Review of 'Dolittle' (2020) Movie: A Critique of Humor, Acting, and CGI

'Dolittle' (2020), a movie based on the classic children's novel, is a cinematic adaptation that aims to entertain both children and adults with its whimsical storyline, heartfelt moments, and impressive special effects. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the movie's plot, character development, acting performances, and the overall effectiveness of its creative elements.

Plot and Story

The premise of 'Dolittle' is set in Victorian-era Britain. Dr. John Dolittle, a Welsh veterinarian, has the unique ability to communicate with animals. After the tragic death of his wife Lily, he retreats into his mansion. A young boy named Tommy Stubbins and a princess on a mission from the Queen stumble upon Dolittle and thrust him into an adventure to save an ailing Queen with the help of his animal companions.

The story itself is a combination of fantasy and a heartfelt quest. While the basic premise is simple and straightforward, it has the potential to resonate with a younger audience. Unfortunately, the movie's efforts to navigate these elements often fall short, particularly in the execution of its emotional peaks. The humor, in particular, seems to miss the mark, with a punchline involving Dolittle exploring a dragon's digestive system and pulling out bagpipes. This not only undermines the emotional weight of the scene but also creates an unintentional absurdity that can be both frustrating and disappointing for viewers who may otherwise appreciate the film's attempts at depth.

The overall score for the story is given a 4/10, reflecting its potential but also its fundamental weaknesses in delivering a coherent and emotionally impactful narrative.

Character Development and Acting

The lead character, Dr. John Dolittle, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., undergoes an emotional arc that is well-executed. His Welsh accent, while fitting the character, comes across as nuanced and believable. This performance is complemented by other human actors who give solid, though undistinguished, performances.

The animal actors, however, are the standout feature of the movie. Emma Thompson, Tom Holland, John Cena, Selena Gomez, and Rami Malek all lent their voices to various animals, and their work is nothing short of impressive. The portrayal of the gorilla as it becomes fearless is particularly well-done, illustrating growth and character arc in a way that feels genuine and impactful.

Rolling the dice with the introduction of Tommy Stubbins as Dolittle's apprentice, the character feels underdeveloped and lacks clear motivation beyond serving as a comically innocent counterpart to Dolittle. Similarly, Lady Rose's role is more passive, with her character development feeling underutilized.

In terms of acting, the combined scores for Dolittle and the voice actors give the movie a 8/10. The human cast delivers fine performances, but they are overshadowed by the incredible voice acting from the animals.

Visual Effects and Production Quality

The visual effects in 'Dolittle' are a notable highlight. The CGI that brings the animals to life, especially the dragon, is truly magnificent. The dragon's scenes are particularly impressive, with detailed and realistic movements that enhance the movie's fantastical elements. The ships and ocean scenes, also CGI, are equally well-executed, providing a rich and immersive environment for the narrative.

While there are minor imperfections, the overall visual quality of the movie is impressive and contributes significantly to the movie's overall appeal. The CGI is given a score of 9/10, reflecting the movie's strengths in this area.

Final Analysis

While 'Dolittle' has its strengths, including its impressive CGI and acting performances, these elements do not fully compensate for a generic and sometimes subpar story. The movie's humor, in particular, can detract from the otherwise potentially heartwarming and engaging plot. As a recommendation, it is suggested for children who can appreciate the whimsy and magical elements, with adults largely finding it more suitable as a gentle, family-friendly watch.

On a final score, 'Dolittle' earns a 6.5/10, highlighting its strengths in visual effects and performances while flagging its story and humor as areas that could have been more carefully crafted to enhance the overall experience.