One of the most attentive audiences I\u2019ve seen this year probably couldn\u2019t read the credits of the movie.<\/p>\n
\u2018Gabby\u2019s Dollhouse: The Movie\u2019 (IMDb)<\/p>\n
They were too young.<\/p>\n
\u201cGabby\u2019s Dollhouse: The Movie\u201d held the attention of its little viewers \u2013 roughly between the ages of 2 and 6 \u2013 who often sang with and responded to the main character of Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) when she broke the \u201cfourth wall\u201d between the audience and the film.<\/p>\n
The movie is based on the series that has enchanted tykes since it first aired on Netflix in 2021.<\/p>\n
Gabby has magical cat ears that shrink her down to the size of the toys in her dollhouse so she can share their adventures.<\/p>\n
Gabby spends some time with her Grandma Gigi (a delightful Gloria Estefan) in Cat Francisco. That\u2019s where, because of the shenanigans of one of the toys, the beloved dollhouse takes off on its own, rolling toward its final stop where it is spotted by a villainous cat lady named Vera (Kristen Wiig,) a goofy grownup who has forgotten how to play and considers all toys collectibles.<\/p>\n
Naturally, Vera commandeers the dollhouse when she first sees it, and now it\u2019s up to the toys and Gabby to figure out how they can work together to reunite.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s a lot of music, bright colors, animation, live action, and feel-good high-jinks as Gabby and friends try to get the better of Vera.<\/p>\n
The show is recognized for its positive messages, and the movie is no exception. Does growing up mean that you stop playing? I\u2019m sure this will resonate with the grownups in the audience as well as the little ones.<\/p>\n
Not surprisingly, cat shapes adorn nearly every inch of the dollhouse \u2013 even the elevator buttons are feline in appearance. Just looking for cat shapes in the environments is fun \u2013 just check out those heels on Vera\u2019s boots!<\/p>\n
This is a rare \u201cG\u201d-rated movie, with nothing offensive for the intended audience. There\u2019s a little surprise at the end that expands the Gabby universe, which means we might be in for another treat on the big screen.<\/p>\n
3 stars<\/p>\n
Running time: One hour and 38 minutes.<\/p>\n
Rated: G, with nothing offensive for any audience.<\/p>\n
In theaters.<\/p>\n
Watch the trailer here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/i><\/p>\n