This fantasy comedy update of the 1967 musical starred Eddie Murphy as San Francisco doctor John Dolittle, whose life is turned upside down when a head injury reactivates a long-dormant ability to talk with animals.
Following the success of The Nutty Professor(1996) – yet another remake – Eddie Murphy completed his transformation from foul-mouthed, fast-talking comic to all-round family entertainer with this, the UK’s second-highest-grossing film in 1998 (after Titanic).
Cue lots of juvenile gags from a host of guest voices (Garry Shandling, Albert Brooks, Ellen DeGeneres), while the likes of Ossie Davis and Oliver Platt look on bemused.
Betty Thomas directs proficiently, but Rex Harrison must be turning in his grave.
Dr John Dolittle
Eddie Murphy Archer Dolittle
Ossie Davis Dr Mark Weller
Oliver Platt Calloway
Peter Boyle Dr Gene Reiss
Richard Schiff Lisa
Kristen Wilson Dr Fish
Jeffrey Tambor Maya
Kyla Pratt Tiger
Albert Brooks Rodney
Chris Rock Female Pigeon
Julie Kavner Male Pigeon
Garry Shandling Prologue Dog
Ellen DeGeneres Owl
Jenna Elfman Racoon
Paul Reubens Baby Tiger
Jonathan Lipnicki
Director
Betty Thomas
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