Robert Downey Jr., who plays an amazingly broad range of characters in his movies, again plays a quirky lead character in DOLITTLE.
Downey, plays Dr. Dolittle who can talk with animals in this classic tale, rated PG. Robert Downey is joined with a cast of stars who play or voice an array of interesting and lovable characters.
In this version of the enduring story, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, has hermitted himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic (CGI) animals for company, after losing his adventurous wife Lily.
However, when the young Queen of England falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle sets sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure; regaining his wit and courage in new adventures with old adversaries and new creatures.
The doctor is joined on his quest by a young apprentice Stubbins and a raucous team of animal friends. The epic adventure also includes Antonio Banderas as pirate King Rassouli.
Writer Gaghan says, “…Dolittle is a superhero whose super power is listening…The reason that he can communicate with all these creatures is that he has this core of deep empathy…Every creature has something to say…”
During the current pandemic, DOLITTLE, is available on Netflix DVD and provides a delightful reprieve from our current world crisis while encouraging currently much needed empathy.
If the die hard reviewers could take the stick out of their backsides, sit back, and simply enjoy a film once in a while, maybe we'd actually pay attention to their reviews. Thankfully, I don't pay attention, and thoroughly enjoyed this foray into escapism at it's best.
Kids will love the wonderful array of animal characters, with stunning and realistic CGI's (gorilla fan). Robert Downey is his quirky self, and does a pretty good Welsh accent. Antonio Banderas pops up, and it took me a while to recognise him, but plays his small role with flair. The storyline is enjoyable and captivating, and this big kid got swept along with the lighthearted fun that you're supposed to feel when watching this kind of film.
My advice, escape with the kids, enjoy the silliness, laugh along, go for the ride, and make up your own mind.
