User reviews

This was a TV special about Sunset Shimmer's friends suddenly forgetting she was her friend and everyone only remembering when she was a bully. A simple story in theory but this turned out to be stronger, both emotionally and plotwise, than expected.

Now don't get me wrong, this is a show for young girls and not Shakespeare. But like most of the MLP:FiM universe, far more effort is put in writing-wise than most girl shows. This special utilizes the history of the characters and deals with Sunshet Shimmer dealing with past mistakes she made at Canterlot High and in Equestria. It also deals a lot with Sunset as a character and her regrets and sorrow at losing the friendships she has built. It is this backstory and characterization that makes the special more compelling that it has any right to be and ending in a touching conclusion.

On the downside, most of the main characters in this series are sidelined as Sunset is left alone for the majority of the special. On the plus, the spotlight is shown on the egotistical showwoman Trixie. She is a hoot and has the best lines.

Overall, a nice little special.

This special, while not perfect does feel worthy of a story on its own. Sunset Shimmer's character feels like its come full circle. However the third act falls short compared to the first and second act. As a whole, the premise doesn't scream originality, but it makes up for it when put in context of Sunset's journey and how it affects her emotionally. Also, Wallflower doesn't seem to communicate a strong motivation upon first watch, and that should have been delievered better. But overall the story went far and beyond in some places and with a few narrative tweeks, it could have been a great way to end the Equestria Girls franchise as a whole.

"...maybe you have to be nice."

Granted, any Equestria Girls adventure is just a they're-people-in-a-people-world version of My Little Pony, so there's not really much new in terms of writing, music, jokes, or animation style. What I did appreciate about this adventure was the idea that we can't always control someone else's concept of who we are and that ignoring someone can be just as upsetting as antagonizing them.

Pros: Trixie gets some development as a character, which is a relief after her being something of a background joke most of the time. She delivers the opening quote (the central theme) while declaring herself The Wise and Moralizing Trixie. Wallflower Blush's disarmingly relatable song "Invisible" is one of the better songs to come out of the franchise.

Cons: Not enough time to really make the mystery plot mysterious. Sunset Shimmer is the focal character at the expense of the other characters. Sunset Shimmer returning to Equestria to face Princess Celestia could have been its own movie, but here it's glossed over in service to the main plot.

Overall: surprisingly good for a 45-minute Equestria Girls adventure and worth a watch with the kids.