Insight
There is an old saying in the acting profession "never work with kids or animals" and in the case of Dr Dolittle 2 its the animals and the good doctors kid that steal the show. Definately one for the whole family Dr Dolittle is sure to keep the kids entertained and adults should find it pretty good going too. There are two strong point to make about the second in the "doctor series". The first is that it proclaims a timely and strong environmental message to viewers that focuss's on the wanton destruction of forests. No not just in the Amazon and Africa, but everywhere. Even on home soil. Combined with the modern education system this will keep kids aware [as well as adults] that its a shrinking world for all the animals and wildlife as a whole. The second point I liked about the doctor is just that, the good doctor! It shows just how versatile Eddie Murphy is and how far he has evolved as an actor. This isn't an "over the top" performance by Murphy but it's good enough to blend in with the theme of Dr Dolittle 2 without being an over-intrussive character. But the real stars of this flick are the animals and the good doctors 16 year old daughter who has [much to the dismay of Dolittle] latched on to the local pizza boy.
So what is the plot of Dr Dolittle 2? Well it's Dolittle to the rescue when "the boss" of the forrest a beaver sends out an SOS to get the good doctor to save them from a logging company who want to tear down their home.
The story is narrated by Lucky the Dog [the family pet] and is lots of fun as Dolittle discovers that the only way to set things straight and save the forrest is to find a mate for "AVA" a Pacific Western bear who is the last one left in the wild. Enter "ARCHIE" a brash, silly, circus bear who has been raised in captivity. The court agrees with Dolittles plan to teach Archie how to become a wild and amorous bear and not only recreate a bear population, but also save all the animals from a terrible fate. But first Archie must woo and win the heart of Ava!
Can Dolittle save the day? Will Archie and Ava find true love. Will the forrest be saved? Will there be a happy ending? The answers to these questions are waiting to be discovered in Dr Dolittle 2.
The Critics
"Fun and educational for the kids."
Ross Anthony HOLLYWOOD REPORT CARD
"The animals are adorable. The story is fairly easy to grasp. That is enough for any six year old."
Liz Braun TORONTO SUN
"Dr. Dolittle 2 has been worth the wait."
Nancy Churnin DALLAS MORNING NEWS
"Dr. Dolittle 2 is for kids and for the kid in us."
Robin Clifford REELING REVIEWS
"A humorous, if somewhat slight and trivial, comedy."
Michael Elliott MOVIE PARABLES
"Eddie Murphy delivers, as do the effects crew, but "Dr. Dolittle 2" is clearly for the kiddies." Laura Clifford REELING REVIEWS
"Overall it's a funny film."
Frank Lovece TV GUIDE'S MOVIE GUIDE
"Even with its flaws, Dr. Dolittle 2 is a decent matinee movie for the kiddies."
Max Messier FILMCRITIC.COM
The Verdict
Provides enough laughs to keep the kids interested and is certainly good family entertainment ... RATED PG
The Cast
Eddie Murphy .... Dr. Dolittle
Kristen Wilson .... Lisa Dolittle
Raven-Symone .... Charisse Dolittle
Kyla Pratt .... Maya Dolittle
Lil' Zane .... Eric
Denise Y. Dowse .... Secretary
Steve Irwin .... The Crocodile Hunter
James Avery .... Eldon
Elayn Taylor .... Eldon's Wife
Andy Richter .... Eugene Wilson
Kevin Pollak .... Jack Riley/Crocodile (voice)
Victor Raider-Wexler .... Judge
Jeffrey Jones .... Joseph Potter
Ken Hudson Campbell .... Animal Control Officer
Mark Griffin .... Logger
Directed by Steve Carr
©2001 - 20th Century Fox - All Rights Reserved