Add
yet another lousy remake to a year full of them. If Lost in Space wasn't bad enough
(it ranks as one of the worst films I've ever seen), check out this poor excuse
for a movie, that takes it's title from the wonderfully enchanting Rex Harrison
musical. Sadly, that's all it takes. This contemporary Doolittle substitutes bathroom
humor for charm.
Eddie
Murphy plays the title character, a busy family man who, (if you've seen the original
you'll know) discovers that he can talk to animals. Before he knows it, he finds
himself assisting a large variety of clientele.
Dr.
Doolittle, as directed by Betty Thomas, who made the hilarious Private Parts--boasts
a huge cast of cameo voices including; Chris Rock, Albert Brooks, and Julie Kavner.
None of these are all that memorable. The only voice that offers much of anything
is Norm McDonald as a lovable stray mutt. He offers an occasional witty line.
The
problem with Dr. Doolittle, is that it doesn't provide enough laughs. And it certainly
lacks the originality that made pictures like Look Who's Talking work. Even Eddie
Murphy is wasted in what could have been a pretty enjoyable film. Instead, we
get a film full of stupid bathroom jokes, that make a running time of less than
an hour and a half seem like an eternity.
