Everyone knows the iconic My Little Pony characters from TV. The new My Little Pony: The Movie premiered this week, and as a longtime fan and mom, I attended the event at Kinepolis in Utrecht with my family. Here's our honest, firsthand report from a parent who's loved these ponies since childhood.
This film delivers a magical twist: the ponies transform into seaponies in an enchanting underwater world. As someone who's followed the franchise for decades, I can confirm it's more exciting and adventurous than any previous My Little Pony movie.
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About 25 years ago, as a child, I cherished my My Little Pony toys, braiding their manes and creating epic adventures. Remarkably, my parents preserved a box of those vintage figures for future grandchildren. Now, my daughter plays gently with them, bridging generations. The original ponies had fuller, classic shapes; today's store-bought versions are sleeker with vibrant, eye-catching colors.
A quick Google search showcases their evolution—from pastel 1980s toys to hit movies, series, and merchandise. The 2010 revival, Friendship is Magic, made My Little Pony a beloved staple for girls, boys, and adults alike.
Equestria faces peril when the Storm King invades Canterlot Castle, threatening to steal the ponies' magic and plunging the city into darkness. In an epic quest beyond their homeland, the ponies team up with new allies, navigating magical mountains, underwater realms, and a pirate airship to save their world.
The invitation specified a 'colorful' dress code—a fun challenge for my neutral-toned wardrobe. I opted for a purple shirt and dark blue pants. My 7-year-old son wore green, and I grabbed an affordable My Little Pony dress from Primark for my toddler daughter. We arrived by train at Utrecht Central and headed to Kinepolis on Jaarbeurs Boulevard. Inside, kids flocked to giant pony statues and a balloon arch.
Activities abounded: glittery cutie marks, pony ears, photo ops with instant Polaroids, games, coloring, and necklace-making. My son, a Netflix fan of the series, worried he'd be the only boy—but plenty of others were there, mostly with moms and girls.
Popcorn in hand, we settled in after a warm welcome. Rated 6+, the film lived up to it. My toddler got spooked by the monsters and sought lap comfort; the plot was tricky for little ones. But my 7-year-old followed every twist, laughing at humorous bits like a pony's deflating balloon animal.
Exciting sequences built real tension—not ideal for under-6s—but songs delighted my daughter. With my decades of fandom and family's fresh reactions, this is a top pick for autumn break outings!
