DOOLITTLE

Polly doesn't ask for a cracker Everybody has something to contribute Fins, Feathers, Fangs, and Hooves maybe the armor but underneath is a thinking and feeling being/soul to be respected and not to be exploited by humans. Instincts and no brains. In this type of animal world, the narrative of "what does it take" to accepting personal grief when loss overwhelms. Placing your attention on he needs of others, human or animal...a critical healing shift happens when our hands and minds engage to help heal others. We forget our loss and pain in concentration on others. Selflessness. In the midst of a romantic estate in some 18th century type monarchy kingdom place, purpose, expectations, duty press up against each other causing friction and jealousy and forced friendships and the theme of this adventurous quest. The relaxed visuals of dandelion spores parachuting and salty zephyrs in natural vistas, not a fairy tale backdrop. Not to say "otherworldly fantasticalities do not occur, they do but naturalistically and not contrived. Pointedly, Robert Downey Jr downplays quirky and eccentricity. A matter-of-fact portrayal that makes the animation authentic life not a fantasy or curio. He's more "in here" than "out there". The animated animals are strong support and bring ample personalities instead of cartooning stereotypes. Here is a community. There is no superior ceo human bossing nature around. Coexistence, respect and they like each other. The Director Writer Stephen Gaghan painstakingly brings nuanced emotions and physical dynamics to flesh out each scene. It's not a bunch of zoo animals braying, clucking. It has great care. A child can be a child, asking sincere questions at the same time being silly. This is the magic touch on this screen. No question is a dumb question. And teamwork makes the dreams work. Adventurous, laughs, action that is appropriate for kids and if so inclined can bring even their parents. a smart savvy many layered film for all generations that has many life situations to strike up a conversation about. enjoy your crackers.