The Cat in the Hat returns to theaters in an animated way, exploring new ground to connect with children and families. We of course had the Mike Meyers live-action Cat in the Hat film and many animated titles in the past, so what would this film deliver, outside of targeting a new younger audience that may be unfamiliar? Quite a lot actually, as this isn’t the same story we’ve seen before as Writer/Director’s Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja break new ground to create a film that gives all-the-feels.
Enter The Cat (voiced by Bill Hader), bowling into children’s lives to leave them happier and more aligned, though their homes might be a bit destroyed and dirtier than when he arrived. We quickly dive with him into the Institute for the Institution of Imagination and Inspiration, filled with magical Seussian animals and beings all working for the betterment of children. There he meets up with Sherri (voiced by Quinta Brunson), a fan of his fervor and the lead in the Institute’s HR department. She understands his value, even when he leaves destruction in his wake. Called to the office of Mr. Hoogeboom (voiced by Giancarlo Esposito), he is spotlighted for his immense Mess-O-Meter scores after leaving a scene. With the possibility of being let go from his position, he must now accomplish his next mission with no mess.
Sliding into the lives of two young children, Gabby (Voiced by Xochitl Gomez) and Sebastian (Voiced by Tiago Martinez), he must turn their frowns upside down. taking them and their Goldfish (Voiced by Matt Berry) on a journey through their moving boxes and memories. At first, the Children and Waffles (Yes, the Goldfish has a name now) are not on board with the craziness, but they soon lean into imagination and the goal of fixing their world. Along the way we meet many “Things”, all of which are humorous and silent, though expressive in their own way. Creativity abounds as the Cat watches and works to change the outlook of this young girl and boy.
Taking a deeper look at the film, this is not the Dr. Seuss we grew up with. We depart from the story to allow for something new with different emotional elements, Much like the animated film Inside Out (Which Bill was also a part of ), this film uses story and internalized moments to open up the emotional scale. The use of workplace environments also aligns both films, giving these characters freedom and personality to connect in their own ways. That all being said, I enjoyed the film for the same reason the I.I.I.I. exists, to create imagination and inspiration. This is the best family film of the year when you factor in positivity, emotion and humor that bridges to all ages. Kids in my theater were laughing and chanting along with the film, which some critics actually dislike while reviewing, but I find it a good meter of enjoyment for the target audience.
As a PS – Thanks to Warner Bros for including a pre-movie cartoon short from Looney Tunes titles “Daffy Season”.
Cat in the Hat 2026 Movie Trailer
Review
Score
Score
This is the best family film of the year when you factor in positivity, emotion and humor that bridges to all ages. Kids in my theater were laughing and chanting along with the film, which some critics actually dislike while reviewing, but I find it a good meter of enjoyment for the target audience.