Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Review: A Purr-fect Leap to the Big Screen

DreamWorks brings the hit Gabby’s Dollhouse Series to cinemas.

DreamWorks Animation has boldly taken Gabby’s Dollhouse from streaming favorite to cinematic event, and the result is pure magic. Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a vibrant, heartfelt adventure that delights kids, entertains adults, and brings the whole family together in one big sprinkle party on the big screen.

The beloved preschool series, created by Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey, has been sparking imaginations since 2021. Now, the franchise takes a giant leap forward, transforming its mixed-media charm into a full-scale animated film bursting with color, joy, and laughter.

A Magical Story with Heart

In this new adventure, Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) embarks on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi (four-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan) to the dazzling city of Cat Francisco. When her cherished dollhouse is stolen by eccentric cat collector Vera (Oscar nominee Kristen Wiig), Gabby must rally her furry friends to save it.

The journey mixes real-world settings with fantastical environments, capturing the wonder of play and imagination. Each stop along the way feels like stepping into a new toy box, full of music, humor, and heartfelt lessons.

Star-Studded Cast Brings the Fun

The film’s voice cast is stacked with comedic heavyweights, including Saturday Night Live alums Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney, and Melissa Villaseñor. Thomas Lennon, Jason Mantzoukas, and Fortune Feimster also lend their voices. At the same time, the original Gabby Cats return to reprise their iconic roles as Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, and MerCat.

Kraner shines in her return as Gabby, anchoring the film with warmth and energy. Wiig’s eccentric villain, Vera, steals every scene with her offbeat charm, making her one of the most memorable characters of the movie.

Star-Studded Cast Brings the Fun

The film’s voice cast is stacked with comedic heavyweights, including Saturday Night Live alums Ego Nwodim, Kyle Mooney, and Melissa Villaseñor. Thomas Lennon, Jason Mantzoukas, and Fortune Feimster also lend their voices. At the same time, the original Gabby Cats return to reprise their iconic roles as Pandy Paws, CatRat, Cakey, DJ Catnip, Baby Box, and MerCat.

Kraner shines in her return as Gabby, anchoring the film with warmth and energy. Wiig’s eccentric villain, Vera, steals every scene with her offbeat charm, making her one of the most memorable characters of the movie.

Director Ryan Crego, who previously earned a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Arlo the Alligator Boy, helms the film with joy and confidence. His vision expands the whimsical world of Gabby’s Dollhouse into an authentic cinematic experience.

Read my full interview with director Ryan Crego here.

A Family Film We Need Now

With Ryan Crego directing and Steven Schweickart producing, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is as polished as it is joyful. The film is more than just a bigger version of the series—it’s an uplifting celebration of imagination and family. The mix of playful environments, adorable characters, and important messages about creativity and resilience will leave audiences smiling from ear to ear.

While it could have used more human characters to balance the animated cast, the film never loses its heart. It’s a bold, successful jump from small screen to big screen, proving Gabby’s Dollhouse has staying power well beyond preschoolers.

Verdict

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a purr-fect family film overflowing with joy, music, and magic. It’s fun for all sizes and a theatrical experience worth celebrating. DreamWorks has crafted a film that not only honors the spirit of the series but also elevates it into something even more special.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Catch it in theaters on September 26th.


Read more Reviews on Nerdtropolis and make sure to subscribe to our YouTube.


Discover more from Nerdtropolis - Movie News, Reviews, Interviews, and Trailers

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Sean Tajipour is the Founder and Editor of Nerdtropolis and the host of the Moviegoers Society and Reel Insights Podcast. He is also a member of the Critics Choice Association. You can follow on Twitter and Instagram @Seantaj.

Newsletter

Signup for exclusive content, epic events, and early access to advance screenings!