This instalment has all the sly wit and fine character development -- once again effervescent Pinkie Pie steals the show -- that die-hard devotees treasure so much.

... its sugary surface the film offers itself as a guide for little girls on how to navigate the world that lies before them, stressing the need for female solidarity above all.

Daniel Ingram's big, Broadway musical numbers are epically-produced toe-tappers. The background designs are Ghibli-inspired excellent. And Emily Blunt couldn't invest Tempest with more tragedy and effort if she was doing an Ibsen play.

Given that the story centers on toy pony princesses with magical abilities, My Little Pony: The Movie contains multitudes to unpack.