Doctor Dolittle-Best Movie Ever About A Dr. Who Can Talk To Animals
Gee kids, guess what? Doctor Doolittle like so many film aimed at kids is based upon a book. For those of you would are frequent readers you already know how much Hollywood loves to tap into name recognition in anyway possible at the expense of creativity. Don't believe me? How much creativity was there really in the Dukes of Hazard movie? But unlike the Dukes of Hazard movie, Doctor Dolittle is aimed at a slightly more sophisticated audience-5 year olds.
Somehow, if you have had the good fortune of missing out on what Doctor Dolittle is all about, well, its about a veterinarian who can talk to animals. My theory is that this is really a movie about a sad, drug addict that is slowly destroying his family and headed for rehab or a mental institution, but that is just little old me. Eddie Murphy turns in a solid performance as Doctor Dolittle, but the material is just too chesseball to consider Dolittle as one of his finer performances. In all honesty, the success of Doctor Dolittle is more due to the smart release date of the family friendly film than it is of quality script or concept. However, Doctor Dolittle is more entertaining, mostly due to Murphy, than many other kid's films on the biggest money makers list, such as Stuart Little. Further, unlike many animated films Doctor Dolittle is lacking in blatant messages of conformity found in such films as Monsters, Inc. Note Monsters Inc. not Monster, as they are two very different movies and under no circumstances should young children be watching Monster. Seriously, that is negligent parenting, don't even consider it.
The visual effects are decent enough, yet don't really live up to the $65 to $75 million dollar price tag, but that's Hollywood. Other solid acting performances by Ossie Davis, Peter Boyle, Jeffrey Tambor and Oliver Platt, all of which are unappreciated actors and all of which help lift Dolittle up from its lackluster screenplay by Nat Mauldin, who once wrote for Barney Miller and Newhart. Might want to consider a little new blood there Mr. Studio Executives. Regardless, some decent acting performances elevate Doctor Doolittle enough to avert total disaster.
Story D+
Acting B+
Visuals B+
Originality/Innovation D
Enjoyability Grade C-
Home Theater/HD Factor B
Overall Grade C-
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