‘DOLITTLE’ (Rated PG)

January is typically a dumping ground for the release of films that may have limited commercial prospects, and one has to wonder if that’s the case for family-friendly “Dolittle,” which reportedly had a huge budget.

The lineage of the “Dolittle” franchise goes back to 1967 when Rex Harrison played the titular character of the reclusive doctor who could communicate with animals, followed more than 30 years later with Eddie Murphy in the role.

Robert Downey, Jr., appearing irascible and mismatched for the role, is the famed Dr. Dolittle and veterinarian of Queen Victoria’s England, living as a hermit behind the high walls of his large country estate after the death of his beloved wife who perished on a sea voyage.

Looking unkempt with his straggly beard and rumpled clothes, the withdrawn doctor lives with a menagerie of talking animals, including the parrot Polynesia (Emma Thompson) who serves as the doctor’s reliable conscience and anxious chess-playing gorilla Chee-Chee (Rami Malek).

Other oddball creatures in Dolittle’s orbit are the bird-brained duck Dab-Dab (Octavia Spencer) and the bickering duo of the neurotic ostrich Plimpton (Kumail Nanjiani) and the sun worshipper polar bear Yoshi (John Cena).

The quietude of Dolittle’s estate is cracked when Tom Stubbins (Harry Collett), an animal-loving young lad shows up seeking help for an injured squirrel he accidentally shot.

Coincidentally, at the same time, Lady Rose (Carmel Laniado), a young attendant to Queen Victoria (Jessie Buckley), arrives with an urgent request from Buckingham Palace for the doctor’s help to save the young monarch from a mysterious illness.

Apparently, the cure for the queen’s malady is the fruit of the Eden Tree, which can only be located in a journal hidden on the island of Monteverde, which is ruled by the Pirate King Rassouli (Antonio Banderas), the father of Dolittle’s late wife.

Retrieving the journal and the antidote requires setting sail with the menagerie, along with Stubbins as a stowaway, on a journey where the doctor is pursued by his nemesis, Dr. Mudfly (Michael Sheen), the queen’s deceitful personal physician.

The doctor’s mission is complicated not only by a hostile British Navy vessel commanded by Mudfly, but the ill-tempered King Rassouli, who blames him for his daughter’s death and wants to feed Dolittle to a tiger named Barry (Ralph Fiennes).

Back in England, Queen Victoria may succumb to her illness if Dolittle fails, and palace intrigue materializes with Lord Badgley (Jim Broadbent) standing in the wings eager to take the crown.

A story in the Hollywood Reporter recalls how the 1967 “Doctor Dolittle” bombed so badly that it almost bankrupted the 20th Century Fox studio. The same won’t happen to Universal Studios, but “Dolittle” may have trouble recouping its investment.

The humor of the talking animals and high seas escapades may not add up for excitement for everyone, but “Dolittle” is a passable entertainment for children at a time when so few family-oriented options are available.



‘FBI: MOST WANTED’ ON CBS

There is not a more prolific producer of television crime dramas than Dick Wolf, and now he is building on the success of “FBI,” which debuted in the fall of 2018, with “FBI: Most Wanted” on the CBS network.

During the TV critics’ winter press tour, Wolf noted that the two series are “inextricably linked, in terms of attitude, but the storytelling is very different,” and a crossover is going to happen sometime in the spring.

“FBI” Most Wanted” stars Julian McMahon as the seasoned agent Jess LaCroix, who oversees the FBI’s Fugitive Task Force, which relentlessly tracks and captures notorious criminals on the Bureau’s Most Wanted List.

The first episode established the pattern for how the highly skilled team functions as a mobile undercover unit that is always out in the field, pursuing those who are most desperate to elude the long arm of the law.

In its debut, the series runs with the hunt for a corrupt doctor pushing pills who ends up committing murder. The chase is then on across many state lines, with a few interludes of getting to know the FBI team members.

It appears the series will take time to flesh out the backstories of the squad, with Army veteran Kenny Crosby (Kellan Lutz) standing out in the first episode due in large part to his anger management issues.

In recent times, political controversy has embroiled the FBI’s top leadership, and during the press tour, Dick Wolf noted his respect for the Bureau as an “apolitical organization for 98 percent of the people who are carrying badges.”

On a refreshing note, Wolf expressed no interest in political statements, observing that to do so would only anger “either 49 or 51 percent of the audience before you start doing anything,” adding that the show is “an homage to the FBI boots on the ground.”

Wolf takes a sensible position. A crime drama series should stick to entertainment and skip polemical diatribes. Fortunately, “FBI: Most Wanted,” though much of the action is predictable, is designed to entertain.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Middletown Art Center is pleased to inform the public about two new classes that will begin the first week of February.

“Drawing People and Animals” with Emma Wakefield is geared to young people ages 7 to 17, and “Photography: Composition and Light” with Nicholas Hay is designed for adults and teens.

No previous experience is necessary for either class.

Preregistration is required at http://www.middletownartcenter.org/classes or at the art center or by mail. Additional details can be found below.

“Drawing People and Animals” takes place Wednesdays beginning Feb. 5 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

There will be four sessions during the month of February. The fee is $80 for four classes or $25 drop-in. Drawing materials will be supplied. A sturdy 8.5 x 11 or 9 x 12 sketchbook is recommended but not required.

Youth ages 7 to 17 will enjoy learning from Emma Wakefield, a young published author and illustrator currently working on her second book.

Wakefield is an accomplished college art student who plans to continue the pursuit of her passion for illustration at San Francisco State University. She enjoys sharing her love of art with others and is excited to be an instructor at the Middletown Art Center.

“This is an amazing opportunity,” she said. “I have always wanted to be an art teacher ever since I was a child.”

Wakefield hopes to inspire her students and help them find their own passion for art.

“We are thrilled to support Emma’s professional development and work experience with part-time employment in her field of choice,” said MAC’s Programs Director Lisa Kaplan.

“Photography: Composition and Light” with Nicholas Hay begins Feb. 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

The class will take place every other Friday through March 20 (Feb. 7 and 21; March 6 and 20).

The cost is $100 for four two-hour sessions. Participants should bring a cell phone camera or a reflex camera. The class will have both hands-on and lecture components.

Hay’s experience with visual imagery spans painting, printmaking photography and cinematography. He is currently making art locally and has worked in the film industry in New York, Hollywood and internationally.

“Effective photography is concerned not only with an interesting subject but with the essential elements of light and composition,” said Hay. “In this class, we’ll draw upon the history of photography, and painting to illuminate the essential qualities that make an image compelling.”

The MAC is a vibrant cultural hub and non-profit dedicated to weaving the arts into the fabric of life in Lake County. Consider helping sustain local arts and culture, and MAC’s efforts by becoming a member or by subscribing to donate monthly and benefit from VIP discounts. Donations to the MAC are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

Visit www.middletownartcenter.org to learn more about exhibitions, classes, events and ways to volunteer or contribute.

MAC is located at 21456 Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29 in the heart of Middletown.

Gallery hours are Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or by appointment by calling 707-809-8118. The mailing address is P.O. Box 1616 Middletown, CA 95461, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Learn about the complicated, fascinating world of sustainable seafood this Friday, Jan. 24, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Middletown Art Center.

The evening will feature a screening of "Of the Sea" an award-winning feature documentary by TrimTab Media, about California commercial fisheries.

A trailer from "Ghost Fleet," a recently completed documentary film about slavery on Thai fishing boats will also be screened.

Following the screening will be a panel discussion about local seafood and fisheries policies with “Of The Sea” filmmaker Mischa Hedges and Journalist and former commercial fisherwoman Maria Finn.

This informative event is free to the public.

Both films explore the long-chain seafood often goes through to reach our plates and why it’s important to buy domestic seafood.

The United States currently imports 90 percent of its seafood, mostly farmed and from Asia, and exports 60 percent of our local, wild seafood.

The event hosts are Californians who brave the seas to harvest seafood, who will also discuss how the United States has some of the most sustainable seafood in the world, thanks to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act, or MSA, and why keeping that law in place is critical.

“Seafood is our last wild food,” explained Maria Finn. “In recent years, some groups in the Gulf of Mexico have sought to weaken the MSA, which would impact our fisheries nationwide. With the upcoming reauthorization of the MSA, more than ever, it needs to address climate change and how this is impacting our coastal communities. Come out and learn about seafood practices and policies.”

The event is sponsored by the Ocean Conservancy and Obsidian Wine Co. and will include light refreshments.

More information about the film can be found at https://oftheseamovie.com/.

The MAC is located at 21456 Highway 175 at the junction of Highway 29 in the heart of Middletown.

Gallery hours are Thursday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; or by appointment by calling 707-809-8118.

Visit www.middletownartcenter.org to learn more about upcoming classes, exhibitions, events and ways to support the MAC’s efforts to weave the arts and culture into the fabric of Lake County communities.

LAKEPORT, Calif. – The 1959 musical, “The Five Pennies,” starring Danny Kaye, Barbara Bel Geddes and Bob Crosby, screens at the Soper Reese Theatre on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at 1 and 6 p.m.

Entry to the film is by donation.

This biopic about the struggle for success of jazz trumpeter, Red Nichols, was nominated for several Academy Awards and includes appearances by many of the best jazz musicians of the day including Louis Armstrong.

Tuesday Weld, who plays one of Nichols’ daughters, received a Golden Globe award for most promising newcomer.

The film is solidly crafted, with one of Danny Kaye’s best performances as a man attempting to balance the promise of his musical genius with his love for and commitment to his family.

The movie is sponsored by Karen Weston. Not rated. Run time is 1 hour and 57 minutes.

The Soper Reese Theatre is located at 275 S. Main St., Lakeport, 707-263-0577, www.soperreesetheatre.com.

Poets Tom Montag and David Graham have just published a fine anthology, “Local News: Poetry About Small Towns,” from MWPH Books, P.O. Box 8, in Fairwater, Wisconsin.

Here’s one of the many poems I’ve enjoyed, by Peggy Trojan, who lives in Wisconsin.

Ms. Trojan published her first poem in 2010 at the age of 77. “All That Matters: Collected poems 2010-2018,” is her fifth book.

Noon Hour

Unless hot lunch at school
was serving something special
like corn chowder
and baking powder biscuits
or creamed chipped beef
potatoes and brownies
I went home
to what my
mother made
like most town kids

Jack walked the furthest
almost to the river
to his unpainted house
by the railroad tracks
We all knew nobody was there
his mom at the tavern already
He always came back
just in time for the bell.


American Life in Poetry does not accept unsolicited manuscripts. It is made possible by The Poetry Foundation, publisher of Poetry magazine. It is also supported by the Department of English at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Poem copyright ©2019 by Peggy Trojan, “Noon Hour,” from Local News: Poetry About Small Towns, (MWPH Books, 2019). Poem reprinted by permission of Peggy Trojan and the publisher. Introduction copyright @2019 by The Poetry Foundation. The introduction’s author, Ted Kooser, served as United States Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress from 2004-2006.

‘1917’ (Rated R)

World War I, otherwise known as the Great War, resulted in roughly 20 million deaths of military personnel and civilians. Then along came World War II as the deadliest war in human history.

Inspired by the experiences of his grandfather and others who served in World War I, director Sam Mendes brings his singular vision in “1917” to the story of two young British soldiers at the height of the war.

What is probably the most linear war film ever, “1917” tracks the dangerous journey of Lance Corporal Schofield (George MacKay) and Lance Corporal Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) across enemy territory to deliver a vital message to save the lives of 1,600 compatriots.

Unfolding over two days in April in northern France, Blake and Schofield are directed by General Erinmore (Colin Firth) to serve orders on Colonel Mackenzie (Benedict Cumberbatch), commander of the 2nd Battalion, to call off an attack on the Germans.

Failure to deliver the General’s orders is not an option for the two British soldiers, as there is no other method of communication to the front lines to warn fellow brothers-in-arms that they would be marching into a suicidal trap.

The added twist to the mission is that Blake’s older brother (Richard Madden) is a Lieutenant following Colonel Mackenzie, who is convinced that has the Germans on the run and can break through the Hindenburg Line and turn the tide of the war.

Schofield and Blake are so young, the latter even more baby-faced and not hardened to the harsh realities of violent conflict, that they seem hardly old enough even to shave and indulge in adult pursuits.

To get to the front lines of Mackenzie’s encampment, the two soldiers must run through trenches and across a no-man’s land of war-torn fields littered with the bodies of fallen soldiers and dead horses, all the while keeping their wits about them.

At least in contemporary times, films about the Second World War are more prevalent than those about the First, and “1917” aims to capture a slice of the often overlooked, if not forgotten, war that few would know was set off by a chain of events as the result of an assassination.

More than the dwelling on the landscape of brutality and destruction on the battlefield, Sam Mendes invests heavily in the saga of Blake and Schofield, infusing their perilous objective with a sense of urgency and relevance that is harrowing and haunting.

“1917” is an immersive experience, taking the viewer into a sensitive environment where you feel so connected to the two heroes that being emotionally invested in the outcome is unavoidable. In short, this tense film is brilliant.

A PREVIEW OF PBS PROGRAMS ON TV

Celebrating its 50th anniversary for public television broadcasting, PBS announced its high-profile programs at the winter television press tour, ranging from political figures to a musical legend and more.

The newest edition to American Experience’s award-winning series of presidential biographies, “George W. Bush” is a two-part look at his life and presidency.

Part one follows Bush’s unorthodox road to the White House, including his emergence as the victor of the most hotly contested election in the nation’s history and the shattering events that unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001.

The second part opens with the ensuing war in Iraq and continues through Bush’s second term, as the president confronts the devastating impact of Hurricane Katrina and the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression.

Interestingly, Great Performances present “Ann,” a portrait of Ann Richards, the legendary governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995. Written and performed by Holland Taylor, “Ann” is a filmed version of a one-woman stage play that allows the subject to shine with colorful one-liners.

Not mentioned during press interview sessions is the fact that Ann Richards, a liberal in a conservative state who served one term, was defeated for re-election by George W. Bush, who won two terms before moving up to the highest office in the land.

American Masters will present “Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool,” a Grammy-nominated film that is the definitive account of the man behind the legend, made possible by full access to the Miles Davis Estate.

The film features never-before-seen footage, including studio outtakes from recording sessions, rare photos and new interviews. Luminaries such as Quincy Jones, Carlos Santana and record producer Clive Davis weigh in on the musical visionary’s life and career.

A disturbing film with a limited theatrical release, “One Child Nation” will get well-deserved wider distribution on PBS to reveal the extreme population control measure that made it illegal for couples to have more than one child in totalitarian China.

“Expedition with Steve Backshall,” a new 10-episode series, seeks out incredible adventures with the titular explorer and naturalist who pursues inconceivable journeys by setting foot where no human has been before.

Backshall and his crew endure extreme physical challenges and encounters with extraordinary wildlife, including descending deep into the caves of the Maya underworld and kayaking the Himalayan whitewater.

Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.