A cheerful family story about Dr. Dolittle, who can communicate with animals. His closest friends are a bit unusual. They include an anxious gorilla, a zany goose, a cynical ostrich, a cold-hearted polar bear, a dog whose senses aren’t quite up to par, and an exceptionally intelligent parrot.

The energetic, somewhat crazy, but also frustrated Dr. Dolittle—whose beloved wife has passed away—is called upon by the Queen of England to save her life. She has fallen mortally ill. Together with his band of animal friends, he sets off on a dangerous and adventurous journey to find a cure for the Queen’s illness.

The cure is found on a distant, myth-shrouded island, where the doctor’s eccentric father-in-law lives with his cronies. Dolittle’s mission is complicated by various pitfalls and misunderstandings, and it won’t be so easy to bring the rescue of the dying queen to a successful conclusion.

The film’s impact is somewhat marred by excessive editing, less-than-perfect timing, and humor that’s a bit weak for a comedy, but kids won’t take it all that seriously.

Family / Adventure / Comedy / Fantasy

USA, 2020, 102 min

Crew: Stephen Gaghan

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Harry Collett, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jessie Buckley, Ralph Ineson, Jim Broadbent, Kasia Smutniak, Carmel Laniado, Emma Thompson, Rami Malek

Parents’ Guide

A few animal fights.

About one kiss.

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