Opened: January 17, 2020

Directed by: Stephen Gaghan

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Harry Collett, Antonio Banderas, Michael Sheen, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Buckley, Carmel Laniado, Kasia Smutniak, Ralph Ineson, Joanna Page, Sonny Ashbourne Serkis, Elliot Banes-Worrell, Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Kumail Nanjiani, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holland, Craig Robinson, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, Marion Cotillard, Frances de la Tour, Jason Mantzoukas, Nick A. Fisher, Tim Treloar, Jim Carretta, Anjani Bow, Kelly Stables, Scott Menville, David Sheinkopf & Will Arnett

Dolittle has the potential to be the start of a great family series, but its messy story and flat humor make this film stop before it gets started.

Dr. Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.) returns to the world when Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls ill. Along with his apprentice Tommy (Harry Collett), Dolittle must travel the seas to collect a fruit from the rare Eden Tree to restore the queen’s health.

The many animals in the film are voiced by some of the biggest names in the industry and while they do well, it feels like each animal was written separately with the hopes of them fitting together. However, Rami Malek shines above all as the often-nervous gorilla Chee-Chee.

Similarly, the adventure never reaches the level of grandiosity that it easily should.

Final say: A stronger story would’ve been beneficial. ★★☆☆☆