Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review: Does it Live up 2 the Hype? (Minor spoilers)

With the success of Paramount's 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog, based on the hit video game series of the same name, high expectations were placed on the sequel, which introduces the fan favorite sidekick, Miles "Tails" Prower (voiced by veteran voice actress Colleen O'Shaugnessy), and the tough as leather rival, Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba). The first film may have gotten a bit of a rocky start with initial reactions to the first design being so great that Paramount had to go back and change it, but this film had no such uphill battle. All eyes were set upon how Sonic the Hedgehog 2 could build upon the story established in its predecessor. Not only did it meet the expectations given to it, but in some cases, the movie exceeded them.

The movie picks up nine months after the first. Sonic, after settling into his life in Green Hills, is eager to prove himself as having what it takes to be a true hero. He gets his chance when, while Tom and Maddie are attending a wedding in Hawaii, Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with the help of an echidna warrior named Knuckles. Together, they are after an ancient, mystical emerald, called the Master Emerald, that has the power to destroy civilizations. Knuckles is after the gem to protect it, but Robotnik has other plans for the jewel. However, Sonic is not facing the Egg-shaped scientist alone this time. This time around, Sonic has his own sidekick, a fox named Miles Prower, who is nicknamed Tails. They embark on a journey across the world in search of the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

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Overall, the plot follows many of the same beats as the first. Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is now an established part of the Green Hills community and has begun doing vigilante work on the side under Sheriff Tom Wachowski's (James Marsden) nose. The relationship between Tom and Sonic is very much akin to a father-son relationship, as stated by the actor in a recent interview. The Wachowski family dynamic in general is brilliantly displayed, despite them not getting as much screen time as in the first film. The moments they do have, however, are heartfelt and impactful, especially toward the end of the film when Sonic starts to accept the parental guidance of who he first simply called his best friend.

The pacing of the film is a bit haphazard at times, however. It begins with Robotnik escaping from the Mushroom Planet he had been on and meeting Knuckles pretty soon after. The scene shifts to Sonic doing vigilante work in Seattle before going back to daily life in Green Hills, and then it shifts to Tom and Maddie Wachowksi leaving for Hawaii through one of Sonic's ring portals. We are then introduced to Tails in the same manner he was introduced at the end of the first movie. Pretty soon after Sonic's mini party at the house, Robotnik (or "Eggman" as Sonic occasionally calls him) invades the house with Knuckles in tow. There is not often enough time for the film to breathe, but the film makes up for it with intense action scenes and well-done character and world building.

In terms of characterization, Sonic is still the energetic and cocky kid he was in the first film, and he very much is a kid. The film portrays Sonic as your typical young teenager who is finding his place in life. In Sonic's case. this means proving himself as a hero. There are several moments in the movie where Sonic has cool action moments alongside more cute and wholesome moments of him just being a kid or a good older brother figure to Tails. Ben Schwartz does an excellent job portraying all of these aspects and embodies Sonic's character perfectly, and there is even a cool call-back to his Jean-Ralphio character from Parks and Rec.

Tails is portrayed as a young fox who has idolized Sonic ever since the blue devil caused the blackout in the first film. From his base, he saw Sonic take down Dr. Robotnik the first time, and that inspires the boy to leave his village in search of Sonic once he hears about Knuckles. Initially, he is a reluctant hero, but he is encouraged by Sonic to believe in himself and his abilities. Colleen O'Shaugnessy, who has been voicing the two-tailed fox since 2014, brought her experience to the role and portrayed, her own words, a "more grounded and more serious" performance compared to the games.

Knuckles, the other newcomer to the cinematic universe, is initially portrayed as a tough as nails warrior only focused on his mission, but it is soon revealed that there is a completely different side of the echidna. This side is that of a fish out of water confused by these strange new Earth customs that he must navigate. Both Sonic and he have something in common: they both lost everything on the same day due to the same circumstance. This is something that causes Knuckles to initially begin to question his loyalty to the evil genius, following essentially the same character arc he does in the games in which the move series was based on. Idris Elba portrays both sides of the echidna well and is a great addition to the cast. He gives him a unique voice that can't really be compared to any other actor that has played the character previously.

Dr. Robotnik (or "Eggman" as he is called by Sonic in the movie occasionally) has completely gone off the deep end at this point. He is still rather arrogant and takes any moment to show his triple digit IQ. However, there is a manic energy about him that Carey captures perfectly. There's no pretence regarding working with any sort of governmental agency this time. Robotnik is all out for his own personal gain. If Carey is truly retiring after this film, his performance as Eggman is a fitting swan song for the comedic actor.

The rest of the characters are written fairly well, and their actors give them the needed heart and care for their portrayals. Stand outs include Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone and Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski, with the active role of the character in the film's third act being something Sumpter pushed for. The only character that seemed as if the writers had no idea what to do with was the lovable and goofy sheriff's deputy of Green Hills, Wade Whipple (Adam Pally).Throughout the film, his character just seems to be...there. He really only plays a major part in the film's third act, but even in that instance, it seems he's just placed there haphazardly.

Overall, the film is an excellent follow up to the smash hit 2020 film and builds upon its predecessor. It has the same heart, charm, and care put into it as the first, with plenty of easter eggs for any eagle-eyed Sonic fans. However, it does suffer slightly from a bit of a rushed and convoluted plot and moments of severe tonal whiplash at times. Nonetheless, it is still an excellent film for fans of and newcomers to the speedy blue hedgehog alike.

Rating: 8.5/10

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Source(s): RadioTimes, Winston-Salem Journal, Digital Spy, Variety, CineNow

Written By Connor Terell

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