January is not starting off too bad concidering the movie studios all try their hand at number one for opening weekend with little competition. Like a Boss did fairly well but will get bumped due to numerous releases. With that said and to keep this review in check, there is another remake/redoo of a family themed film that first dates back to the 1960’s that stared Rex Harrison as the lead character in Dr. Dolittle.
This most recent adventure stars Robert Downey Jr. out of Iron-Man mode as a veterinarian who can communicate with animals. Doctor John Dolittle sits alone in his estate with his CGI pets morning the death of his wife who died searching for a magic cure for the ailing Queen of England. He was perfectly content being a recluse when a young boy (Harry Collett) stumbles across his compound asking for help with a wounded squirrel, Dolittle and his mates come to the rescue then the film finally takes off. However, the doctor is on a mission across seas to make the Queen all better with all the critters in tow. He can speak the animals’ language and once you get used to his accent it gets fun. You know the rest of the story during it’s previous visits. The ending is weak but it’s a family affair with delightful voices supplied by Tom Holland, John Cena, Ralph Fiennes, Antonio Banderas and honorable mention to Emma Thompson (Last Christmas).
All-in-all director Stephen Gaghan’s film is a nice first-of-the-year fill-in but ends up messy. The movie is released by Universal and opens wide Jan. 17, 2020. 2 1/2 stars
