Can a circus bear save a forest from developers in this 2001 comedy sequel?
In short: In the 2001 sequel Dr. Dolittle 2, the famous veterinarian faces a new challenge: protecting a forest from logging by introducing an endangered bear species. To succeed, he must transform a pampered circus bear into a wild animal capable of winning a mate and saving the habitat from destruction.
Released on June 22, 2001, Dr. Dolittle 2 follows Dr. John Dolittle, played by Eddie Murphy, as he attempts to stop a logging project led by Joseph Potter. The plot hinges on a legal loophole: if an endangered species inhabits the forest, the land cannot be developed. Dolittle enlists Archie, a circus-performing Pacific western bear, to mate with Ava, a lone female bear living in the threatened area. The film marks the final time Eddie Murphy starred in the lead role for the franchise, with Kyla Pratt later taking over in 2006.
The production faced mixed critical reception, holding a 41% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 49 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics like Roger Ebert described it as a cute and good-hearted film, while others criticized its reliance on toilet humor. Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $176 million worldwide against a $70 million budget. Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore were more favorable, awarding the film a B+ grade.
Beyond the narrative, the film's soundtrack featured a collection of hip-hop and R&B tracks, peaking at 76 on the Billboard 200. The film also features a notable subplot where Dolittle's daughter, Charisse, discovers she shares her father's ability to communicate with animals. This gift becomes crucial during the climax, as the animals organize a global strike to pressure the developers, ultimately forcing Potter to negotiate and saving the forest near San Francisco.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Dr. Dolittle 2
- Also: Wikidata — Dr. Dolittle 2 · CC0
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