As October half term nears in the UK, Dreamwork's 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, and 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. A message which children today need, when there is so much focus on digital games rather than creating stories with physical toys.
The narrative is unexpected, but surprisingly great fun. The film centres on a rescue mission and whilst there is key messaging woven throughout it doesn't stop the film 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 villain Vera (Kristen Wig). Gabby sets off on a mission to rescue the dollhouse and its Kitty inhabitants. The film takes a few unexpected turns but for adult viewers it does feel relatively predictable. But Adults are not the target audience for the film.
The manages to stay engaging for the most part despite is 90 plus minute runtime, 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 others characters addressing the audience throughout, asking questions that will have children shouting at the screen. For those that 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.
Overall Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie is great 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, that really sums up just how much fun Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie is. A pure example of girlhood, creativity and imagination.
Thank you for reading xx
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