See more movie reviews

Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts (PG, 2009)

common sense media says

Latest sequel is surprisingly fun; good role models, too.

parents & educators say
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this straight-to-DVD film is entertaining and heartfelt family fare, reinforcing a healthy skepticism about celebrity and pushing education as a better long-term plan. The main character's dad is out of the picture on a research trip, but she has a solid relationship with her mom, and only gets in trouble when she ignores her instincts. A dog gets sick but recovers.

Educational value: The movie is intended to entertain, not educate, but kids might pick up some positive messages.
Positive messages: The main character learns lessons about the pitfalls of taking the easy way out and the false promises of celebrity. Another character learns to stand up for herself and her friends.
Positive role models: The main character and her mother have a strong relationship, and the main character is a positive female role model overall. Two characters engage in a wild Rodeo Drive shopping spree
to celebrate good news. A monkey burps repeatedly and is in a chugging contest -- but it's only
grape soda.
Violence & scariness: A slimy Hollywood agent is chased by a menagerie of justice-seeking animals, to great comic effect.
Sexy stuff: One kiss between two college-aged characters.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Shopping spree on Rodeo Drive features placement by Hermes, American Express, L'occitane, and Betsey Johnson, among other brands.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the difference between having talent and having training. Maya's family gift -- the ability to talk to animals -- only gets her so far in her goal to help animals; did that come as a surprise?
  • Someone observes that Tiffany has photo opportunities, not friends. Do you think her celebrity plays a part in that?

What's the story?

What's the story?
DR. DOOLITTLE: MILLION DOLLAR MUTTS is the third in the straight-to-DVD series leaving Dr. Doolittle himself out of the picture and featuring instead his daughter Maya (Kyla Pratt), who has inherited the family gift for talking to animals. Maya is all set to start veterinary school but balks at the thought of spending seven years studying before she can help animals. She's given a chance to make a quicker impact in the form of a reality show called Animal Talkers, in which she'll star with celebutante Tiffany Monaco (Tegan Moss). But when Maya's vision of using the show to help animals is at odds with the commercial realities of Hollywood, she has to decide how best to achieve her goal.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Each iteration of the Dr. Doolittle series has given the Maya Doolittle character a chance to mature, and in this movie she is truly a stellar role model for girls. She's smart and -- after learning from a few bad decisions -- understands why education is a priority. She is polite to everyone who she meets, human or animal, and consequently is liked by nearly everyone she encounters. She has a great relationship with her mom, and apologizes when she makes mistakes. And Pratt is a beautiful, healthy girl without being scarily thin -- something that the down-to-earth love interest Brandon (Brandon Jay McClaren) seems to appreciate.

But don't get the idea that this is a preachy or treacly film. Those positive messages are easily woven into a straightforward plot that even young kids can follow, and the funniest lines are given to the talking turtles, snakes, and dogs that are in every scene. An extended riff on Hollywood celebrities and their pets, including a tough rapper named Ridiculuz (Doron Bell) and his pet rabbit Mr. Fluffernufferman, should have even older kids laughing.

Movie themes & details

Themes
wild animals
Movie Details
Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Director: Alex Zamm
Cast: Judge Reinhold, Kyla Pratt, Tegan Moss
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release: May 19, 2009
DVD release: May 19, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: some rude humor
This review was written by Nancy Davis Kho
 
 

Review It

 

Review Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

cutepie123
teen, 18 years old
8
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (10)
cat6
kid, 8 years old
8
 
e.g. You should think twice before going with a tween!
g90
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (11) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (8)
eolmo693
parent of and 10 , 10 , 11 , 16 year old
17
 
e.g. You should think twice before going with a tween!
how i can see the movie
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (10) | read my mind (9)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Other kid-friendly family comedies
For kids who love animals
Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines