My Thoughts on Friendship Games

Spoilers for those who haven't watched

What do I think of the third entry to the Equestria Girls series?

Well for one part, the animation for the effects animation is tremendously improved; often times there are smoke effects coming from either the Human Twilight or five of the Mane Six.

Chronologically, the presence of fallen leaves indicate that it takes place in the fall; the Mane Six are now seniors.

There are a few instances where an evil entity coming from the portal is mentioned (including showing Sunset's demon form and the Dazzlings), but with the former in parenthesis, she does seem to shrug off the fact easily.

The opening sequence no longer has the characters in silhouette, but instead has them in a white outline to fit the sports theme.

The setting of Crystal Prep does make sense from a stand point. Wherever there are public schools, there are always private ones. There are a few minor characters I instantly recognize such as Fluer de Lis, but they do not show the probable Sombra or Chrysalis. Shining Armor has a presence there, but as what part of the staff he is in eludes me.

Now, let me say this: Twilight's role does remind me of a Disney Princess and Principal Sinch a Disney villain. But in Twilight's case, it reminds me of my high school years along with my sister. We worked hard, one of the best in school, but our friends and family were concerned about our happiness.

I was concerned on how Spike would talk, but seeing him absorb some magic (and seeing him talk near the end), I have a feeling that magic would be coming for a long while.

The challenges they present in the Friendship games are as follows; Mastery of the classes, an obstacle course consisted of archery motor cross and roller derby (ruined by Biollante), and a "find the flag" that is cut short.

The pacing was somewhat of a mixture between the first movie and Rainbow Rocks. It especially becomes the former at the end when Twilight becomes a She Demon herself (albeit much more destructive), only to be stopped in a DBZ style (including the white death faze out) by a possible Princess Sunset Shimmer (I did spot hints of wings).

Overall, it's still better than the first film, but there are a few areas that could've been more. I personally would have wanted to see that third challenge, and have Twilight unleash the magic as one last ditch maneuver. There is also a dilemma with Sunset finding out how Friendship Magic works, but they keep repeating it so much that there isn't as much buildup as in Rainbow Rocks (they do have The Science of Magic which begins that attempt). And also there are still a few loose ends, now that it is seen that two Twilight Sparkles can inhabit the same world, what about the Human Sunset, wherever she is...?

In the meantime, the answer will have to wait. I will now have to make the journey to The Land Before Time.