Dolittle (2020)

My Review

Robert Downey Jr. plays “Dolittle,” the famous veterinarian who must go on a voyage to a South Pacific island to find a healing fruit which the only cure that can save the gravely ill Queen Victoria. Director Stephen Gaghan (“Syriana” 2005) employed amateurish writing, sloppy directing, and terrible performances in creating this boring zoo of a film. He co-wrote the screenplay with Dan Gregor and Doug Mand.

The cast is headed by Downey who plays the Welsh Dr. John Dolittle with a fake British accent. This is one of his worst roles ever. Co-stars include Antonio Banderas, Anthony Sheen, Jim Broadbent, Jessie Buckley, Harry Collett, and Ralph Ineson. The voice cast for animals includes Emma Thompson, Rami Malek, John Cena, Octavia Spencer, Tom Holland, Ralph Fiennes, Selena Gomez, and Will Arnett. The unwatchable “Dolittle” did have some success at the box office for Team Downey, Perfect World Pictures, and Universal Pictures.

It was nominated for six Golden Raspberry Awards – Winning one for Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off, or Sequel. Non-winners include Worst Picture, Worst Director, Worst Actor (Downey), Worst Screenplay, Worst Screen Combo (Downey and his utterly unconvincing “Welsh” accent). It was filmed in England and Wales, UK.