Review of A Brony Tale (2014) by Duncan P — 17 Jul 2014

Provides an interesting analysis of the phenomenon using a broad variety of different fans to try to come to an understanding of it. Probably the best tool out there to use as a way to explain the normality of the fans of the show to others who can't quite understand why grown men participate in fandom revolving around a show that is so far out of the social norms that it scares people.

The portrayal isn't as badly handled as it has been previously by various media, but it's also not quite accurate for everyone. Maybe I'm simply a hell of a lot tamer than most of them, but I didn't see anyone who would be considered a moderate - someone who simply watches it and enjoys it, and doesn't feel a need to force it on everyone around them, but just shares in it as a small, private social activity with friends instead of the world at large, and can certainly function in the world without throwing ponies into absolutely everything. But then again, I suppose the most vibrant fans are the ones that everyone sees, so it's them that need to be shown as normal.

It's also not the most objective thing I've ever seen, rather shying away from the fact that some fans are... well, bloody awful (but show me a fandom without those kinds), but at least it manages to show that bronies are, by and large, despite what people might think, normal. I'll also give them credit for showing that some are a bit creepy, and others are really cringe-inducing (I'm looking at you, SoCal bronies).

So, ultimately, anyone should take from this film that they're really just like any other fandom, the object of their affection is just somewhat unprecedented.