Is the 2020 Dolittle as bad as the critics say? Christian Movie Review Dolittle

This post does contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn from qualifying purchases.

Well, this movie is not as bad as Cats, but is it worth seeing? Keep reading to find out! Jack-Jack and I began to read The Story of Dr. Dolittle by Hugh Lofting at the beginning of January in anticipation of the new Dolittle movie release starring Robert Downey, Jr. The previews looked intriguing and Jack-Jack wanted to see it. We even went as far as watching Doctor Dolittle (1967) starring Rex Harrison. But, enough of that, you want to know about the 2020 film starring Robert Downey, Jr. My review of Dolittle comes from a Christian perspective, and if you want to read more about how I conduct my reviews, read My Movie Review Guidelines.

Synopsis of Dolittle (2020)

Dolittle is an eccentric doctor turned veterinarian who can talk to animals. After the death of his wife (Kasia Smutniak), he shuts himself in his estate surrounded only by animals and lives a life of total seclusion from the outside world. He is bizarre as they come.

Dolittle’s estate was given to him by the Queen of England. When the Queen (Jessie Buckley) becomes ill, she sends her chamber girl to get Dolittle. He turns her away. At the same time, a young boy named Stubbins (Harry Collett) accidentally injures a squirrel and begs Dolittle to help. Stubbins appoints himself as Dolittle’s apprentice, and the animals convince Dolittle to help the Queen because they fear they will be put out of Dolittle Manor if the Queen dies.

Dolittle embarks an epic journey across the seas in search of a cure for the Queen. He is accompanied by some of his animals and his apprentice. But the evil forces that want the Queen dead are set on a journey to stop Dolittle at all cost.

CHRISTIAN MOVIE REVIEW Dolittle: THE GOOD

While the movie diverges greatly from the book, it still was an entertaining story. The original story was written in 1920, and one would have a very difficult time adhering to the book in the present day. (And it is better than Cats).

Overall, our family enjoyed Dolittle. The CGI was better than The Lion King, however, there were still a few cheesy parts. Additionally, while the entire storyline of Dolittle is fantasy, the tale was woven into an enjoyable experience.

There was very little language in the movie, and it was fairly free of bloodshed.

The Bad – Dolittle:

In my Christian movie reviews, I always feel compelled to let my readers know of anything that anyone might object to – however, this doesn’t mean that I personally object or would not recommend a movie.

Early in the movie, a boy accidentally shots a squirrel. There are several scenes with animals fighting. Jack-Jack actually hid his eyes in some of those parts, but this is not to say the movie was overly violent. Also, remember that everything on the big screen appears larger than life and the theater speakers are loud. Some children with sensory issues will have a problem with these scenes.

There are animals fighting animals, and animals fighting people (Dolittle and a tiger fight and Dolittle is scratched across the face). You do see a minor amount of blood. There is also a scene where a man holds a sword up to Dolittle’s face, and another scene where Dolittle and his band of animals face a squadron with guns. A ship is blown up and dynamite is used to create a distraction.

Language:

The word d-mn is used, as is the phrase “By god.”

While I mentioned there are very few instances of language in this film, there is still a bit of “rude” humor such as “dogs prefer the smell of butt,” and “Hit him in the low area down there.” References to animal testicles – “my Barry (the animal’s name) berries.”

Furthermore, a whale raises his fin and another whale says, “I can’t believe you’re flipping him off.”

Odd Scenes: A dog wipes his butt across the floor to mark an area.

An animal has a colon impaction – something is stuck in the colon. I have both a sister and brother who are veterinarians, have worked in a vet’s office, and have seen vets perform all sorts of medical procedures. Additionally, our family has been watching The Incredible Dr. Pol. I knew exactly what was coming. While everything is done is not close up, multiple items are removed from the animal’s colon. After the items are removed, the animal releases the wind.

There is another scene where Dolittle prays in front of his wife’s photo. There is a candle that is lit, and it appears that he has built a small shrine.

Positive Messages in Dolittle:

Dolittle learns that he needs people. Early in the movie, he says, ”If you let humans get too close, you will get hurt.” This is a true statement. However, you will never know love. Dolittle begins to let his guard down during the movie to help others. Eventually, he learns that “It’s only by helping others that we can truly help ourselves.”

Other Messages to discuss with your children:

Dolittle goes in search of the Eden Tree. This tree is heavily guarded by a dragon. Use God’s story in Genesis to talk to your children about the Garden of Eden, and how it is guarded by God’s angels. Also discuss Angels – they do not always have the angelic appearance that we think of. Warrior angels guarding Eden will certainly be fierce. What do you think they look like?

Genesis 3:23-24 says, “Therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man, and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.”

It is clear throughout the movie that Dolittle was different all of his life. After losing his wife, who clearly understood him, it is difficult for him to trust humans. Most people do not understand his quirkiness or his unique skill sets. Use this to teach your children that just because someone’s brain works differently or they see the world through a different lens this doesn’t mean that they are not “right” or worthy of listening to.

ADDITIONAL NOTE:

Many of Dolittle’s animals from the book appear in the film, however, there are some animals that are missing such as the pushmi-pullyu. Polynesia, the parrot, is named Polly.

 

RECOMMENDATIONS on Viewing Dolittle:

While this movie will not win any awards, it was entertaining. I would recommend it for ages 8 and up. Some children may have a hard time with some of the fight scenes in the movie.

Recently, my children saw Cats. My 17-year old son, Marcus, said, “It was better than Cats.” He also stated that if you like Robert Downey, Jr. you will probably like this movie. It definitely was not as bad as the critics say. 

Overall, the movie is fun and quirky. While I know of no character like Dolittle, I do know people who prefer to spend their time taking care of animals. Celebrating the uniqueness of others is something that should be taught to all.