Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Simple
- Violence
- Mild
- whimsical
- witty
- colorful
- family movie night
- children's afternoon
What critics said
Critics broadly found the lavish adaptation to be a jumbled, formulaic family adventure weakened by stale humor and frenetic execution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Dr. John Dolittle's defining ability is communicating with animals, who accompany him throughout the healing quest.
The central adventure sends Dolittle and his animal companions to a mysterious island to find a healing tree for Queen Victoria.
Buckingham Palace, sea voyages, mysterious islands, and talking animals combine into a heightened Victorian adventure world.
Dolittle's beloved animals, including Chee-Chee, are central companions whose personalities supply the film's comic energy.
Films like Dolittle, and why
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
family fantasy adventure centered on a young protagonist, eccentric adults, and a colorful ensemble of talking animals
The Muppet Christmas Carol
lighthearted Victorian-era fantasy adventure involving an eccentric hero, magical creatures, and a dangerous voyage
The Jungle Book
family-friendly animal fantasy combining comic banter, a quest narrative, and a large voice-cast ensemble
Movie Details
- Director
- Stephen Gaghan
- Release Date
- 2020-01-02
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 6.6 / 10 (3963)
Cast
- Robert Downey Jr.
- Harry Collett
- Michael Sheen
- Jim Broadbent
- Antonio Banderas
- Rami Malek
- Jessie Buckley
- Emma Thompson
- John Cena
- Kumail Nanjiani
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Dolittle about?
- A grieving Victorian veterinarian must leave his isolation behind and lead a motley animal crew on a fantastical mission to save Queen Victoria.
- What is Dolittle like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Dolittle as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as simple.
- Is Dolittle violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Dolittle as mild.
- What did critics think of Dolittle?
- Critics broadly found the lavish adaptation to be a jumbled, formulaic family adventure weakened by stale humor and frenetic execution.
- Which films are like Dolittle?
- Films with a similar feel include The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Muppet Christmas Carol, and The Jungle Book.
- How long is Dolittle?
- Dolittle runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Dolittle?
- In United States, Dolittle is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
