'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' is in my opinion one of the best animated shows in recent years. The first film based on it 'Equestria Girls' was an enormous disappointment and the complete anti-thesis in quality as one could get. Was apprehensive about watching its first sequel 'Rainbow Rocks' but was both pleasantly surprised and very impressed.
'Friendship Games' is a decent third instalment in the 'My Little Pony: Equestria Girls' film series. It is a step down from 'Rainbow Rocks' and is nowhere near as good as 'Friendship is Magic', but it is much better than the 'Equestria Girls' film (then again many things are better than that, and it takes a lot for any of its sequels to be as bad or worse). Its flaws are at least different to 'Equestria Girls', not being the "having the same flaws and amplifying them" sort of sequel.
It could have been much better. It has to be said though that there are a couple of improvements over 'Rainbow Rocks'. There is no forced or awkwardly written romance. Twilight is much more consistently written and is more developed and likable. And Flash isn't quite as bland. 'Friendship Games' does suffer from trying to do too much, there are too many characters and too many plot strands.
While the characters are fun and likable (though Flash is still a bit on the bland side, though not as much as before, and Principal Cinch is agreed too one note), the only characters that develop are Twilight and Sunset Shimmer. The film certainly isn't dull and the conflicts and dynamics are interesting, but some plot strands are better explored than others with a few under-explored and messily handled.
There could have been much more focus on the games too. The games themselves are very exciting, but happen too late in the film and the screen time for them is too short.
However, the animation is vibrant, ethereal and well-rounded, like 'Friendship is Magic' and 'Rainbow Rocks' and unlike 'Equestria Girls', with character designs that are appealing and don't send warning signs about potential bad messaging. The songs aren't quite as good as in 'Rainbow Rocks' but are still catchy and cheerful, they're easy to hum along to and the lyrics aren't too cheesy.
Much of the writing is fine too. Like 'Rainbow Rocks', there is a good balance of humour and emotion, with winning and amusing humour and poignant and never schmaltzy or mawkish emotion. The references are clever and naturally integrated and the messages are well-meaning and heartfelt and avoid being preachy.
Story here has its messy moments but still moves along nicely and it doesn't feel like an extended TV episode. Twilight and Sunset Shimmer are well realised characters, love what the sequels have done with the latter, and of the newer characters Sugarcoat (hilariously personality-wise the complete opposite of her name) is a sheer delight.
Voice acting is very strong, no talent wastes here. Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball and Rachel Shoichet are particularly good.
Although, decent second sequel but could have been better. 7/10 Bethany Cox
