He’s back and faster than ever! Directed by Jeff Fowler, the movie Sonic the Hedgehog 2, released on April 8, 2022, is based on the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise of the same name and is rated PG. Starring Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Idris Elba, it takes place in Green Hills, Montana, as well as other locations.
After defeating Dr. Robotnik with the help of Tom and Maddie, Sonic has really settled into his home on Earth. But when the mad doctor returns with Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic has to stop them from stealing the Master Emerald and become a true hero. He is not alone, as he joins up with a two-tailed fox named Miles Prower, or Tails as he’s known. Can Sonic and Tails stop Robotnik? Will Knuckles come to see Robotnik for the villain he is? Does Sonic have what it takes to be a true hero?
This is the movie I was looking forward to seeing since the year began. Now that I have seen it, I can express my opinions. This movie was an absolute blast to watch. The first movie was pretty great too, but it was more of just a fun adventure that was a setup for the films to follow. This is where things really start getting good. I will express the multiple ways that this movie accomplishes that.
The story of this movie is noteworthy. After the first film adapted the first game in the series, this film adapts the second and third games at the same time. While the first film merely had Sonic and Robotnik in it, this movie adds the two other most popular characters from the games, Tails and Knuckles. By doing this, they are bringing the games to life more than they did in the previous movie. Using the Master Emerald was also brilliant, presenting so many more story ideas in the process. There are other good game elements used, but I don’t want to give them away, they’re too good! It’s true that they were really giving the fans what they wanted this time around. Still, the story has more to offer than just that. We get to see Sonic develop more fully here, becoming more mature as the story goes on. This is also represented well in Tails, who Sonic becomes responsible for. The bond these two develop is another worthwhile element about the film, building on the first friendship Sonic ever had in the games. Finally, by having Knuckles at Robotnik’s side, it allows for Sonic to experience conflict without reusing what was seen in the first movie.
The cast in this movie does an incredible job. Ben Schwartz is just as impressive this time around, being able to have an attitude and a likable side at the same time. Colleen O’Shaughnessey delivers as Tails the same way she does in the games. While the new people they cast for these movies were great, I don’t think anyone could do Tails better than her, so I’m glad she joined the cast. Idris Elba was yet another genius casting choice when he voiced Knuckles, being a really cool, tough guy who you still sympathize with. Jim Carrey is the real show stealer as Dr. Robotnik, like last time, as he is the hilarious yet intimidating threat everyone loves in the game’s Dr. Eggman. Finally, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprise their original roles as Tom and Maddie Wachowski, but more as supporting characters. Honestly, I think this was for the best. As great as they were in the first movie, they needed to take on a secondary role so the relationships with the game characters could develop. Their roles are still beneficial regardless.
Being more than just the fun adventure that I mentioned earlier, this movie gets extremely action packed and epic. Though a little slow at the beginning, it picks up as fast as our hedgehog and just keeps building from there. Seeing Sonic and Knuckles attack each other is a feast for the eyes. The visuals really add to that as you are drawn to the screen in some amazing images, including the Master Emerald itself. I still don’t think the CGI is that great, which I will probably have problems with throughout this series, but the action and visuals are something to behold.
The story is a well written action-adventure movie even if one is not familiar with the games. They can be entertained by certain elements that I have mentioned before like the story, the cast, and the action, but there are other advantages as well. Having the story be set amongst humans, like with the first movie, gives the movie some relatability even though it is greatly fantasy filled. There is also some smartly written comedy that will leave you laughing. This movie satisfies both fans and non-fans.
Overall, this is a video game movie masterpiece. Easily the greatest video game movie I’ve ever seen, and one of the movies I’ll be coming back to the most. It’s ranks high on my movie list. While there is a lot to offer for the dedicated fans, there is still a lot to offer for people who have never played a Sonic game. Come and watch the Blue Blur, and be sure to wait for yet another post-credits scene setting up the next movie.
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