The Literature Network - `Dolittle' does little as a comedy.(Metropolitan Times)(Arts & Entertainment)(Movies)

`Dolittle' does little as a comedy.(Metropolitan Times)(Arts & Entertainment)(Movies)

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From: The Washington Times
Date: 19980626
Author:Arnold, Gary

Maybe Hugh Lofting's "Dr. Dolittle" stories are not well-suited to movie reincarnation. The 1967 musical adaptation that tried to be faithful to the source material proved a fiasco for Rex Harrison and an ordeal for family audiences.

The Eddie Murphy update does not try to be faithful in the slightest. It also is a botch, coarsely facetious and trifling in ways that do very little for either the star or trick effects.

Devoted but demanding fans should feel a keen letdown after Mr. Murphy's phenomenal set of comic impersonations in "The Nutty Professor."

An ...

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