This Bratz movie is definitely a major departure than most of the Bratz movies, even the Genie Magic duology. I'd say this was around the planning of Season 2, since Cloe is voiced by Britt Mckillip at the time. Anyway, let's review this baby!
It all starts off with a girl named Cymbeline and her strange behavior in school in the Bratz's classes. Next, a strange girl named Lina catches Dylan's eye and lures him to the dark forest where we really get moving. We also meet Breanna, Cymbeline's freshman sister, who's shy, but very sweet and will do anything for the people she cares about. The Bratz still have their individual personalities, and we definitely get worried tension when Lina gets Cloe and Yasmin. The Dark Pixies while kind of scary at times are really well designed, especially Lina, who's personality really fits a good female villain. She's cunning and flirtatious, but her sass is a force to reckoned with. Reminds me so much of Uma, daughter of Ursula from Descendants 2. I just wish they gave her more backstory and history with Mel and Dee. Cymbeline at the start of the movie, comes off as sassy and rebellious, much like most teens, but at the end her true colors are shown she's also sweet and caring. And let's not forget our favorite Bratz Boy flirt, Dylan. He always gets a laugh as usual, and it makes sense for him to be tricked by Lina as he can be rather naive sometimes, but he's still a likeable friend to the Bratz and everyone.
As for the story, man, it's something. Like I said before, it's quite a dramatic departure from the usual Stilesville adventures or even around the globe. It's beyond that! The suspense is thrilling and the tension felt at the climax at the Mongolia Ball in the park is absolutely gripping. The animation is totally revolutionary as usual, and the pixie outfits are so magical and mystical on the girls. The pants remind me of the diamondz collection for some reason. The civilian looks are always so cool, I love Cloe's braided pigtails with her blue sweater outfit as well as Sasha's pigtails with her gold hoodie, a far departure from her double ponytail. The setting in the woods really set the suspenseful Dark Pixie tone and really gives suspense. The spooky parts can be a good watch on Halloween if you loved getting spooked.
As for the voices, with the right mental tone, they are yet still on par with the original series. Ashleigh Ball as Sasha, man, she pulls off the Sasha feel wonderfully. A major mix between Tia Mowry and Dorla Bell, but also Ball really brings her own flavor to Sasha. Similar to Dean Wendt and Barney, who brings his own flavor into the purple guy, while still remaining true to what came before. At times, I can't help but imitate her voice. It's so cool. She's probably the best Sasha voice in my opinion. Lina's voice really suits her cunning and vengeful young self and Chantal Strand really hits all the right notes with Breanna. Britt Mckillip must have had some inspiration with Olivia Hack from Season 1, I can barely tell the difference sometimes.
The best part for me is definitely the message and the music. The message/moral: the power of family and friendship is strong enough to face anything and can never be broken, no matter what, you'll always love each other and true friends stick together. One message I can totally try and relate to. The Bratz are all about the importance of friendship, but in this movie, they take up a notch with family. That's a great lesson for anyone, who have doubt about their friends and family. Even when Cloe and Yasmin were under the spell, Jade and Sasha stopped at nothing to help them and stay by their sides
As for the music, as always, the Bratz really have major cool music. Even in the Dark Pixie lair, the song "Just let Go Now", their music is just crazy, you just can't help but dance, even if you do get spelled. The opening song One of a Kind is a song for the gods, a perfect way to start the movie. We even hear some instrumentals of familiar songs, like My Attitude and the Groove, in the background.
Overall, this movie is one of the books, and one of THE best movies I've seen, even if it can get a bit scary some times, nevertheless, a truly wonderful and magical movie! I give it a total 9/10, maybe even a 9.5 at the most!
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