Dr. Dolittle [PG]

For successful doctor and devoted family man, John Dolittle, everything is going right: he’s about to close a deal that will bring a lot more money into the family and give his daughters all that they want. That is until a long-suppressed talent, which he has had since childhood, is suddenly reawakened with a vengeance: the ability to talk to animals. Now every animal in the city is clamouring to get the doctor’s good advice, setting into motion a chain of events that will change John’s life forever. 

A remake of the original Dr. Dolittle starring Rex Harrison, Eddie Murphy’s Dr. Dolittle is a charming and heart-warming family film that has been brought up to date and is filled with memorable characters and hilarious family fun. Another film that I remember watching a lot when I was a child, this movie stands the test of time. 

For successful doctor and devoted family man, John Dolittle, everything is going smoothly: he’s about to close a major deal with an investing medical firm and by doing so, is sure to bring more money home so he can get everything for his wife and daughters. That is until a long-suppressed talent, which he has had since childhood, is suddenly reawakened with a vengeance: the ability to talk to animals. Now ever animal in the city is clamouring for the good doctor’s advice, setting into motion a chain of events that will change John’s life forever. 

Essentially this movie is really just a good family movie. It’s light, it has powerful messages about being yourself and being proud of yourself, and it has a very funny and light comedy script. 

I have a real soft spot for Eddie Murphy, I have to admit, I just think in everything he does, he’s funny, but at the same time can be really charming and, particularly in this film, very paternal. Armed with his wonderful comedic timing and his lethally funny delivery, he’s a pleasure to watch in anything he does. 

As I mentioned before, this version of the classic has been modified so there are a lot of modern references and quotes and stuff ranging from Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger to religious jokes, my favourite of which is made by a pig when he says “obviously not a kosher establishment.” The idea of a man who can talk to animals is what grabs to attention of the kids, but it’s the script and the clever and more sophisticated jokes that it contains that grabs the attention of the adults. 

Starring Eddie Murphy, Ossie Davis, Oliver Platt, Peter Boyle, Paul Giamatti, Jeffrey Tambor, Kristen Wilson, Kyla Pratt, Raven-Symone, and featuring the voice talents of Norm MacDonald, Albert Brooks, Chris Rock, Julie Kavner, Reni Santoni, John Leguizamo, Jenna Elfman, Gilbert Gottfried, and Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Dolittle is a wonderful remake filled with memorable characters, comedy, drama, suspense, and heart-warming messages. I love this movie.