Dolittle (2020)

Dolittle (2020) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online

Dolittle (2020), directed by Stephen Gaghan and starring Robert Downey Jr., brings the beloved literary character Dr. Dolittle back to the big screen in a new adventure. Based on Hugh Lofting’s The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, the film reimagines the story of the eccentric doctor who can communicate with animals. With a star-studded cast voicing a host of animals, Dolittle aims to capture the hearts of families and children, combining whimsical charm with humor. In this review, we’ll explore whether the film lives up to expectations and provide details on where you can watch Dolittle online in the United States.

Plot Summary: A Journey to Save the Queen

Set in 19th-century England, Dolittle follows Dr. John Dolittle (Robert Downey Jr.), a reclusive veterinarian who has the extraordinary ability to speak with animals. After the tragic death of his wife, Dolittle isolates himself in his mansion with only his animal companions for company. However, his solitude is interrupted when Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley) falls gravely ill. Dolittle is summoned to Buckingham Palace, where he learns that the Queen has been poisoned and that only a rare fruit from a mythical island can save her.

Joined by a young apprentice named Tommy Stubbins (Harry Collett) and his loyal animal friends—Chee-Chee the gorilla (voiced by Rami Malek), Dab-Dab the duck (Octavia Spencer), Yoshi the polar bear (John Cena), and more—Dolittle embarks on a daring voyage to find the cure. Along the way, he faces numerous obstacles, including vengeful enemies and dangerous creatures. The adventure tests his courage and healing abilities as he rediscovers his place in the world.

Why Dolittle (2020) Is a Mixed Bag

While Dolittle had high expectations, especially with Robert Downey Jr. taking on the lead role, the film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. Here’s a breakdown of what works—and what doesn’t—in the movie:

1. Robert Downey Jr.’s Quirky Performance
   Robert Downey Jr. brings his signature charisma to the role of Dr. Dolittle, but his performance is divisive. His choice of accent and eccentric mannerisms feel out of place at times, with some viewers finding it entertaining, while others see it as overly theatrical. Downey’s chemistry with the CGI animals, however, provides the film with moments of warmth and humor, showcasing his undeniable screen presence.
2. Star-Studded Voice Cast
   One of Dolittle‘s biggest strengths is its impressive ensemble cast of voice actors. The animals are voiced by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Emma Thompson as Polynesia the parrot, Tom Holland as Jip the dog, and Rami Malek as Chee-Chee. The voice performances add personality and comedic relief, even when the script falls short. The witty exchanges between Dolittle and his animal friends are among the most enjoyable aspects of the film.
3. Family-Friendly Adventure
   Dolittle is, at its heart, a family movie with a lighthearted tone and colorful visuals. The whimsical plot, talking animals, and action sequences are designed to appeal to younger audiences. There are plenty of jokes and gags, particularly involving the animal characters, that children will find entertaining. The film’s fantasy elements, including mythical creatures and exotic locations, help create a fun, adventurous atmosphere.
4. Weak Storyline and Pacing Issues
   Despite its impressive cast and visual effects, Dolittle struggles with its storytelling. The plot feels disjointed, with pacing issues that make the film feel rushed in some parts and slow in others. The movie’s narrative lacks depth and coherence, relying heavily on CGI spectacle rather than character development or emotional engagement. As a result, the film fails to fully realize its potential, leaving both children and adults feeling unsatisfied.
5. Visual Effects and CGI
   The visual effects in Dolittle are one of its highlights, particularly the CGI animals, which are well-rendered and expressive. The animals’ interactions with Downey’s Dolittle are seamless, and the vibrant, fantastical settings—especially during the voyage to the mysterious island—add visual appeal. However, the over-reliance on CGI in some scenes detracts from the emotional core of the story.

Where to Watch Dolittle (2020) Online in America

If you’re interested in watching Dolittle, whether for family movie night or to see Robert Downey Jr.’s unique take on the character, it’s available on several streaming platforms in the U.S. Here’s where you can stream, rent, or purchase Dolittle online:

Streaming Services

1. Amazon Prime Video
   Dolittle is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video, but you’ll need to either rent or purchase the film. It’s not included with a Prime subscription, but the platform offers it on-demand.
2. Peacock
   The movie is available on Peacock. Depending on your subscription tier, you can stream the movie with ads on the free version or go ad-free with a Peacock Premium plan for $5.99 per month.
3. Hulu
   Dolittle can sometimes be found on Hulu as part of their premium streaming service. Hulu offers a wide range of family-friendly movies, and Dolittle may be included in their rotating selection.

Rental and Purchase Options

1. Amazon Prime Video
   You can rent Dolittle on Amazon Prime Video for $3.99 in HD, or purchase it for $14.99. This is a great option for on-demand viewing without a subscription.
2. Apple iTunes
   On Apple iTunes, the movie is available for rent at $3.99 and for purchase at $14.99. iTunes offers high-quality streaming and is a good choice for those using Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
   On Google Play, you can rent Dolittle for $3.99 or buy it for $14.99. Google Play offers compatibility with Android devices and Chromecast.
4. Vudu
   Vudu offers both rental and purchase options, with the rental price set at $3.99 and the purchase price at $14.99. Vudu is known for its HD streaming quality and frequent promotions.
5. YouTube Movies
   If you prefer watching through YouTube, Dolittle is available to rent for $3.99 or purchase for $14.99 on YouTube Movies. This is a convenient option for users who are already familiar with YouTube’s platform.

Conclusion

Dolittle (2020) may not have fully lived up to the high expectations set by its talented cast and classic source material, but it remains an enjoyable, lighthearted film for families. Robert Downey Jr.’s quirky performance, combined with the charming voices of a star-studded animal cast, makes it a fun, if flawed, adventure. Though the film struggles with pacing and storytelling, its whimsical world and comedic moments can still entertain younger audiences and fans of family-friendly fantasy films.

With streaming options like Peacock and rental services such as Amazon Prime Video and Google Play, Dolittle is widely accessible for anyone looking to watch a colorful, CGI-filled adventure. So, gather the family, sit back, and enjoy the animal-filled antics of Dolittle!