'Sonic The Hedgehog 2' Review: More Stakes, More Fun
The beloved blue hedgehog has returned, bringing some colorful new characters along with him.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 picks up shortly after the events of the first film, where the titular hero, voiced once again by Ben Schwartz, is attempting to come into his own as the town’s hero with mixed results. However, he’s clearly unprepared when a far more sizable threat enters the picture, bringing back Dr. Robotnik, reprised by Jim Carrey, and a new super-powered foe named Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba.
The biggest asset these two adaptations have had going for them is the cast. The first film was a pleasant surprise due in large part to the terrific voice work from Schwartz, the perfectly zany, over-the-top performance from Jim Carrey, and the solid work from the rest of the rest of the ensemble. This sequel is no different, Schwartz feeling even more at home and comfortable with the character of Sonic, imbuing him with the sense of humor and heart that makes him such a likable protagonist. Carrey continues to dial his performance to eleven, his delivery and overall energy a delight as always. The new additions to the cast, including Elba and Colleen O’ Shaughnessey as the beloved flying fox, Tails, are both terrific, the former bringing gravitas and unexpected humor to the ferocious antagonist while the latter provides charm aplenty as Sonic’s new friend and trusted sidekick. This video game sequel not only offers far larger stakes for our hero, but provides more fun as well.
Many sequels make the attempt to go bigger and more epic in scope, which this follow-up certainly does, but fortunately the humor and heart of its predecessor isn’t lost in the shuffle. The action sequences throughout are far more impressive than the first film, director Jeff Fowler helming these scenes with far more confidence and creativity than before. The action is colorful, vibrant, well-paced, and best of all fun. These are films that thankfully don’t take themselves too seriously and this only enhances the entertainment value.
However, what will truly take audiences by surprise is the amount of heart in this sequel. Not only is the warm relationship between Sonic and his father figure Tom, played by James Marsden, fleshed out more to great effect here, but the relationships that form between our hero, Tails, and Knuckles is especially well done. Sonic’s loneliness and grief is far more evident in this sequel and the way that factors into those relationships is powerful and effective. His relationship with Knuckles is especially well-established and given time to breathe throughout the film, the two characters learning more about each other and their respective pasts after each new encounter.
As for any flaws that hold the film back, the only glaring question mark was the inclusion of the FBI in the film. While their involvement in the story certainly makes sense given the threat that develops in the film, their introduction not only feel forced, but extremely awkward as well. There’s a certain twist that is revealed pertaining to the wedding of Tom’s wife’s sister Rachel, played by Natasha Rothwell, that is simply silly and goes on far too long after the fact. It was a development that was unnecessary and unfunny, which halted the pacing of the film tremendously.
Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is not only a rarity in that it’s a video game movie that works, but one that also happens to be better than its predecessor. The elevated stakes, fantastic action sequences, humor, and heart should be a winning combination for fans of this character and developing franchise. These films are made by a creative team that fundamentally understands the widespread appeal of this revered character and knows exactly how to do him justice for fans and non-fans alike. This sequel, like the first film, sets the stage for another installment and it’s difficult not to be excited for where these colorful characters go next.