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| A scene from the fantasy adventure film "Dolittle" / Courtesy of Universal Pictures |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Fantasy adventure film "Dolittle" has dominated the local box office for three consecutive days since its Jan. 8 premiere.
It saw 107,986 in ticket sales on the opening day, and had accumulated 210,915 as of Thursday.
"Dolittle just opened in its first market on earth. Guess what? Korea. No.1…also opened at No.1. Together we can do anything. Grab a friend or a family member, it's a great movie…Korea is the best," Robert Downey Jr., who plays Dr. John Dolittle, said in a video posted on Instagram.
Directed by Stephan Gaghan, the film revolves around Dolittle, a famed doctor and veterinarian with the ability to talk to animals, embarking on an adventure in search of the Eden tree in a bid to find a cure to save a young queen who falls gravely ill.
Based on Hugh Lofting's book "The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle," the story opens at a point where Dolittle is hding away behind the high walls of the Doolittle Mansion after losing his wife, with only his menagerie of exotic animals for company.
The plot develops as the doctor sets sail on his epic adventure with his young, self-appointed apprentice, Tommy Stubbins (played by Harry Collett), and animal friends, including an anxious gorilla Chee-Chee (Rami Malek), an enthusiastic duck Dab-Dab (Octavia Spencer) and a headstrong parrot Poly (Emma Thompson).
The film traces how Dolittle regains his wit and courage as his journey proceeds.
The most remarkable thing about "Dolittle" is how it displays a different side of Downey Jr. The Hollywood actor pulls off a Welsh accent for the role and works with CGI animals, although they are all voiced by A-listed actors.
"Dolittle" brings back Downey Jr.'s charms that he has shown through the character of Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, displaying the similar whimsical, amiable personality.
Aside from starring in the film, Downey Jr. also was involved as an executive producer.
The film is filled with stunning visuals, bright colors and a wide array of animal friends that appear as a visual delight for viewers.
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| Poster for "Dolittle" / Courtesy of Universal Pictures |
The presence of a dragon may be a bit too odd for some viewers, but it is bearable.
One thing that "Dolittle" has to clarify, however, is that it is not a Disney film.
Its press kit and marketing references the involvement of producers Joe Roth and Sarah Bradshaw, positioned as being "from the producers of Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent," both Disney releases.
The film should do well even without riding the waves of public affection from Marvel and Disney fans.
