Dr. John Dolittle has a wonderful life with a beautiful wife and two adorable daughters. One day, his childhood ability is back: to be able to talk with animals.
One of the things about Dr. Dolittle that helps raise it above kiddy-fare and give the accompanying adults a bit of amusing entertainment are the not-so-kid-targeted jokes.
Dr. Dolittle is destined to be a money maker, since kids will see the talking animals and be instantly taken in, but it is the film's utter lack of anything wholesome that causes its downfall.
The old actor's rule -- never work with animals or kids -- has never seemed more apt. The animals steal the scene from Murphy every time, and he gives it up gladly.
Slim on story and rife with scatological jokes, the film may strike a chord with pre-teens but misses for an older crowd despite some nifty effects and broad humor.
