Embark on the Legend of Everfree – Review

Rarity-“What are we going to do?”

Rainbow Dash-“What we always do! Save the day!” 

In the past three years fans of the hit “My Little Pony” have entered the world of Canterlot High.  Followed the human counterparts of the humane six as they welcome magic into their once normal lives. From the Fall Formal. battle of the bands and the Friendship Games humane six (and later seven) have had quite the school year. And we have followed them through quite the journey.

Confronting two power consumed friends.  Three sirens with more than winning battle of the bands on their minds. Plus dealing with magic becoming the new norm. Yeah, life has been crazy for the cast of Equestria Girls.  Just looking back at everything you almost have to wonder what could happen next.

As you know we here at BSCKids are big fans of “My Little Pony” and “Equestria Girls”. And back in July I talked about the first full trailer we received for the fourth instalment of the film. There I even did some first impressions.  And noted that “Equestria Girls Legend of Everfree” was to arrive on Netflix October first.  

Now that October is here and the fourth Equestria Girls film is now up on the streaming service. You know what that means, review time.

Per usual I will try and avoid any massive spoilers. But just to be safe I will issue the spoiler warning. If you do not mind spoilers here we go. Or if you want to watch with no prior knowledge of the events. Just bookmark this and come back later to join in the conversation.

Here we go!

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It has been a long year for the mane six (er, now even with SciTwi). Since the fated Fall Formal the girls are more than ready for a break from magic and having to save the day. As they set out to Camp Everfree it quickly becomes clear that their wish for some non-magic downtime is not in the cards.

There is something strange going on at camp. Weird and magical things keep happening. Including a new power boost for Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy and Sunset Shimmer. And new developments for Twilight Sparkle.

After a strain of nightmares of Midnight Sparkle. Twilight finds herself fearful and filed with anxiety in regards to magic. It does not help matters any that she is developing her own abilities- and rapidly at that. Though Sunset tried to convince her to accept the magic and aim towards controlling it. Twilight denies. Instead remaining fearful and refused to use and accept her magic.  Good thing encounters with camp counselor Timber Spruce take Twilight’s mind of magical matters.

No matter what Twilight cannot help but to feel like Midnight Sparkle is inside of her. When trouble strikes at camp, Twilight is forced to come to terms with her magic. And with the help of her friends save everyone.

Coming off the previous film, things felt slightly slower and a bit simpler. In “Friendship Games” there was a lot going on and it was happening in about one day’s time. “Legends of Everfree” on the other hand, takes place over the course of about a week. And there is no massive action going on like in the former.  By no means is that a bad thing, it works well for the story and characters.

As I had said in my article about the trailer. I like that the characters are being taken out of the high school setting. Not only is it aesthetically a change. But it also gives the characters a lot more room and chances to encounter different characters.

Without a question the story’s core was about Twilight. Even though we do not know in-canon how much time has passed since the games, we do see some changes in her. But more importantly we see just how great a toll Midnight Sparkle has cast on her. Sometime like that would take a lot of time, if ever, to find resolve over.

I always feel like Sunset Shimmer really steals the show. Her relationship with Twilight and rest of the group was great as is their bond and chemistry.  She has come a great way since her introduction.

The biggest issue I had with the new movie was the rest of the mane six’s role- or lack thereof. In the other movies and the main series, we have always seen them a part of the main plot. No matter how big or small. Here they did not serve much of a big role until the climax.

Though “Legends of Everfree” closes its chapter with only speculation of where the magic came from. I find myself questioning just what will come next. With the feature film My Little Pony film coming out next fall a lot is up in the air.

Like always time will tell.

Be sure to stream “Legends of Everfree” on Netflix now. DVD, Blu-Ray and digital versions are slated for release next month.

Join the conversation: What did you think of the newest Equestria Girl film? Any ideas of what tales await the humane seven?