Animated 'The Cat in the Hat' launches as Warner Bros’ second Seuss film

Warner Bros.’ new animated film The Cat in the Hat, directed by Alessandro Carloni and Erica Rivinoja, hits theaters as the second full‑length adaptation of Dr Seuss’s iconic character and the first to use animation. The movie bursts with rapid action and bright colours, trading the original book’s whimsical tone for a glossy studio production that clearly aims to launch a franchise. Bill Hader provides the voice of the mischievous cat, while Matt Berry lends his tone to Waffles, the goldfish that somehow survives the jump to the screen. Xochitl Gomez and Tiago Martinez play siblings Gabby and Seb, whose mother Carmen, played by America Ferrera, moves the family because of a new job. A strict landlady (Paula Pell) warns the kids they cannot keep pets or make noise. The cat works for a corporate “happiness” service and is given one final assignment: cheer up Gabby and Seb. He grabs a time‑traveling watch called Go‑Backer from the company’s supply room and uses cardboard boxes as portals to different worlds, echoing the idea that a simple box can become a “transmogrifier.” His quirky team, known as “The Things,” adds slap‑stick humor by clapping and slapping each other’s cheeks. Despite the lively visuals and strong voice talent, the film delivers few genuinely moving or laugh‑out‑loud moments. The jokes range from a seasick fish to overt slapstick, and the only fresh spark comes from the interplay of the Cat’s odd helpers. Critics have given the picture a modest 2.5‑star rating.

Context

The movie follows a long‑standing pattern of turning classic children’s books into big‑budget animated sequels, hoping to generate multiple installments from a single beloved character.