Dr. Dolittle: Tail To The Chief

Eddie Murphy may have long-ago hung up his suppositories but the Dolittle tales continue with the good doctor's daughter carrying on his work.

The fourth in the series and the second to centre on Kyla Pratt as the youngster who can yap with the animals, Tail To The Chief brings the gang of prattling pets back together for some straightforward family fun.

With her dad on sabbatical, Ms Dolittle (Pratt) is attempting to follow in his footsteps, discovering that her famous father casts a very long shadow indeed.

Desperate to get into university to study as a vet, Maya finds her poor grades are a barrier and must discover a way to suitably impress the academics.

Fortunately, a solution presents itself when the US President (Coyote) calls for Dr Dolittle's assistance and Maya manages to convince the Commander in Chief's staff to let her go instead.

Heading to the White House, she is informed that President Sterling's dog Daisy (voiced by Coolidge) is raising hell and it's her job to get to the bottom of the pooch's problems.

As an important conference that will decide the fate of a rain forest approaches, Maya must make sure Daisy is on her very best behaviour or risk losing the presidential commendation that will assure her a place at college.

Although adults are unlikely to remain gripped by the simplistic story and constant stream of animal poop gags, kids certainly won't quibble.

Murphy may have jumped shipped but the real stars of the series - the mouthy mammals – remain and Pratt is likable enough, despite lacking her screen dad's comic timing.

The presence of the original voice cast ensures that there is some much-needed continuity with previous installments, with Phil Proctor returning as the ever-popular Drunk Monkey and Norm MacDonald back as hangdog mutt Lucky.

Improv queen Coolidge (Stifler's mum to American Pie fans) also leaves an impression as 'crazy' Daisy, her time spent on the set of Christopher Guest's canine comedy Best In Show perhaps giving her some extra insight into doggie psychology.

With a fifth film, Dr Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts, on its way, the furry franchise shows no signs of flagging, and while Tail To The Chief may not quite recapture the animal magic of the original, it's more Pedigree Chum than dog's dinner.

Chris Prince