In 1920 English author Hugh Lofting published the first of fifteen children's books entitled The Story of Doctor Dolittle. The books chronicle the life of a doctor who decides to forgo treating human patients for animals, with whom he can converse. The popular series based in the 1800's has been adapted for the big screen several times over the years. The first was in 1967, when Rex Harrison (My Fair Lady) sang about being able to "talk to the animals". Then Eddie Murphy (Coming to America) portrayed the good Doctor in the first two films in a trilogy between 1998 and 2001. This year Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman) took on the role as the eccentric doctor and now it is heading to 4k, Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD.
In this telling of the story, Dr. Dolittle (Downey, Jr.) is married to a wonderful lady who is the love of his life and who, it seems, can also talk to animals. They are granted land and a house by the Queen to treat and care for their patients but when Mrs. Lily Dolittle (Kasia Smutniak; From Paris with Love) dies at sea, the Doctor can't bear it and becomes a recluse, shutting down his practice.
Then one day two young strangers come to his home. The first is Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett; Dunkirk) who accidentally shot a squirrel and hoped Dolittle would save him. The second is Lady Rose (Carmen Laniado in her feature film debut) who is sent by the Queen (Jessie Buckley; Wild Rose) because the Queen has fallen deathly ill. Once he reluctantly agrees to help both Tommy and Rose he discovers there is foul play involved and he must go on a magical adventure to get the antidote to save the queen's life. Unfortunately, those involved in poisoning the Queen want to stop Dolittle anyway they can.
Robert Downey, Jr. makes Dolittle what it is. While it has a good plot and brings a new twist to the classic tale, his portrayal is fun and wacky and fits perfectly with the mood of the film. There are several talented actors voicing the animals including Emma Thompson (Love Actually), Octavia Spencer (Hidden Figures), Rami Malek (Mr. Robot), John Cena (BumbleBee), Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Far From Home), Selena Gomez (Wizards of Waverly Place) and Ralph Fiennes (The Harry Potter Series). Their characterizations are perfect for the animals they portray. Michael Sheen (The Underworld Series) plays the villainous Dr. Blair Mudwing, who is part of those behind the murderous plot.
The Dolby Vision 2160p video quality is incredible with every detail clearly seen and magnificent color hues popping off the screen. Unfortunately, the sharpness does accentuate the use of CGI and some moments do look fake. The Dolby Atmos audio is almost as strong as the video presentation with ambient noise surrounding the viewer and clear dialogue throughout. The extras are short and of varying degrees of interest. They include: Talk to the Animals, RDJ & Harry: Mentor and Mentee, Becoming the Good Doctor, Antonio Banderas: Pirate King, The Wicked Dr. Müdfly, and A Most Unusual House.
While I loved the Rex Harrison film and enjoyed the Eddie Murphy ones (admittedly getting worse as they go along), This version adds a nice twist and a somewhat unique plot as Dolittle takes on an apprentice and goes on an adventure to bring back a magic fruit. With a great cast, stunning visuals and a good story, it is a fun, family film that will bring a smile to your face. Without Downey, I think it would have been a very different film for certain, but luckily he chose to take the part so we have a terrific version this tie around.
Grade: B
