Rainbow Rocks

So I finally got to see Rainbow Rocks, and I loved it.

Now, after being impressed by the first movie and hearing all the positive reception to this one, my expectations were set really high. Something like that is never a good thing, as the piece of media may not live up to your expectations, but I'm pleased to say that this movie brought everything and more.

The plot of this movie is simple, very much like its predecessor: three mysterious girls known as The Dazzlings have arrived at Canterlot High and have convinced Principal Celestia and Vice Principal Luna to turn the music festival into the Battle of the Bands Competition; using their siren magic to turn all the students against one another, they will feed off the negative energy and have total dominance over the world.

Yeah, simple story. But MLP is a series where it's not the plot that carries it, its the characters:

All the faces from the first movie are back and this time around they really get to shine. Tara Strong delivers an outstanding performance as Twilight; once again bringing that fish-out-of-water charm flawlessly. Though I do wish she had a some one-to-one interactions with the humane five.

Ashleigh Ball gets plenty of times to really have fun; I love all the parts where Rainbow and Applejack at each others' throats, and seeing how these versions are teenage girls, she provides at much needed fiery vibe whenever that happens. Outside that though, the rest of the time, they're basically just like they were the first time around.

Andrea Libman has plenty of stand out moments throughout. Pinkie Pie is as bubbly and hyper as ever, providing more than enough opportunities to get a laugh; but when need be, can bring out an tough side, which I find very welcoming. Fluttershy gets to show more of her tough side here too, which I won't spoil, as I believe one should properly witness it for themselves. But other than that, she's still the adorable Fluttershy we know and love.

Tabitha St. Germain has to be my favourite of the central cast; she just nailed the posh, lovable and often at times overbearing fashionista that is Rarity. Every time she would go into a monologue or rant, I would be sucked in instantly. Luna only gets a few lines throughout the whole movie, so not much to comment on there.

Spike surprisingly gets a lot less screen time in this one, which I found to be a real shame, as his role in the first movie is my all time favourite out of the whole series (including FIM). But despite the little spotlight, Cathy Weseluck still gives us the lovable, level headed and reliable dragon/puppy we know very fondly.

I guess Spike's time out of the limelight gave Sunset Shimmer a chance to come out and show us her true colours. Rebecca Shoichet is my second favourite performer in the film; she really brought out the kind and light-heartedness that Sunset is desperately trying to show everyone, and I do feel extremely sorry for her near the beginning.

Our villains this time around are The Dazzlings: Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk, played by Kazumi Evans, Diana Kaarina and Marÿke Hendrikse respectively. They are my ideal villain trio in any media; the easily irritable ring leader, the endless complainer and the scatter brainer. Their interactions are some of the major highlights of this movie, and the way their powers work are some of the best I've seen from the series.

Trixie also plays a bit of makeshift villain; as the Dazzlings' power has corrupted her more than the rest. Kathleen Barr gives us probably her best performance as Miss Lunamoon to date (yes, this movie confirms her last name). I always get a kick out of her over the top stage show persona and here was no exception. Her role does play a vital part to the third act, so I won't spoil anything.

And of course, Vincent Tong returns as Flash Sentry. Those of you who've read my post on the first movie we know that I don't hate this character (I think it's mostly down to the fact that I didn't have any shipping headcannons for the Mane Six, so his inclusion didn't bother me), so I wasn't dreading his role this time around. I'm please to say that he has a much bigger part in this movie (ultimately it does turn out to be a secondary background role, but still better than nothing) and his interactions with Twilight aren't nearly as annoying or awkward as before, making them much easier to sit through. I do wish he'd played a larger role and had been given some development, but here's hoping for next time...

The songs in the movie are SPECTACULAR! Daniel Ingram really got to show off his incredible talent. My favourite has to be "Shine Like Rainbows", because while it may be the credits song, it's unbelievably catchy. I can only hope to one day own the official soundtrack album to this movie.

All in all, this movie was a blast from beginning to end and it's safe to say that things are looking up for Equestria Girls. With an easy to follow story, phenomenal performances and great music, Rainbow Rocks in my humble opinion is the best animated movie of 2014. If you ever get the opportunity to see it, don't pass it up.

9/10

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hearth's Warming everyone!

Oh and Twilight's human counterpart shows up after the credits... guess we'll have to wait until next time.