “My dad was right — I should’ve been an omelet.” Most surprisingly, the screenwriters even successfully incorporate a “The Godfather” reference. Children will also certainly love the jokes catered to them, which include “Did Dr. Dolittle do a little doo-doo?” and a protracted fart joke that marks the climax of the film.
There are much worse movies out there for a parent to be subjected to, but prepare to forget about the human actors in favor of the computeranimated animals. Dolittle’s animals are easier to relate to, with their humanlike self-esteem and family issues, than the film’s central characters.
While “Dolittle” is unlikely to become a cult classic like its predecessors and doesn’t necessarily transcend generations, it will likely find a captivated audience in its young viewers.