4.5/5. Paramount and Sega are back with another Sonic theatrical film: Sonic the Hedgehog 2. While not reinventing the formula, what is added to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 makes this sequel a more exciting film. My name is Xander, I am in grade 12, and this is my review.
Shortly after the first movie, Sonic is enjoying his life as the hero of the town of Green Hills, though his high-speed nature often finds him getting into trouble. While Sonic’s adopted family are in Hawaii for a family wedding, Sonic is once again attacked by the evil Dr. Robotnik. Robotnik (with the still amazing Jim Carrey) is joined by a new character, Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba), who agrees to help the doctor in exchange for the location of the Master Emerald: a mystical gem capable of changing reality by a person’s will. Now it’s up to Sonic and new friend Tails to stop Robotnik and Knuckles and save the planet once again.
As with the first movie, I thoroughly enjoyed this outing as a long-time fan of Sonic the Hedgehog. The film is filled with nods and references to the vast history of Sonic’s video games. This movie also feels more like the stories in the games compared to the previous film, spending more time on the characters from the games rather than the (human/hedgehog) buddy comedy of the last adventure.
Despite the success of the first film, it still feels like there is not enough confidence by the studio for a Sonic movie to stand on its own as a Sonic product. The music, as with the first film, is still in the generic cinematic style and nothing like the iconic and memorable music from the games. Also, the scenes focusing on the human characters, while not as forced as the first movie, still feel like padding to fill up the time when we get back to the action with Sonic and his friends.
Overall, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 keeps what made the first film great. If you enjoyed the first movie, you’ll have an even better time with the sequel’s more action focused plot and the same great comedic and heartfelt moments.