Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Idris Elba
Directed by Jeff Fowler
By all accounts, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" would be doomed to be a failure if you consider where it's coming from. Not only is it a movie based off a video game, but it's a sequel to a film based on a video game - but fortunately, that movie was the first "Sonic the Hedgehog," which far surpassed all expectations to gross over $148 million domestically, and was beloved by both audiences and critics alike. This is due to director Jeff Fowler and the production team listening to the audience when they saw the first "Sonic" trailer and witnessed the former abomination that was Sonic - a terrifying CGI monster with actual human teeth that looked downright frightening and nowhere near the beloved blue hedgehog we've come to know and love through decades of video games. They spent millions of dollars to change the appearance to be more true to his video game counterpart, and their diligence and love for the brand was met with a resounding chorus of applause - showing that they were out to actually make an enjoyable movie rather than a quick cash grab on a known IP. So the sequel was highly anticipated but also highly concerning, as everyone wondered if Fowler and company could make lightning strike twice - and it did. In only four days of release, it's the seventh highest grossing movie of the year, and has shattered a bunch of records during this somewhat post-pandemic time, and with good reason: while it's not perfect, it's got everything you want for a mindless fun family-friendly action/comedy hybrid.Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Idris Elba
Directed by Jeff Fowler
After defeating Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and sending him to a desolate mushroom planet, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) now lives a happy existence with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), while he tries to fight crime and become a superhero, but mostly ends up causing more damage in the process. Tom senses Sonic's desire, but tells him that he's still a kid, and he'll know when that moment will come, because it will choose him.
Unbeknownst to them, Dr. Robotnik finds a way back to earth with the help of echidna warrior Knuckles (Idris Elba), who is searching for the powerful Master Emerald, which will allow its owner to bend reality to their will. Robotnik tricks Knuckles into helping him, and leads to a fight with Sonic. Yet Sonic also has a new alley in two-tailed fox Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), who arrives on earth himself to help Sonic fight Knuckles. As they all embark on a worldwide quest to find the Emerald, Sonic learns the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and what it really takes to be a hero.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 2" isn't a stellar piece of cinema, but it's a darn good time. Once again, Jeff Fowler showcases his love for Sonic in the animation, nods to the video games, and especially Jim Carrey's performance as Dr. Robotnik (he claims it's his last role, but I think he could be convinced to come back for the eventual third movie). The movie itself doesn't really tell an epic story, as it's rather generic with the search for another MacGuffin (this time it's the Master Emerald, which, of course, can't be found right away without finding a map and compass first), but films like this doesn't need to rely on story when it's got great characters and a fun atmosphere that envelops it. Thankfully, that's what "Sonic 2" has in spades.
This is due in no small part to the perfect vocal and live-action performers, who give it their all despite the often silly nature of the film. Ben Schwartz returns to voice Sonic, and once again he gives Sonic a more human feel. He's not just a stock character, but a hedgehog who's struggling with still being a child and wanting to be a hero, showing immaturity but also a heart of gold that leads him around the globe in order to protect those he loves. Colleen O'Shaughnessey (who reprises her vocal role from the video games) enters the fray as Sonic's loyal pal Tails, a two-tailed fox with a backpack full of gadgets and an intellectual brain to figure out any circumstance. Yet Tails is also complex, as he was an outcast on his planet due to his two-tailed nature, and who admires Sonic because he feels Sonic, as well, is an outcast - and maybe someone who could be his only friend. Idris Elba also makes his debut as Knuckles, Sonic's adversary who joins Robotnik in his pursuit for the Emerald. Elba plays Knuckles as a no-nonsense warrior, someone who doesn't get humor or sarcasm, and who uses his oversized fists to prove his point. Honestly, if there was a spinoff movie featuring Knuckles and Drax from "Guardians of the Galaxy," it'd be two of the same type of characters and one I would die to see.
On the human front, "Sonic 2" sort of fails compared to the original, as the first focused more on Sonic and Tom's relationship, while here they're separated for most of the film so Sonic and Tails's relationship could be more established. Here, Tom and Maddie are sent to Hawaii for Maddie's sister's wedding, which also has some hilariously bad consequences and showcases Maddie's sister Rachel - played by the great Natasha Rothwell - in a more exciting light. As always, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter give it their all as well despite being sidelined through most of the film, while also hitting home the familial aspect of their relationship with Sonic, seeing him more as their child than their friend. Yet it's Jim Carrey who once again steals the show as Dr. Robotnik, as he utilizes all his unique comedic prowess to deliver a hilarious, dastardly performance - he even has the elongated handlebar mustache to twirl like the classic villains of old.
The story, as I said earlier, isn't that spectacular or unique, but it still has its own charms: while they're searching for the Emerald, Sonic and Tails are given their own character arcs as Sonic learns what it means to be a hero, while Tails learns how it finally feels to be accepted for who he is. Even Knuckles is given a story as we learn he's not just a mindless brute, but someone who has a firm sense of honor and who, ultimately, is also looking for a friend. The action is maintained throughout the film, featuring standout fights from Sonic's house to a mountain (an obvious nod to the video game franchise), to the labyrinthal halls of the Labyrinth Zone (a direct nod to the fourth level in the first video game) and everywhere in-between, there's not a lot of downtime that'll entertain kids and adults alike. The effects are also top-notch, as once again the characters receive their video game due, and the humor is as fast-paced as Sonic is, with humorous mentions of pop culture (including Vin Diesel and The Rock's feud) and a family-friendly environment that allows the parents to let their kiddos see the film with little fear of them seeing something naughty. It's not perfect, but it's Sonic, and it manages to, again, far exceed all expectations not just for a sequel movie, but a video game movie as well.
The Score: A
Unbeknownst to them, Dr. Robotnik finds a way back to earth with the help of echidna warrior Knuckles (Idris Elba), who is searching for the powerful Master Emerald, which will allow its owner to bend reality to their will. Robotnik tricks Knuckles into helping him, and leads to a fight with Sonic. Yet Sonic also has a new alley in two-tailed fox Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), who arrives on earth himself to help Sonic fight Knuckles. As they all embark on a worldwide quest to find the Emerald, Sonic learns the true meaning of friendship, sacrifice, and what it really takes to be a hero.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 2" isn't a stellar piece of cinema, but it's a darn good time. Once again, Jeff Fowler showcases his love for Sonic in the animation, nods to the video games, and especially Jim Carrey's performance as Dr. Robotnik (he claims it's his last role, but I think he could be convinced to come back for the eventual third movie). The movie itself doesn't really tell an epic story, as it's rather generic with the search for another MacGuffin (this time it's the Master Emerald, which, of course, can't be found right away without finding a map and compass first), but films like this doesn't need to rely on story when it's got great characters and a fun atmosphere that envelops it. Thankfully, that's what "Sonic 2" has in spades.
This is due in no small part to the perfect vocal and live-action performers, who give it their all despite the often silly nature of the film. Ben Schwartz returns to voice Sonic, and once again he gives Sonic a more human feel. He's not just a stock character, but a hedgehog who's struggling with still being a child and wanting to be a hero, showing immaturity but also a heart of gold that leads him around the globe in order to protect those he loves. Colleen O'Shaughnessey (who reprises her vocal role from the video games) enters the fray as Sonic's loyal pal Tails, a two-tailed fox with a backpack full of gadgets and an intellectual brain to figure out any circumstance. Yet Tails is also complex, as he was an outcast on his planet due to his two-tailed nature, and who admires Sonic because he feels Sonic, as well, is an outcast - and maybe someone who could be his only friend. Idris Elba also makes his debut as Knuckles, Sonic's adversary who joins Robotnik in his pursuit for the Emerald. Elba plays Knuckles as a no-nonsense warrior, someone who doesn't get humor or sarcasm, and who uses his oversized fists to prove his point. Honestly, if there was a spinoff movie featuring Knuckles and Drax from "Guardians of the Galaxy," it'd be two of the same type of characters and one I would die to see.
On the human front, "Sonic 2" sort of fails compared to the original, as the first focused more on Sonic and Tom's relationship, while here they're separated for most of the film so Sonic and Tails's relationship could be more established. Here, Tom and Maddie are sent to Hawaii for Maddie's sister's wedding, which also has some hilariously bad consequences and showcases Maddie's sister Rachel - played by the great Natasha Rothwell - in a more exciting light. As always, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter give it their all as well despite being sidelined through most of the film, while also hitting home the familial aspect of their relationship with Sonic, seeing him more as their child than their friend. Yet it's Jim Carrey who once again steals the show as Dr. Robotnik, as he utilizes all his unique comedic prowess to deliver a hilarious, dastardly performance - he even has the elongated handlebar mustache to twirl like the classic villains of old.
The story, as I said earlier, isn't that spectacular or unique, but it still has its own charms: while they're searching for the Emerald, Sonic and Tails are given their own character arcs as Sonic learns what it means to be a hero, while Tails learns how it finally feels to be accepted for who he is. Even Knuckles is given a story as we learn he's not just a mindless brute, but someone who has a firm sense of honor and who, ultimately, is also looking for a friend. The action is maintained throughout the film, featuring standout fights from Sonic's house to a mountain (an obvious nod to the video game franchise), to the labyrinthal halls of the Labyrinth Zone (a direct nod to the fourth level in the first video game) and everywhere in-between, there's not a lot of downtime that'll entertain kids and adults alike. The effects are also top-notch, as once again the characters receive their video game due, and the humor is as fast-paced as Sonic is, with humorous mentions of pop culture (including Vin Diesel and The Rock's feud) and a family-friendly environment that allows the parents to let their kiddos see the film with little fear of them seeing something naughty. It's not perfect, but it's Sonic, and it manages to, again, far exceed all expectations not just for a sequel movie, but a video game movie as well.
The Score: A
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