By Stephany Mandujano/Staff Writer
Inspired by the book written in the 1920s by author Hugh Lofting, the movie Dolittle, released Jan. 17, follows the unique and special journey of a British man who not only understands but also communicates with animals and makes it his goal in life to help care for them.
Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. gives life to Dr. Dolittle in the film and does an excellent job with the role. He portrays Dolittle as a recluse with a deep and sincere passion for helping all types of animals and a heart that was marked with a deep scar after the death of his beloved wife.
In an interview with BBC, Downey said that his character in the movie was inspired by a Welsh doctor that lived in Llantrisant during the 19th century. The Welsh doctor was a unique figure for his time as he considered himself a nationalist vegetarian and was constantly seen wearing bright clothing as well as a fluffy fur hat.
Dolittle has a cast of very well-known and incredibly talented actors who give a spark of liveliness to the film. They include Downey Jr., Emma Thomson (Poly), Rami Malek (Chee-Chee), Michael Sheen (Dr. Mudfly), John Cena (Yoshi), Tom Holland (Jip), Selena Gomez (Betsy), Kumail Nanjiani (Plimpton), Octavia Spencer (Dab-Dab), Harry Collet (Stubbins) and many others.
The various characters’ personalities are what brings so much joy to the film, along with the crazy situations that each of the characters gets into and the strengthening of bonds between them.
The film begins with a very well done animation that explains Dr. Dolittle’s past and why he lives the way he does. This little scene shows the beautiful relationship he held with his wife and the closeness the two shared, as well as the empty spot that her parting left in Dolittle’s heart.
The film also has many comedic moments which I enjoyed but at times felt that the film was trying too hard. The best moments, however, surrounded Kevin who was a little, paranoid, vengeance-seeking squirrel with a grudge against Stubbins, who is a curious, young boy that is considered a disappointment by his family due to him being unable to hunt animals.
My favorite scene has to be the interaction between Dolittle and King Rassouli since it seems to be an important moment where both men who have lost the most important woman in their life bond over that loss and put themselves on a definite path to healing.
Dolittle is a movie that has many laugh-inducing moments and heartwarming scenes that show the way that friends can heal deep scars in one’s heart.
That’s why I give this movie 4/5 stars.
