Written by: Jay Heilman (9/22/2025)

A Delightful Trip to the Big Screen: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie Review

As a parent who has spent many hours “getting tiny” with Gabby and her friends, I can confidently say that Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a cinematic adventure that elevates everything we love about the show to a whole new level. For our family, including my wife and two daughters, it was an absolutely entertaining and fun experience from beginning to end.

The film, a seamless and visually appealing live-action/animation hybrid, kicks off with a new chapter for Gabby (Laila Lockhart Kraner) as she heads out on a road trip with her Grandma Gigi, voiced wonderfully by the one and only Gloria Estefan. Their journey to the vibrant city of “Cat Francisco” takes an unexpected turn when Gabby’s most prized possession—her magical dollhouse—lands in the hands of an eccentric cat lady named Vera, brought to life with hilarious flair by Kristen Wiig. This premise launches Gabby, and her beloved Gabby Cats, on a daring real-world adventure to save their home and reunite their family.

What makes this movie so special is how it beautifully translates the show’s core themes of imagination, friendship, and a “growth mindset” to the big screen. The adventure is filled with catchy new songs and classic fan favorites that had the whole family humming along. Laila Lockhart Kraner is as charming as ever, and the addition of Gloria Estefan as Grandma Gigi provides a warm and loving anchor to the story. The film’s humor, from the animated antics to Kristen Wiig’s delightful villain, is perfectly pitched to entertain both kids and adults, proving you don’t have to sacrifice wit for family-friendly fun.

The visual spectacle is truly a treat. The transition between Gabby’s live-action world and the animated dollhouse is flawless, and the vibrant colors and detailed designs make every scene a feast for the eyes. It’s the kind of movie that encourages audience participation, with every “Pinch and a wiggle!” feeling like an invitation to join the fun.  The movie’s core message about the importance of imagination and play hit home for me. As a “grown-up” in my 40’s, I am living proof that you don’t have to lose that childlike perspective as an adult.

In a world filled with high-stakes animated epics, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie stands out as a joyous, low-stress, and heartfelt adventure that is a perfect choice for a family movie day. It’s a wonderful reminder that the biggest adventures often happen when you least expect them, and that family—whether by blood or by a cat-tastic friendship—is the greatest treasure of all.

4.5

Released: 9/26/2025 (Theatrically)

Running Time: 98 Minutes (DreamWorks Animation)

Rated G

Links for Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie:

Official Site

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