Dr. Donna's Review

About the Film
This is a sweet story about the meaning of friendship, traditions and community. The film tells the story of Minty, who because of her tendency to be clumsy and somewhat careless, accidentally knocks the special candy cane off of the top of the Christmas tree. The ponies of Ponyville believe that Santa finds Ponyville and delivers their presents by looking for the special candy cane. Minty fears that she has broken that tradition and, because of her accident, there will be no Santa this year. She worries that she has let everyone down and they will be disappointed in her. She confesses her worries to Pinkie Pie and the two of them decide to go by balloon the North Pole to explain to Santa what happened. This is a dangerous mission and they do indeed get into trouble. However, in the loving supportive tradition of the My Little Pony community, the other ponies rally to their support, rescue them from danger and everyone returns to Ponyville for a happy Christmas. The lesson learned is that it is not the glow of the candy cane that helps to guide Santa to Ponyville, it is the glow of love.

About the Kids
This film will appeal to both boys and girls up to the age of 5 and will continue to appeal to older girls up to the age of nine. Those children who have collected and played with the My Little Pony characters will be pleased to see so many of the Pony personalities present in the film.

Film content and features
“A Very Minty Christmas” is a dramatic story with an accessible story arc for children. There is some tension in the story at the point when Minty and Pinkie Pie are in need of rescue when their balloons are battered about by bad weather. However, the presentation is such that the viewer always knows that they will be saved. The use of music and color along with the choice of voices for the ponies all contribute to a safe and heartfelt story.

Things to talk about
There are many themes that parents can discuss with children after seeing the film. They include:

• what to do when you feel you've done something wrong (Minty accidentally knocking the candy cane off of the tree);
  
• how important it is for friends to listen and help a friend in need (Pinkie Pie listening to Minty's confession and saying “We'll think of something.”);
  
• the value of giving and sharing what is special to you with others, (Minty's plan to share her special socks with all the ponies).