My little Pony A New Generation

After a fairly successful film released in theaters in 2017 and directed by Jayson Thiessen, the world of My Little Pony is back but this time with a direct release on Netflix and in 3D CGI animation (first 3D film produced in Ireland). The script by Gillian Berrow, Tim Sullivan has the merit of proposing a new generation of characters all endearing and celebrating strong values such as friendship, going beyond one's limits and above all not being afraid of other races because it is by putting our differences aside that we can accomplish great things as this successful film shows.

When Hasbro launched the My Little Pony (MLP) toy line, they could not have expected such an excellent worldwide reception that has not been denied over the years. The first line of toys created by Bonnie Zacherle, Charles Muenchinger and Steve D'Aguanno in the 80's was a real social phenomenon and set the basis for this universe. Over time, several changes have been made to make the look of these toys more modern. Each of the new looks has been linked to a generation and has been a huge success with children (mostly girls). Numerous animated series allowed this line of toys to meet a worldwide success and thus to sell in the 80s more than 150 million ponies. 

During some years, the line was stopped because the market was saturated with copies of all releases. It was not until 2003 that the new line was once again a worldwide success. Hasbro made more than $650 million in retail sales in 2013 and more than $1 billion a year in 2014 and 2015.In 2021, Hasbro will launch its fifth generation of toys and My little Pony: A New Generation allows the successful return of this universe that has known how to pass the years and reinvent itself constantly. My Little Pony: A New Generation thus marks the beginning of the fifth incarnation of the franchise. 

From the beginning of the film, important things have changed. Equestria has lost its magic. Earth Ponies, Unicorns and Pegasus are no longer friends and now live separately by species.  But the idealistic Earth Pony Sunny (Vanessa Hudgens) is determined to find a way to bring enchantment and unity back to their world. Teaming up with the unicorn Izzy (Kimiko Glenn), the duo travels to distant lands where they meet the Pegasus Pipp (Sofia Carson) and Zipp (Liza Koshy) as well as the ever-responsible Earth Pony Hitch (James Marsden).  Their mission is full of surprises and these new best friends each have unique and special gifts that will be just what the ponyverse needs to restore the magic and prove that even little ponies can make a big difference.

The great strength of My Little Pony New Generation is that it takes the important elements of the universe so beloved by young audiences and develops new characters and incorporates great songs. The result is a very beautiful animated film that has nothing to do with The Walt Disney Company productions, with great care given to the characters and above all an omnipresent humor and a few allusions to other films such as Star Wars and Terminator 2, which are perfectly well done. 

My Little Pony a New Generation also benefits from xix original songs and a score signed by the composer Heitor Pereira.   The songs "Gonna Be My Day", "Fit Right In", "Danger Danger" and "I'm Looking Out For You" were written by the composers and lyricists Alan Schmuckler and Michael Mahler. It's no coincidence that the original cast includes Vanessa Hudgens, Kimiko Glenn, James Marsden, Sofia Carson, Liza Koshy, all of whom are real artists capable of singing and making it sound good. In the French version, it is also a wise choice to find Cerise Calixte in the French version because her pretty voice gives the French version an undeniable added value.

The scenario with multiple twists and turns is oriented towards a road movie with a sharp sense of humor and allowing to find several endearing characters and different worlds. Impossible to get bored especially since the musical moments are perfectly brought and make us spend a great moment.

Once again Netflix creates the event and while we could have expected a cinema release with the means put here to give My Little Pony: A New Generation the quality of a feature film intended for a big screen release, Netflix subscribers will be able to discover from September 24th this excellent animaton movie next to the three series dedicated to this universe already online.

My Little Pony A New Generation
Directed by Robert Cullen, José Ucha
Screenplay by Gillian Berrow, Tim Sullivan
Story by Robert Cullen, José Ucha, Tim Sullivan
Based on My Little Pony by Bonnie Zacherle
Produced by Cecil Kramer, Peter Lewis
Starring Vanessa Hudgens, Kimiko Glenn, James Marsden, Sofia Carson, Liza Koshy
Edited by Inbal Elazari
Music by Heitor Pereira
Production companies : Entertainment One, Boulder Media
Distributed by Netflix
Release date : September 24, 2021
Running time : 90 minutes

Seen on September 17, 2021 (Screener press Netflix)

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