My random thoughts on My Little Pony: A New Generation · 11:20pm Oct 24th, 2021

Well this is late.

After having more than enough time to think on it (as well as catch a break from life ) I can safely say that My Little Pony: A New Generation was great! And here are my random thoughts:

This movie did its job as a starting point very well. While it takes place in the same universe as Friendship is Magic, it uses the previous generation as set dressing and has enough of a strong identity to be viewed on its own merits without leaning heavily on G4 fanservice as a crutch. A new fan could watch this movie on its own without needing to have seen the previous show.

The new CGI animation was gorgeously done, especially on the designs of each destination.

The new cast of characters are wonderful, as well as fantastically acted. Izzy and Zipp are tied for my favourites. I think the only main character who felt flat was Pipp, given that she’s the last to join the group and by then, the end goal of finding the crystals was already introduced. But I’ll be patient as there is a chance she’ll become more fleshed out in the show. Remember, we didn’t know about Rarity’s desire to own a boutique in Canterlot or Rainbow’s dreams to join the Wonderbolts until after Friendship is Magic’s premiere because those things weren’t important yet.

Sprout was an entertaining villain in how much of a cowardly idiot he was and how he kept embarrassing himself even after his rise to power. But yeah, he could’ve had some more active consequences for his actions. Though fortunately it didn’t ruin the ending for me because he isn’t “instantly forgiven” so much as he’s put back in the same shitty position he was in at the film’s start. It’s not like Friendship is Magic's later seasons where he whines to the protagonists about his “tragic” sobstory and becomes best friends with them. I wouldn’t be surprised if he winds up being the Butt Monkey in the show, maybe if it opens with him repairing Sunny’s home.

Hot damn, that soundtrack is fire! I still can't decide whether I like Fit Right In or Danger Danger best!

This movie has solid humour that comes not just from Izzy but from all the characters being funny in a way that fits their personality.

I like that the movie kinda subverted the whole magical MacGuffin by making it so that there actually needed to be cooperation between the three pony races first before anything could be done. I hope the show keeps that theme without just doing another Elements of Harmony thing.

Argyle is a much better dad than Bow Hothoof and Firelight will ever be!

I've seen some bronies complain that "there's no stakes if Sunny fails, all that'll happen is things won't change and she'll go to prison" but I fail to see how that's a bad thing. Bronies forget that not every story needs to have high “end of the world” stakes. Yes, if Sunny fails, the status quo doesn't change, and to her, that's the problem. She wants it to change and doesn't want ponies to keep living divided. Therefore because it's important to her, it's important to the audience and we want her to succeed in her mission. Also, replace Sunny's name with any civil rights leader and you'll quickly realize what you're actually saying. Also bronies don't see going to jail as bad? YYYYikes.

I now ship IzzyScout and no one can stop me!

So on the whole, this movie was a hella fun ride and I can't wait to see what comes next in 2022!