Dr Dolittle, the animal-speaking and loving veterinarian returns in yet another newest adaption of the movie and novel of the same name. Performed by the eccentric Hollywood star, Robert Downey Jr, Dolittle offers a bland adventure drama that is bound to make kids leap in laughter while make adults roll their eyes in frustration.
Following the death of his sweet adventurous wife, the famous Dr John Dolittle (Downey) becomes a depressed hermit, living with his animal gang at his manor cloaked by creepers and thick vegetation in Victorian England. Dolittle reluctantly embarks on a journey to search for a cure from a mysterious island to save Queen Victoria who is affected from serious illness. If Dolittle fails to save, then he will lose his manor. Dolittle gets tagged along with a self-appointed apprentice, Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett) and together they travel on a ship.
As the adventure goes full steam ahead, you know what happens next as the screenwriters and director follow a formulaic story. The visuals of the animals are a treat to watch. Though not as extraordinary as the animals depicted in Jon Favreau’s The Lion King, Dolittle’s gang of animals still offer their best to please.
The Tamil dubbed version of this movie comes with a laugh-riot performance by the cast. Throughout the journey, Dolittle & co, meet several two-dimensional characters who all share a dark past with the doc. The Tamil dialogues of Dolittle’s enemy, Dr Blair Mudfly (Michael Sheen) who tries his best to get a cure for the Queen is loaded with witty humour. Likewise, the dialogues of Dolittle’s animal buddy are packed with funny punches.
But the movie still fails in its attempt to give us an awe-inspiring adventure as it falls flat succumbing to the hastily written characters and plot. But if you wish to have a good time with your child who enjoys animals and pointless adventure, then Dolilttle is worth the two-hour ordeal.