Dolittle

After seven years of grieving his wife, Dr. John Dolittle has shut himself off from London life, living inside Dolittle Manor with a talkative collection of exotic animals as his only companions. When Queen Victoria falls ill, the famed veterinarian is drawn out of seclusion and compelled to cross the seas, following clues that lead to a legendary island where a cure might be found. Along the way he reunites with a stubborn young ally and faces old enemies, and the trip pushes him to face past fears while rediscovering courage and humor. The plot keeps the film's surprises intact and focuses on family-friendly spectacle rather than dark turns.

Released in 2020, Dolittle was directed by Stephen Gaghan and adapts characters created by Hugh Lofting, with screenplay contributions from Dan Gregor and Doug Mand. The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as the eccentric doctor, supported by a large ensemble voice cast.

The movie opened to mixed ticket sales and didn't match the optimistic box office expectations set by its star power and production scale. While it drew family audiences in some markets, overall performance was seen as underwhelming by industry observers.

Dolittle sparked a lot of online conversation about its visual choices and tone, and the array of CGI animals became the film's most talked-about element. Robert Downey Jr.'s turn as a family-oriented adventure lead also attracted attention, since it contrasted with his more familiar, edgier roles. The film's behind-the-scenes chatter and memes kept it visible in pop culture for a time.

Critics were divided on Dolittle, and audience reactions trended mixed as well, reflected in its middling vote average. Reviewers pointed to bright production design and moments of humor, while many found the tone uneven and the storytelling scattered. The movie centers on themes of grief, companionship, and reclaiming purpose, and it aims to balance heart and silliness for a younger audience.