Review of My Little Pony: The Movie (2017) by Countderpy — 05 Oct 2017

To anyone going into this movie expecting Disney, don't get your hopes up. To those who outright hate My Little Pony or are unwilling to give it a chance, this isn't the movie for you. To everyone else this movie is at least worth a view. The artistic styling is amazing and brings the land of Equestria a much needed makeover for size and scale. The acting from the original voice cast from the show "Friendship is Magic" and from the celebrity talent is on par with some of the better animated films. The music is amazing and fitting, although a bit pop-heavy at times, but not as much as most of these low budget kids films that float around nowadays. I will admit there are flaws with the film. The pacing is all over the place from time to time and it seems like a lot resolves really fast, but I imagine there is some bit of studio involvement in that or stuff that wouldn't fit and was cut. Also to an outside viewer the relationship of the mane cast might not have the establishment to draw them into the more dramatic moments, but it does enough that maybe it'll draw them to the series to pad out the world and character building far beyond what the movie provides. Does that mean it doesn't work as a standalone film, no. But knowledge of the series really helps.

Some of the reference were harmless, some were cringe worthy and had studio "hoof prints" all over them, but they didn't take away from the story. Some parents may be off-put by the level of violence that is in the film, but any child who has seen a few episode of Spongebob or the series itself will be fine. Overall I believe that even from an outsider's view point there are a few things that the movie has going for it that makes it worth at least a viewing, even if it's the only one. Much like "Friendship is Magic" itself, no sense in knocking it til you try it and who knows, you may have more fun than you think you will.

P.S.: To those out there on the internet who have compared this to the Emoji movie or scored it less than the Emoji movie....