Dr. Dolittle: Tail To The Chief

Maya Dolittle, reprised by Kyla Pratt, isn’t your typical high school graduate. When looking at veterinary studies, she has talent that no one else has. She has her father’s gift to talk to animals (which we have seen in the first two movies). However, speaking with animals might be innate, but getting them to listen is a different problem.

When Maya gets rejected by her local university due to low marks and much lower performance with a group of baby animals (who were more interested in bodily functions than assisting her), she goes home embarrassed and disappointed. How can she use her ability to get herself an education when everything is not working?

Luck is on her side because she’s not the only one having a tough time. The USA President, played by Peter Coyote, is also having trouble. Bethany Gustafson said in her review, “A recent attempt to persuade an African Crown Prince (Kwesi Ameyaw) to sign a deal preserving a priceless sliver of rainforest backfired when the Chief upchucked on the dignitary’s lap—thanks to a mouthful of bad oysters.”

Now, with only eight days left, the President decides a different attempt. He just needs to win over the Prince by winning over the Prince’s daughter. The best way to do that is have her spend time with a cute puppy. The only problem with that is that the White House only has one dog, and she’s recently forgotten everything she learned in obedience school.

Gustafson said, “In desperation, America turns to the ultimate in animal whispering accomplishments; the Dolittle family, and Maya jumps at the chance like a dog to a bone. No university is going to turn down a girl who has “saved the country” on her resume.”

However, preventing a large problem is easier said than done. Gustafson said, “Daisy, (voiced by Jennifer Coolidge) the “First Dog” is on a canine rampage, backed by her exotic friends who will use any weapon they can get their paws and claws on (including garbage and animal droppings). With time running out, Maya begins to wonder if this critter catastrophe may be more than even a Dolittle can handle.”

For parents, a major worry would be including some bathroom humor, horrible antics and small teenage rebellion. However, the film’s message of solving problems through communication and valuing family can still make “Dr. Dolittle: Tail To The Chief,” released in 2008, a recommended movie.

This is another harmless movie for families to watch. Even though it may not be good for everyone, but I personally had no issue with it. The lesson at the end is a good one for everyone to learn and one that is probably needed for kids to learn. Check it out and give it a chance.

Look out next week for the finale of “Dr. Dolittle Month.”