Darcie 
Overall, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a lot of fun. In the words of the six-year-old I took to the screening, ‘it’s the best film ever.’
As the October half-term nears in the UK, Dreamworks’ latest release, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, is the perfect film for some half-term fun. The film is based on the popular Netflix series that captured the attention and imagination of kids across the world. With all that success, it is time for Gabby to make her silver screen debut. The film is sure to be a hit with the kids! Read on for my full review (some minor spoilers ahead).
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a cute watch that celebrates girlhood and creativity. The film will inspire children to dream, imagine, and most importantly, play. This is a message that children today need, given the focus on digital games instead of creating stories with physical toys.
REVIEW
The narrative is unexpected, but surprisingly great fun. The film centres on a rescue mission. While key messaging is woven throughout, it doesn’t stop the movie from feeling like a fun adventure. When Gabby (Lila Lockhart Kraner) goes to stay with her Grandmother, Gigi (Gloria Estefan), she loses her dollhouse. The magical dollhouse ends up in the hands of cat-lover and incredibly camp, almost villainous, Vera (Kristen Wiig). Gabby sets off on a mission to rescue the dollhouse and its Kitty inhabitants. The film takes a few unexpected turns. However, for adult viewers, it does feel relatively predictable. But Adults are not the target audience for the film.
It manages to stay engaging for the most part despite its 90-plus minute runtime. This is quite a long time for children to sit and pay attention. To keep viewers’ attention, the film actively asks its young viewers to engage with the film. Gabby and several other characters address the audience throughout, asking questions that will have children shouting at the screen. For those who have cat ears, make sure to take them to the cinema with you. You may just need them to help Gabby save the day! These interactive elements felt refreshing, unlike anything we’ve seen for a while.
VERDICT
Overall, Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is a lot of fun, and in the words of the six-year-old I took to the screening, ‘it’s the best film ever.’ There is no denying that this film is for young viewers, but they are guaranteed to have a fantastic time! At the end of our screening, the children had an impromptu dance party, which really sums up just how much fun Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is—a pure example of girlhood, creativity, and imagination.
Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie is playing in cinemas everywhere now.
Darcie Gray is the Fashion Editor of The Future of the Force. Aside from being a passionate Star Wars fan, she loves every genre of movies and she channels her passion for film into her personal blog Just Another Film Blog. Follow her on Twitter where she shares her love of film regularly.
