REVIEW: My Little Pony: A New Generation is a Winning Addition to the My Little Pony Family
In 1982, Hasbro released to the toy market a line of six small, colorful ponies with unique symbols on each. The company hoped to grow off the success of their original toy, My Pretty Pony, and soon “My Little Pony”, had invaded homes everywhere. Not only was the new line a hit, it also created a franchise that would last for generations to come, five to be specific. Kicking off the My Little Pony fifth generation is Netflix’s new film, My Little Pony: A New Generation.
Set years after the events in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, the Earth ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns are at odds with one another. Each group believes the other is out to get them and, because of this, they all live separately, teaching their young to fear the others. Only Earth Pony, Sunny Starscout (Vanessa Hudgens) believes all the ponies can be friends. Sunny’s father, Argyle Starshine, taught Sunny to accept the Pegasi and Unicorns and one day the three groups would be friends again. It is because of these teachings from her father that lead Sunny to meet her new friend, Izzy Moonbow (Kimiko Glenn) setting the pair off on an adventure that could reunite the Earth ponies with the Pegasi and Unicorns before it is too late.
As a fan of the first generation of My Little Pony, specifically My Little Pony: Rescue at Midnight Castle, this movie was steeped in nostalgia. The characters were different, but the themes of friendship and love were the same. The computer animation in this new version was vibrant and enchanting while the music left me bopping along with every original song. “Gonna Be My Day”, sung by Hudgens’ Sunny, was the clear standout song for me. I have always loved Hudgens’ voice and this song does a nice job showcasing her range.
Hudgens and Glenn are the perfect picks to voice Sunny and Izzy. Both bring such joy to each of their characters and have great singing voices. Here’s hoping this is not the last time we see these two playing these characters. The duo is joined in the movie by James Marsden, Sofia Carson and Liza Koshy. Marsden is no newcomer to the voice acting world and makes quite the impact as Sunny’s friend and Maritime Bay sheriff, Hitch, while Carson’s Pipp is fun to see alongside our other characters. Koshy’s Zipp plays a major part but is the character I wish we had gotten more from. Hopefully, in future installments we learn more about her character.
Whether you are someone with kids, someone without kids, or a kid yourself, this movie is an overall good time. It has just enough cheesiness to keep you entertained and not wanting to turn the channel. I highly recommend checking it out and don’t be ashamed to check it out if you have no kids. The movie will leave you with a smile on your face.
Grade: A