Doctor Dolittle (1998)

Doctor Dolittle (1998)

6/10

Starring

Eddie Murphy

Ossie Davis

Oliver Platt

Directed by Betty Thomas

There was a time back in the 90s and I believe the early 2000s where Eddie Murphy could do no wrong. This movie is one of those could do no wrong performances. The thing is, I had to go back and watch the Doctor Dolittle from 1998—you know, the Eddie Murphy one that was actually good and funny, unlike Dolittle (2020). This version, made twenty-two years earlier, is head and shoulders better than the 2020 remake.

The movie is packed with standout moments, from young John smelling his principal’s butt to a priest performing an exorcism on him. Then, when he’s older (now played by Eddie Murphy), we see a dog insult him for being a bad driver, his home suddenly filled with animals, and the infamous tiger incident in public. So many memorable things happen in this movie that made it amazing to watch back then—and even now.

Eddie Murphy’s talent shines through from the moment he appears on screen. The puppeteering and effects also deliver the perfect vibe to make this movie enjoyable. Inspired by the series of children’s stories by Hugh Lofting, the film is well-directed by Betty Thomas, who also directed the Eddie Murphy and Owen Wilson movie I Spy (2002).

The plot introduces us to a young John Dolittle, who talks to his dog. His father does everything he can to stop this behavior, and John grows up to become a successful doctor (not a vet) with a thriving practice and two close friends. He’s also married with two daughters, but something feels off. He’s not struggling, but it’s clear he feels out of place, like something’s missing in his life.

Everything changes when he almost hits a dog with his car and swears he hears the dog call him a “bonehead.” That single incident triggers something. The next day, during a meeting, John starts hearing all the animals around him talk. He thinks he’s having a meltdown and seeks help, but nothing makes it go away. From there, the movie shifts gears as we watch John deal with his newfound gift.

The film wasn’t a critical success, but it was a commercial hit, leading to a theatrical sequel and three spin-offs. Murphy reprised his role in the second movie. Personally, I prefer this version to the new one released in 2020. The good news is that the new Dolittle is doing so poorly that there likely won’t be a second part to that nonsense.