“Doctor Dolittle 2” revisits the world of talking animals with Eddie Murphy at the helm, delivering a family comedy that largely meets expectations, albeit with a few crude moments. While aiming for lighthearted entertainment and a touch of environmental messaging, the film treads familiar ground, offering predictable laughs and a somewhat thin plot.
The storyline centers around Dr. John Dolittle’s mission to save a group of endangered bears. This noble cause becomes the backdrop for a series of comedic situations, primarily driven by the talking animals voiced by a cast of celebrity talents. Steve Zahn stands out as the voice of Archie, a bear accustomed to circus life who must embrace his wild instincts to help his species. Zahn’s performance injects humor into Archie’s fish-out-of-water journey as he learns to hibernate and fish, guided by his love interest, voiced by Lisa Kudrow. Michael Rapaport adds to the animal ensemble as a raccoon entangled in some alleged animal “mafia” antics, providing further comedic relief.
Parallel to the bear conservation plot, the movie explores the coming-of-age experiences of Dolittle’s daughter, played by Raven-Symone. As she navigates adolescence and teenage romance with her boyfriend (Lil’ Zane), her father grapples with typical parental anxieties. This subplot, while relatable, feels somewhat obligatory and functions mainly as filler to extend the movie’s runtime. It’s a familiar narrative thread that doesn’t quite integrate seamlessly with the main animal-centric plot.
Eddie Murphy, in this PG-rated venture, continues his foray into family-friendly projects, similar to “Shrek” and his earlier voice work in “Mulan.” While known for his more adult-oriented comedy, Murphy demonstrates his versatility by adopting a more subdued, straight-man role in “Doctor Dolittle 2.” Despite the constraints of a cleaner comedic style, he still manages to deliver witty one-liners and showcase his comedic timing, proving that he can be funny without resorting to more explicit humor. He remains engaging even when sharing the spotlight with his animated co-stars.
Ultimately, “Doctor Dolittle 2” is a harmless and moderately entertaining film. It offers moments of genuine humor, largely thanks to the voice cast and animal antics. However, the plot is predictable, and the overall impact is somewhat forgettable. While the movie aims for laughs and a gentle environmental message, it doesn’t quite reach its full comedic potential and could have benefited from a more refined script. Parents may find it adequate for family viewing, while adults might find themselves seeking brief respites during its runtime. It’s a serviceable sequel that is best enjoyed as a casual viewing experience, perhaps more suitable for a home video watch than a must-see cinema event. In conclusion, “Doctor Dolittle 2” scores a respectable 6 out of 10 for delivering a passable, if not groundbreaking, family comedy.
