Our favourite furry blue speedster has returned, and this time, he has brought along some new friends with him on a new adventure. The first Sonic the Hedgehog film came out roughly a month before COVID-19 lockdowns arrived in North America — a nice breather from the looming pandemic. It was an excellent film for the whole family, as it was childish enough for the little ones but done with enough sincerity that the adults could relate. Ben Schwartz was loveable as Sonic, and Jim Carrey returned to screens to portray a role made for him. It felt like magic for a video game movie hit in such a positive way.
As the first film ended with a teaser for Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and we eventually learned that Idris Elba would be voicing Knuckles, the anticipation for the sequel was high. Thankfully, director Jeff Fowler strikes gold for the second time in a row with Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Dr. Robotnik (Carrey) has been trapped on a mushroom world for a few months while Sonic is doing his best Batman impression, trying to save the city of Seattle. With the help of Knuckles and some movie magic, Robotnik finds himself back on Earth, and the two villains track down Sonic, because our blue hero unknowingly knows the way to the Master Emerald. This opening plot stuff slows down the film; while Sonic 2 only has a two-hour runtime, it drags a bit as it sets everything into motion. While the familiar characters (Sonic, Robotnik, and the parental figures Tom and Maddie) return to their roles smoothly, there's still an exposition dump in the film's first act. Once we move past it, we can get into the silly adventures that make the film stand out.
The film does its Indiana Jones-style action set pieces well (it's debatably a better Uncharted than Uncharted), giving the film a comedic flair. While the Master Emerald plot acts as a MacGuffin, it sets the story into motion while also being a reference to the game; it feels almost like an afterthought, as does the storyline given to the live-action cast members (excluding Carrey). The live-action actors are underused in the film, but the audience isn't there for them (even if they do a great job with what they're given).
Sonic 2 is designed to be a four-quadrant film — appealing to all demographics of movie-goers — which makes the tone feel a bit bumpy. The film never truly understands who the audience is: one scene uses the word "shitake" to replace a curse word; in another, Sonic sings "the worst" à la Schwartz's Parks and Rec character Jean-Ralphio (hand gesture and all), which felt like a reference meant only for me. But even with these issues, the film is primarily designed with the kids in mind, and it excels.
Most of the humour is funny, the action is entertaining, the chemistry and relationships are strong, and the film teaches an essential lesson about preparing oneself for when a moment chooses you. The critics screening had children in the audience, and their cheers were constant throughout the film.
This sequel makes a compelling argument for why audiences should return to the theatres if there is a third film, as Sonic is becoming one of the greatest video game film franchises of all-time. The bar might be set low, but the accomplishment remains just as impressive. It's a must-see for fans of the video game, Jim Carrey, and even the infamous new subgenre of James Marsden being a fatherly figure to an animated animal (see also: Hop, Enchanted). When the biggest issue with the film is that it's trying to appeal to everyone — and it succeeds — you're only left with a great time at the movies.
(Paramount Pictures)As the first film ended with a teaser for Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and we eventually learned that Idris Elba would be voicing Knuckles, the anticipation for the sequel was high. Thankfully, director Jeff Fowler strikes gold for the second time in a row with Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Dr. Robotnik (Carrey) has been trapped on a mushroom world for a few months while Sonic is doing his best Batman impression, trying to save the city of Seattle. With the help of Knuckles and some movie magic, Robotnik finds himself back on Earth, and the two villains track down Sonic, because our blue hero unknowingly knows the way to the Master Emerald. This opening plot stuff slows down the film; while Sonic 2 only has a two-hour runtime, it drags a bit as it sets everything into motion. While the familiar characters (Sonic, Robotnik, and the parental figures Tom and Maddie) return to their roles smoothly, there's still an exposition dump in the film's first act. Once we move past it, we can get into the silly adventures that make the film stand out.
The film does its Indiana Jones-style action set pieces well (it's debatably a better Uncharted than Uncharted), giving the film a comedic flair. While the Master Emerald plot acts as a MacGuffin, it sets the story into motion while also being a reference to the game; it feels almost like an afterthought, as does the storyline given to the live-action cast members (excluding Carrey). The live-action actors are underused in the film, but the audience isn't there for them (even if they do a great job with what they're given).
Sonic 2 is designed to be a four-quadrant film — appealing to all demographics of movie-goers — which makes the tone feel a bit bumpy. The film never truly understands who the audience is: one scene uses the word "shitake" to replace a curse word; in another, Sonic sings "the worst" à la Schwartz's Parks and Rec character Jean-Ralphio (hand gesture and all), which felt like a reference meant only for me. But even with these issues, the film is primarily designed with the kids in mind, and it excels.
Most of the humour is funny, the action is entertaining, the chemistry and relationships are strong, and the film teaches an essential lesson about preparing oneself for when a moment chooses you. The critics screening had children in the audience, and their cheers were constant throughout the film.
This sequel makes a compelling argument for why audiences should return to the theatres if there is a third film, as Sonic is becoming one of the greatest video game film franchises of all-time. The bar might be set low, but the accomplishment remains just as impressive. It's a must-see for fans of the video game, Jim Carrey, and even the infamous new subgenre of James Marsden being a fatherly figure to an animated animal (see also: Hop, Enchanted). When the biggest issue with the film is that it's trying to appeal to everyone — and it succeeds — you're only left with a great time at the movies.
