Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Film)

Note: This review contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog (Film).

Over two years ago, we watched the first live-action Sonic the Hedgehog film in a theater. Little did we know that would be the final film we would watch the traditional way before the world shut down as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the time since, we adapted to streaming as a way of keeping up with major film releases, even after theaters started opening back up again. With Sonic the Hedgehog 2 around the corner, however, we felt enough hype for the film that we decided we’d finally try going back into the theater in as safe an environment as possible. Fortunately, the end result was worth taking the risk.

Months after the events of Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) tries being a vigilante, with little success. Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) catches on and advises Sonic to wait for the right time to use his powers as he and his wife, Maddie (Tika Sumpter), go off to Hawaii to attend a wedding. In the short time Sonic is alone, however, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns with the help of Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba), who has a grudge against the blue blur. Sonic is rescued by Miles “Tails” Prower (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), who traveled to Earth to warn Sonic about Knuckles. Once Sonic successfully gets away, he and Robotnik learn of the existence of the Master Emerald, which holds the power to bend reality, and race to obtain it before the other has a chance to use it.

With a longer runtime than the previous film, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 balances three different plot threads, one following Sonic and Tails’ search for the Master Emerald, one following Robotnik tracking Sonic and another following Tom and Maddie at the wedding. Throughout the span of just over two hours, these plot threads cross paths at different points, preventing any of them from feeling like complete filler. By the third act, they all come back together in a mostly satisfying way, complete with a very climactic showdown between Sonic and Robotnik that comes with its own exciting twists and developments. That doesn’t prevent some scenes from coming off as padding, however, like a dance battle during Sonic’s story that’s designed solely to show off Tails’ tech and, arguably, at least one scene at the wedding. There’s also at least one detail that isn’t properly explained.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz, right) finds trouble when he runs into Knuckles (Idris Elba, left).

Compared to the previous film, however, this one feels a lot more comfortable with making both subtle and overt references to the greater Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. While this largely includes quick visual nods, the story itself also borrows plot and world elements from multiple games, which notably includes Sonic 3 & Knuckles, namely the Master Emerald and the dynamic between Sonic and Knuckles. These elements not only provide a lot of great fanservice for longtime fans, but are introduced in a way that even general moviegoing audiences can more easily absorb the world of Sonic the Hedgehog without feeling overwhelmed.

Fittingly, this sequel has an increased use of CG, which helps more easily depict the increased scope. Much like in the original, Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are animated in a way that they convincingly interact with the environment and, at times, the human cast. Considering the very impressive CG environments and larger-scale action scenes, it’s impressive knowing that the film had the same budget as its predecessor, about $90 million, though they noticeably reuse some assets as a cost-cutting measure. Observant viewers may also notice at least a couple visual retcons, like Tails having a backpack where he didn’t originally.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 also has strong casting, with Jim Carrey once again matching the bombastic energy of his in-game counterpart and Ben Schwartz channeling the familiar attitude that Sonic fans are familiar with. While it’s no surprise that Colleen O'Shaughnessey would put in a good performance as Tails, considering she also currently voices him in the games, the real surprise is Idris Elba as Knuckles. Though the announcement made me unsure about the casting choice, he proves himself a surprisingly good fit for the character, with a performance that highlights Knuckles’ strong, yet somewhat dim, personality while also injecting a good amount of humor towards the end.

If you’re already a fan of Sonic the Hedgehog, you’ll no doubt have interest in seeing this film. For everyone else, I would still recommend Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as a fun, action-packed adventure. Just make, sure, of course, that you’ve watched the original beforehand.