A lot more musical, an amazing storyline. The Dazzlings feel like amazing brand new villains in the movie and feel much darker for the Bronies, and the story feels a lot more swell in many ways. Being back in the human world of Equestria feels more fun and more adventurous, plus the score and the songs of this are feeling like they have more potential and really gives us positive views. My Little Pony Equestria Girls Rainbow Rocks is way more better than the first one with a brand new story, more songs, new characters and villains, and a brand new musical adventure becoming an amazing movie that Hasbro Studios and DHX media have made.

'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic' is in my opinion one of the best animated shows in recent years. The first film based on it 'Equestria Girls' was an enormous disappointment and the complete anti-thesis in quality as one could get. Hearing there was a sequel was less than enthusing to me and made me feel very apprehensive.

What a pleasant surprise 'Rainbow Rocks' turned out to be. While not as good as 'Friendship is Magic', it is much closer in quality to that than to 'Equestria Girls'. The general consensus is that it is an enormous improvement over 'Equestria Girls'. Heartily concur with this. Was really worried as to whether 'Rainbow Rocks' would repeat the same mistakes as 'Equestria Girls', amplify them and make more on the way like a lot of animated sequels seen recently (the 'Alpha and Omega' sequels being prime examples). Instead, it felt like 'Rainbow Rocks' seemed to have seen the numerous complaints made about 'Equestria Girls', took them on board and corrected them. A shining example of a good animated sequel that others should learn from and strive to be.

On its own two feet, 'Rainbow Rocks' fares just as well and is an incredibly fun film in its own right. It is not quite perfect, though the flaws are far less and less glaring. The romance is awkward and not particularly well written, Flash is a bland character, Twilight's role in the film is occasionally a little forced and there is some cheesy lyric writing. Compared to the flaws 'Equestria Girls' had, they are next to nothing.

'Rainbow Rocks' animation is much closer to the vibrant and rounded animation quality of 'Friendship is Magic' than the flat and robotic animation of 'Equestria Girls'. The character designs don't look anaemic or anorexic this time round, which looked ugly and parents had a field day saying what a bad message it sent. The music is much catchier and much easier to remember the lyrics (on the most part witty and heart-warming) and melodies.

Apart from in the romance, the dialogue also improves hugely here. Again more in the spirit of 'Friendship is Magic' than the predecessor film. There is a better balance of humour and emotion, with winning and amusing humour and poignant and never schmaltzy or mawkish emotion. The references are cleverer and much better integrated, much more natural and not forced at all. The messaging is well-meaning and heartfelt, not at all overly-didactic in how it's put across.

The story here is far better paced and more eventful, this is not a less than half-an-hour extended episode padded with lots of filler, the complete opposite in fact. The climax is exciting, and the characters apart from Flash and Twilight not always written consistently are more interesting and likable, with the trio of villains being humour, sinister charm and colour to the proceedings. Sunset Shimmer is a conflicted, well-developed and easy to root for character and Sonata Dusk is a hoot.

Voice acting is very strong, no talent wastes here. Tara Strong, Ashleigh Ball, Rachel Shoichet and Maryke Hendrikse particularly excel.

In conclusion, thoroughly enjoyable and a surprising and refreshing improvement. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I'll gladly state that I liked the first film in spite of its flaws; and I'm happy to say that this sequel is better than the first in practically every aspect!

The animation is a lot better this time around and the songs have more variety. The characters remain likable and the humor is really good. The references and cameos are still aplenty and, as a fan, I thoroughly enjoyed spotting each one. The villains weren't the best MLP has given us but they were still passable and served their purpose well.

But the best part about this movie by far was Sunset Shimmer. Her development, characterization, and arc in this movie were outstanding! This movie made me love Sunset (who I originally felt meh about after the first film) and I really want to see more of her in the future.

Also, just a tip, make sure to stay after the credits because there's a nice surprise at the end that opens up a world of possibilities for the future of "Equestria Girls".

Overall, "My Little Pony: Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks" was a great movie and a huge improvement over its predecessor. I can't wait to see how this spin-off series develops from here!