Sometimes, against all odds, a sequel emerges that not only surpasses its predecessor but also stands firmly on its own merits. Doctor Dolittle 2 is a prime example of this rare and delightful phenomenon. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill summer movie sequel; it’s a genuinely entertaining film that manages to improve upon the original in almost every aspect. Even with Norm McDonald playing a significant role, Doctor Dolittle 2 manages to be a genuinely enjoyable experience.
Picking up a few years after the first movie, we find Dr. John Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) fully embracing his unique ability to communicate with animals. He’s successfully integrated his extraordinary talent into his bustling medical practice, creating a unique blend of human and animal healthcare. However, his eldest daughter, Charisse (Raven-Symone), is less than thrilled with the constant animal antics disrupting her teenage life. The chaos of living with a father who talks to animals is starting to wear thin on her.
Eddie Murphy as Dr. Dolittle bewildered by animal chaos in Doctor Dolittle 2
Just as Dr. Dolittle attempts to smooth things over with a family trip to Europe after a rat-induced birthday cake disaster for Charisse, nature intervenes. He’s approached by a delegation from the local wildlife community, led by the imposing Possum (voiced by Isaac Hayes) and the street-smart Joey the Raccoon (Michael Rapaport). They urgently need Dr. Dolittle’s help to prevent a logging company from destroying their forest home. Fortunately, Dolittle’s wife, Lisa (Kristen Wilson), a lawyer, steps in, devising a legal strategy to halt the logging. The plan hinges on a clever environmental loophole: if Dr. Dolittle can successfully help Archie (Steve Zahn), a circus-trained bear, adapt to the wild and mate with Ava (Lisa Kudrow), a wild bear, they can protect the forest as the habitat of an endangered species. Believe it or not, the logic works within the whimsical world of Doctor Dolittle 2.
Europe is off, and the Dolittle family, along with their sardonic dog Lucky (voiced by Norm McDonald), who narrates their escapades with dry wit, head to the forest. The mission: to transform Archie from a pampered performer into a wilderness Romeo. The training montage begins, but Archie proves to be a challenging student. He’s more comfortable belting out Gloria Gaynor than embracing his inner bear. Ava, unimpressed by Archie’s city-slicker ways and theatrical tendencies, bluntly labels him a “dork.” The fate of the forest, and Archie’s love life, hangs in the balance.
While Doctor Dolittle 2 isn’t aiming for cinematic masterpiece status, it commendably captures more of the whimsical spirit of Hugh Lofting’s original Doctor Dolittle stories than its predecessor. While the first film heavily focused on somewhat saccharine family dynamics, relegating the animal communication to a mere gimmick, Doctor Dolittle 2 wisely shifts the spotlight to the animal kingdom itself. The family subplot still feels a touch formulaic, but these scenes are kept brief and serve primarily to move the animal-centric narrative forward. Structurally, Doctor Dolittle 2 is well-paced, particularly notable for having a genuinely satisfying third act, a rarity in many family comedies. The film progresses smoothly, concludes effectively, and leaves the audience open to the possibility of future installments in the Doctor Dolittle saga. While the humor occasionally dips into lowbrow territory, with its share of toilet jokes, it’s forgivable within the context of a movie about talking animals, and often lands effectively with the target audience.
The voice casting for the animal characters is a particular strength of Doctor Dolittle 2. Isaac Hayes delivers a surprisingly nuanced and humorous performance as Possum, and Steve Zahn is perfectly cast as Archie, the showbiz bear struggling to shed his performing persona. Andy Dick’s cameo as a weasel is inspired; the comedic actor and the weasel’s inherent characteristics align seamlessly. For keen-eared comedy fans, keep an ear out for several voices familiar from Mr. Show, adding another layer of comedic talent to the animal ensemble.
Steve Zahn voicing Archie the bear alongside Lisa Kudrow voicing Ava in Doctor Dolittle 2
Ultimately, Eddie Murphy remains the anchor of the film. While seeing the once edgy comedian in a fatherly role might initially feel a bit unexpected, Murphy embodies the caring and slightly bewildered dad convincingly. However, the script cleverly allows glimpses of his classic comedic persona to shine through in his interactions with the animals. Moments of the fast-talking, witty Eddie Murphy emerge, reminding audiences of his enduring comedic talent and subtly highlighting his influence on contemporary comedians like Chris Tucker.
The supporting human cast, however, is less impactful. While Raven-Symone takes a more central role as the older daughter, Charisse, her character arc largely revolves around teenage angst. The younger daughter, played by Kyla Pratt, has significantly less screen time and a less defined role compared to the first film. The family dynamic, while present, doesn’t offer any particularly fresh or engaging material. Kevin Pollak and Jeffrey Jones portray the logging company villains with adequate, if somewhat stereotypical, comedic villainy. Andy Richter makes a memorable, albeit brief, appearance as a hapless zookeeper, proving to be funnier than anticipated and showcasing his potential as a character actor.
In conclusion, Doctor Dolittle 2 is a surprisingly successful sequel that delivers genuine laughs and entertainment for both children and adults. Fox and Eddie Murphy might well have stumbled upon a lasting family-friendly franchise with this installment. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, fun movie with talking animals and a heartwarming environmental message, Doctor Dolittle 2 is definitely worth a watch. And yes, the Andy Dick/weasel casting is still strangely, and hilariously, perfect.
