The Malaysian press screening of Dolittle is tomorrow, a couple of days before the film opens wide in the nation. However, film critics in the US have already gotten the chance to catch the movie and holy sh*t, the reviews that have flowed in so far suggest a complete misfire. Critics have called the film an “aesthetic chaos,” “terrible” and “lifeless.” It currently has a shocking 19% on Rotten Tomatoes with an average rating of 4.18/10.
Critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes:
Dolittle may be enough to entertain very young viewers, but they deserve better than this rote adaptation’s jumbled story and stale humor.
Not going to lie, I’m still looking forward to this film, mainly for Robert Downey Jr. The man hasn’t been the leading man in anything outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe since 2014’s The Judge. At this point, I’m certain that RDJ doesn’t just play Tony Stark, he literally is Tony Stark, so it’ll be interesting to see him try and convince us otherwise.
Check out some excerpts from international reviews:
Some people aren’t suited for the opportunities that are presented to them, but – at least in its own chimeric way – no one can say that Dolittle fails to defy expectations. – David Ehrlich, IndieWire
If the muddled plot and aesthetic chaos of Dolittle leaves a bitter taste in your mouth, seek the antidote – an episode of Planet Earth. – Lara Zarum, Globe and Mail.
Dolittle is a not a film. Dolittle is a crime scene in need of forensic analysis. Something happened here. Something terrible. Something inexplicable. – Scott Tobias, NPR
Official synopsis:
After losing his wife seven years earlier, the eccentric Dr. John Dolittle (Downey), famed doctor and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, hermits himself away behind the high walls of Dolittle Manor with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company. But when the young queen (Jessie Buckley, Wild Rose) falls gravely ill, a reluctant Dolittle is forced to set sail on an epic adventure to a mythical island in search of a cure, regaining his wit and courage as he crosses old adversaries and discovers wondrous creatures.
The film is directed by Stephen Gaghan, who previously helmed the mediocre Matthew McConaughey film, Gold.
Dolittle hits Malaysian cinemas 23 January 2020.
