The Sega Genesis game that sold 24 million cartridges worldwide now boasts a cinematic sequel to its 2020 big screen debut. Our JP reviews “Sonic the Hedgehog 2.”
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
(Paramount Pictures)
- Directed by Jeff Fowler
- Screenplay by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington
- Story by Pat Casey, Josh Miller
- Based on Sonic the Hedgehog by Sega
- Produced by Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno
- Starring James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, and Lee Majdoub, with Idris Elba and Jim Carrey
Studio Synopsis:
The world’s favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.
J.P’s Take:
The Sonic the Hedgehog game series bears the quality of being one of the most popular titles in the realm of 80’s/90’s and 2000’s gaming. It sparked numerous follow-up game titles across multiple consoles, as well as toys, clothing, comic books, and, of course, a cartoon series. So no doubt the next step would be a film franchise. 2020 was the year that Sonic’s first appearance on the big screen that set off another frenzy for the headliner, which opens up his world to a whole new generation of fans. Here, we have a spirited sequel, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” that tackles the same wholesome family fun vibe, while taking it to a much more adventurous level.
Sonic’s initial big screen presentation was done on such a low key level that it almost slid under the radar. Still, old school fans instantly spotted Easter Eggs aplenty, while having a few laughs in the process. While box office numbers had proven that this franchise had “legs,” director Jeff Fowler, writers Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington were left with the question, “how do we top that?” Well, they did by churning out a visually heightened and highly energetic game-like experience for the theater. Part 2 is certainly sensory overload which will leave you exhausted midway through the film. It is brimming with everything and the kitchen sink! A giant robot, killer drones, and cool gadgets that all seem nicely rendered against realistic environments. The one thing you can blame them for is the overclocked 2 hours, 20 minute time period. I mean, I get it. You have an extensive world to sift through and there are many places you can go storywise. Wouldn’t it be more advantageous to save some of that for a third sequel? More on that in a minute.
Again, it boils down to the economics of storytelling to visual appeal, but I must admit I wasn’t bored through most of this excursion. If it weren’t for the bubbly team up tale paired with lovable characters, I would have checked out of this long time ago. There is an endearing mellow drama between adoptive parents Tom and Maddie Wachowski (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter) and teenaged Sonic (voice by Ben Schwartz). Like any group of parents protecting their children from a wicked world, the two try to instill in Sonic the value of accountability and responsibility. Knowing he has special powers, they send him on a corrected course to use his abilities selflessly and not just for his own amusement. Aiding Sonic in this coming of age journey are two known and delightful game figures, Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba), who are charming additions. Elba adds the dunderheaded-like brawn to Knuckles, who truly has a valiant soul only misplaced by less friendly sentiments. Kunckles is to Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik (Jim Carrey) as Stan Laurel is to Oliver Hardy. They play off each other in quirky if in humorous ways.
Although I can get behind the moral story, it’s when it came to the human adults’ time to play that things got a bit awkward. Tom and Maddie felt very saccharin even in times of trouble and they had to help save Sonic. Scenes like that can get pretty hokey for extended periods of time and therefore didn’t feel totally grounded. In a comical wedding scene, one particular moment is when Rachel (Natasha Rothwell) was chasing down her soon-to-be-husband Randall (Shemar Moore) that took a turn for the ugly. Sure it was slightly chuckle some, yet again over time, it just became just plain ole tiring. As to the actions sequence, they certainly could have chopped 10 – 15 minutes out of those segments for a more lean mean action machine.
Don’t get me wrong “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” looks fantastic as the effects are top notch and the cast as a whole kept the film afloat. O’Shaughnessey reprising her role as Tails brings both a certain sweetness and innocence to the character. Her personality works well in scenes with Sonic and Tails. They have each other’s back in dire situations. Elba has the right weight of presence to his characterization of Knuckles and is fitting for the role. Adam Pally as Deputy Sheriff Wade Wipple adds the key stone cop routine to his part … and makes good use of being the air head of the bunch. Lee Majdoub played Stone as right hand henchmen to Dr. Robotnik with a milk toast temperament. Tom Butler made simple work of Commander Walters, the bull headed founder/leader of the G.U.N. organization. Last, but certainly not least, Carrey does his greatest impression of … himself in his early years. He’s one of the most hailed comedians of physical comedy and can spout the dopiest lines and make them hilarious. This might be one of his funniest roles since “The Mask.”
My love/hate relationship with video games turned movies was being chipped away viewing “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” and I’m not ashamed to say I was slightly impressed here. There is an oddball mix of old school and new school pop culture references that served their purpose of melding the two fan bases. Some jokes held up well, others like the “Trumpism” line as recited by Dr. Robotnik “well there are good people on both sides” didn’t fare as well. Yet, Carrey found a way to prod a laugh or two out of viewers. There is no doubt and third sequel is on the way, especially with the Marvel styled ending touting the next character from the game series.