In Victorian England, Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) can talk to animals. His life is healing animals. His love is his adventurer wife Lily who travels the world saving animals. The Queen gives him an estate for life to do his work. When Lily disappears on one of her adventures, John falls into depression and becomes a shut-in with his animals. Young Tommy Stubbins is forced on a hunting trip and accidentally shots a squirrel. The animal-loving Stubbins takes the squirrel to Dolittle. At the same time, young Lady Rose arrives with the Queen's request for medical help. Dolittle is shocked to discover that the estate for life refers to the Queen's life. He has to save her in order to keep his animal sanctuary. He is frustrated at every turn by rival Dr. Blair Müdfly (Michael Sheen).
I expected a lot worst after the reviews. This is bad and the climatic fart joke does not help. I can certainly see what this premise is attempting to be. This should be a lot more like Pirates of the Caribbean. Downey should be a lot more flamboyant but his character is too flat. I understand his depression and that doesn't help either. The boy and the girl need to be the adventuring leads. Quite frankly, the girl could be Downey's sole companion. The boy's not needed and it's rather convenient to have both young people coming to Dolittle at the same time. As for the animals, there are too many of them and they melt together into one sarcastic blob. They need fewer animals so that their individuality can be elevated. It would be so much better if each animal with individual personalities and skills to solve one particular difficulty each in the adventure. I can see where this is trying to go. I can take a lot of this but the fart joke really hurts.
I expected a lot worst after the reviews. This is bad and the climatic fart joke does not help. I can certainly see what this premise is attempting to be. This should be a lot more like Pirates of the Caribbean. Downey should be a lot more flamboyant but his character is too flat. I understand his depression and that doesn't help either. The boy and the girl need to be the adventuring leads. Quite frankly, the girl could be Downey's sole companion. The boy's not needed and it's rather convenient to have both young people coming to Dolittle at the same time. As for the animals, there are too many of them and they melt together into one sarcastic blob. They need fewer animals so that their individuality can be elevated. It would be so much better if each animal with individual personalities and skills to solve one particular difficulty each in the adventure. I can see where this is trying to go. I can take a lot of this but the fart joke really hurts.