Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review: Outrunning the Video Game Movie Curse!

Time and time again, we have been subjected to failed and dull attempts at creating video game-inspired movies. The 2020 Sonic the Hedgehog film, while not anywhere near bad, it did not quantify itself as a good film either. Seeing that there would be a Sonic the Hedgehog 2, an implication of uncertainty became present. After watching, the second installment marginally improves on the first but still bears some of the same issues as before.

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Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stars Ben Schwartz, reprising his role as the voice of Sonic, alongside James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Jim Carrey, and others as the supporting cast. This is definitely a sequel more for the service of the hardcore Sonic fanatics. Iconic characters such as Tails the Fox and Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by the magnificent Idris Elba) make their debut appearance here. These characters take center stage for the most part, which does strengthen the film’s overall appeal.

Sonic’s little “hero’s journey” character arc is a neat injection into this kind of story. Jim Carrey returns and throws in his lovable quirks and charms. The action scenes are enticing with some decent VFX and sound design. The simplicity of the storytelling can also be appreciated for the kind of film it is at its core. It does feel like a film tailor-made for Sonic fans, which can still work in that regard.

There are quite a few aspects to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 I found significantly bothersome. For one, the majority of the attempts at humor are awful. There’s a lot of cringy meme humor and quick quips that stung my eardrums. Everything involving the human characters was just terrible. Not only did it not provide any substance to the story, but it brought the pacing to a screeching halt. The whole wedding subplot was almost painful to withstand.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will deliver enough for fans of the franchise and casual viewers. It has some heavy flaws but can entertain in the right departments.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ Rating – 3/5

Follow Zach (the Author) on Instagram – @pretentiousfilmcritic