My Little Pony: The Movie parents guide

My Little Pony: The Movie Parent Guide

The ponies' path is a well trodden one -- but despite cliche bad guys the horsey pals share good messages about friendship.

Overall B

You can't reign in these feisty foals.When it looks like Ponyville might be in danger, the Mane 6 (voices of Tara Strong, Ashleigh Bal, Andrea Libman, Tabitha St. Germain) race into action and embark on an adventure beyond Equestra.

Release date October 6, 2017

Violence B-
Sexual Content A-
Profanity A-
Substance Use A-

Why is My Little Pony: The Movie rated PG? The MPAA rated My Little Pony: The Movie PG for mild action.

Run Time: 99 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

If the title of My Little Pony: The Movie feels like déjà vu, you’re not wrong. The My Little Pony franchise has been paying toy company Hasbro’s bills since 1982, and has spawned numerous animated films and television series. The latest incarnation, a TV series that made its debut in 2010, is titled My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and has garnered a surprisingly loyal fan following among both children and adults.

Don’t worry if you haven’t been subjected to all seven seasons of this cartoon colossus. You won’t have any problems piecing together the movie’s paper thin plot.

Our hero is Princess Twilight Sparkle, (voiced by Tara Strong.) Tasked with planning the kingdom’s all important Festival of Friendship, Princess Twilight is understandably stressed out. In this land of energetic ponies, there’s apparently nothing to pass the time besides impromptu musical numbers and snacking on a wide selection of baked goods. No wonder her peers are brimming with excitement; it’s about time someone broke up the monotony.

With her reputation riding on this, Twilight comes close to panic over the event. Fortunately, her loyal friends Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, (both voiced by Andrea Libman,) Apple Jack and Rainbow Dash, (both voiced by Ashleigh Ball,) Rarity, (voiced by Tabitha St. Germain,) and Spike, (voiced by Cathy Weseluck,) have her back. But as preparations for the big day continue, the happy herd is delivered a rude awakening. Storm clouds darken the sky, an airship descends out of nowhere and an army is deposited in their peaceful city. The leader of the invaders, a disillusioned pony named Tempest Shadow, (voiced by Emily Blunt,) soon makes her hostile intentions clear. Seems now our leading ladies have better things to worry about than botching a highly-anticipated shindig.

From thence, the tireless team embark on a quest to find help in throwing off their oppressors. While the team may be tireless, the audience isn’t. As our protagonists journey across deserts, oceans and mountains, acquiring new friends through the charm of lengthy song and dance numbers, the tedium is only punctuated by the occasional pun.

More concerning for families are the frightening bad guys and their minions who lock helpless citizens in cages and force them to pull heavy loads like… well, ponies. All the while, the main characters face perils of their own. They must contend with extreme environments, menacing thugs, and the constant fear of capture. But tough situations throughout the film are leavened with the standard cartoon fare of slapstick comedy and complete buffoonery, and will only be troubling to the very youngest of viewers.

For all its faults, the movie is also full to bursting with moments of trust and friendship. The pals look out for each other, are willing to forgive, and are always happy to invite someone new into their circle—not half bad messages for kids to hear.

Directed by Jayson Thiessen. Starring Emily Blunt, Kristin Chenoweth, Liev Schreiber . Running time: 99 minutes. Theatrical release October 6, 2017. Updated

My Little Pony: The Movie
Rating & Content Info

Why is My Little Pony: The Movie rated PG? My Little Pony: The Movie is rated PG by the MPAA for mild action.

Violence: Silly slapstick antics are depicted. Dark characters utter death threats, use extortion, attack a city and turn leaders into stone. Characters are kidnapped, taken prisoner, bound in chains, trapped in cages, and/or forced to labor. Characters are lied to and betrayed. Pirate characters are cheered for as brave and awesome. Magic powers are depicted, usually for benign purposes, but sometimes to gain power or shock/electrocute others (no deaths are implied, only injury). Characters engage in a dangerous quest where they are stalked and in frequent peril. Explosions and destruction are portrayed. A character attempts to steal. Verbal disagreements are heard, which cause emotional discomfort. A character tries to gain control of the weather and other natural elements to make a weapon and get power.

Sexual Content: Mild sexual innuendo occurs.

Profanity: Mild slang terms and name-calling are heard.

Alcohol / Drug Use: Drinking at a party is briefly seen.

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My Little Pony: The Movie Parents' Guide

Talk about the movie with your family…

What kinds of problems is Princess Twilight trying to solve at the beginning of the film. Are they very serious? What responsibilities does she have after Tempest invade her homeland? Is she up for the task? Where does she find help? Although it is unlikely a Storm King will invade your home, what can you learn from the ponies’ response to their crisis that might be worth trying with your own problems?

Tempest tells Twilight that she needs to open her eyes and be wise. What challenges does the Princess face because she is naive? In what ways does her faith in others actually help her with her enemies and during difficult circumstances?

News About "My Little Pony: The Movie"

If you are a fan of the Mane 6, look for these stars' voices to bring the following characters to life:
Twilight Sparkle: Tara Strong
Rarity: Tabitha St. Germain
Applejack & Rainbow Dash: Ashleigh Ball
Pinkie Pie & Fluttershy: Andrea Libman
Spike: Cathy Weseluck

Although this little movie is aimed at kids, it features some big-name actors’ voices.
Emily Blunt (The Young Victoria, The Devil Wears Prada)
Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy, Star Trek)
Liev Schreiber (X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Spotlight)
Michael Peña (Ant-Man, Collateral Beauty)

Home Video

The most recent home video release of My Little Pony: The Movie movie is January 9, 2018. Here are some details…

Home Video Release: 9 January 2018
My Little Pony: The Movie releases to home video (Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy) with the following bonus extras:
- Deleted scene
- Music video,
-Three featurettes starring the Mane 6
- Equestria Girls Short
- Hanazuki short.

Related home video titles:

Other movies based on TV cartoons include Smurfs and Alvin and the Chipmunks. Horse lovers may appreciate Black Beauty, Spirit: Stallion of The Cimarron, Flicka and The Black Stallion.