I'm an avid fan of MLP-- and am yet to check out their comic strip releases. I suppose, one could say, from season 1 up till season 6. I've grown fondly in-love with all of the characters and their music. The animation overall was indeed engaging enough for me to watch but, I suppose in terms of story line, it could have been better.I won't dive into detail with regards to the plot and characters. I'm pretty sure everyone has already said their piece. All I can say is-- Pony Beats the odds. :) All for one and one for all!

Marking this as spoilers just in case something I say could be construed as such.I think at this point the writers for the show and movies are doing a far better job at creating more likable and interesting side characters than main characters. If I could have a movie or series based solely off of the redeemed villains and their adventures and struggles to overcome their differences and learn how to deal with life after their periods of evil, then I'd gladly take that over another "Look here at Princess Twilight! Isn't she great? WORSHIP HER." movie. At this point I feel like Twilight is being shoved down everyone's throats in the MLP movies and show and I dislike her even more now than ever. Her character traits only cause more problems than they solve and this movie is no different. She's just so unlikeable now that I was rooting for the bad guys to win the whole time just to end the Twi-fest. For once I'd like to see someone else take center stage for an MLP: FIM movie because so far no version of movie or TV Twilight (including in Equestria Girls) has any redeeming qualities or character development.That all being said, the animation was very good. It had the feel of the show, but on a higher level and I'd like to see another movie done in this style. The voice acting was great as well. The songs were generally decent and the singing was good. Overall forgettable tunes, to be honest, with the exception of Tempest's solo though. The addition of the new species and kingdoms was a huge plus as there was a great range of new characters and something other than ponies to look at for once. Going off of that, the character design aspect of all the new characters was on point, and, and maybe it's just me thinking this, but bold for an MLP piece. The decision to actually scar a pony and give them a physical alteration as a result of trauma is something new to MLP, but the story behind it as well as the overall character development because of it was spot on. Tempest, by far, is one of my all time favorites now up along with Sunset Shimmer. I was a little disappointed that she didn't get her horn back, but to be fair even without it she is a completely capable character with the ability to literally kick butt on a level that no other character has ever been able to accomplish before. It's sad to think we'll probably never see her again.Overall my lower score is due to Twilight, pure and simple. She was just so unlikeable and really taught no lessons in this movie. So much focus was put upon her when really she was practically useless and was the central cause of many of the arguments, downfalls, and stress of the story. Yet for some reason we're supposed to treat her like some kind of god character that is integral to everything and who is the only one who can ever solve any problems. It's so aggravating at this point that only she is is made out to be the competent hero when clearly there are others who better deserve the spotlight. For example, Pinkie, Dash, and Rarity given that it was their contributions that led to the alliance of characters that successfully managed to save the kingdom in the end while Twilight did NOTHING other than go against the very thing she is a princess of, that being friendship. It's actually kind of sad that it was the other characters who went out and made friends and won the day while the "princess of friendship" only resorted to mistrust and thievery to try and accomplish her goals. While the former does make sense given the early betrayal by Capper, the latter is uncalled for given what she is supposed to stand for.Anyway, rant over. The only redeemable qualities about this movie were the visuals, the side characters and villains, and the soundtrack.

It's been hard to get a 2D animated movie out in theatres since most animation studios has gone to CGI. But a 2D Movie based on a cult animated tv series based on a girls toyline really brings back the memories. But it's not just the animation of the movie that should get praised. It's also songs and guest voice actors (mainly Emily Blunt, Taye Diggs, Zoe Saladana and Kristin Chenoweth). This movie needs more love.

Director: Jayson Thiessen Release Date: October 6th, 2017 (US) Runtime: 1hr 39minsPros: Does the original TV show justice - Feels more than an extended episode - Triumphant 2D animation - Beautiful looking visuals - Some 3D visuals blended well - Mane Six bring fun - Emily Blunt's developed villian - Top notch original voice acting - Solid additional voices - A few decent songs - Added orchestra for cinematic feel - Emily Blunt's highlight songCons: Formulaic as expected - Mostly made only for fans, Bronies/Pegasisters - Rushed climax - Additional characters didn't hold up memorable value - Liev Schreiber's generic characterShort Thoughts: It's hard for a cartoon show like MLP: FiM to have a movie that can impress those who aren't familiar with them. At least this tried. Of course, it'll delight it's fans but in short, it's a 'giddy-up' for fans but a 'woah' for others. But honestly, if I wasn't familiar with the show, I wouldn't be as favourable as I am with this colourful decency.TVChannels98 Rating: 7/10