After coming to terms with his ability to speak with animals, Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) has become incredibly popular around the world. He guest stars on shows with Steve Irwin and runs groups for stray dogs. While his career is going wonderfully, Dolittle’s relationship with his daughter, Charisse Dolittle (Raven-Symoné) is beginning to fall apart. As that relationship is close to failing Dr. Dolittle 2 shows the titular character fighting to save Archie (Steve Zahn), a bear, and the rest of the forest from extinction and destruction respectively.
The banter that exists throughout Dr. Dolittle 2, as a result of Murphy’s comedic prowess, is far more entertaining than the previous film and the glue that holds the film together. Dr. Dolittle 2’s predecessor seemed to hold Murphy back, not allowing him to truly be himself, and the film struggled as a result. As Murphy is set free from his comedic chains, viewers are able to see him in all of his glory interacting with the other wonderfully talented individuals–including Lisa Kudrow (Ava), James Avery (Eldon), and Norm MacDonald (Lucky). As a result of what Murphy brings to the table, and his ability to connect with literally everyone else on screen, Dr. Dolittle 2 is far more entertaining than the film that came before it.
Dr. Dolittle 2 feels more cohesive than Dolittle’s previous endeavor, as it sees him on one very specific journey throughout the course of the film. I felt connected to the characters in this film as Archie and John journey through this unusual conundrum. Dr. Dolittle 2 is emotionally driven, and writer Larry Levin and director Steve Carr do a wonderful job of appealing to the audience’s emotions and pulling them into the story. Sure, the story revolves around a bunch of animals trying to save their home, but the reality is that it mirrors the real world in so many ways. It depicts a series of bullies trying to take advantage of those who are perceived as lesser individuals, and those individuals rising up with one another to prove their worth and their place in the world. The relativity that exists within Dr. Dolittle 2 is uncanny, and Levin and Carr are spectacular in their development of this film.
More important than maybe any other aspect of Dr. Dolittle 2 is the animation. Animals like Archie (the bear), Ava (the bear), and Joey the Raccoon (Michael Rappaport) are essential to the film, and without them looking legitimate the film completely fails. The CGI (computer generated images) are done so beautifully, and as a result the film plays out well and finds success.
I found this film far more entertaining than Dr. Dolittle. I felt the comedy was more Murphy-esque, the storyline was far more amusing, and the relatability of Dr. Dolittle 2 sealed the deal. Murphy shines brightly in this film and finds ways to better incorporate his usual humor into the dialogue. He’s a comic genius that needs to be set free from the restraints of family-friendly cinema, and while he still adheres to the guidelines of a PG film, he better connects with mature viewers than one may anticipate. Dr. Dolittle 2 is a success in my book, and a film that all are able to enjoy.
Directed by Steve Carr.
Written by Hugh Lofting & Larry Levin.
Starring Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wilson, Raven-Symoné, Kyla Pratt, Lil’ Zane, Kevin Pollak, Victor Raider-Wexler, Jeffrey Jones, Norm MacDonald, Steve Zahn, Lisa Kudrow, Jacob Vargas, Michael Rappaport, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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