After almost 30 years of toiling in development hell, the film adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog I wanted since 1988 finally came to fruition…and I was wholly underwhelmed. However, I was clearly in the minority on that one because it received mostly favorable reviews and $319 million in box office receipts, generally the recipe for a sequel.
Two years and a pandemic later, the iconic blue Erinaceidae returns in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. After settling into Green Hills, Sonic finds himself in a battle with Dr. Robotnik and his new partner, Knuckles, to find and protect a powerful, mystical emerald.
Following in the footsteps of the first film’s surprise success is no easy task. Does Sonic 2 keep up the momentum?
My biggest issue with the first Sonic movie was how slow it moved, even for an origin story meant to establish Sonic’s connection to Earth and human relationships. However, Sonic 1 writing duo Pat Casey and Josh Miller and The Lego Batman Movie scribe John Whittington crafted a script that moves Sonic 2 considerably faster.
It starts with a brief update on where things stand since the last visit to Green Hills and then transitions into a story that will keep both adults and children engaged for the film’s duration. For adults, there are well-written punchlines that will probably go over the little ones’ heads and some good easter eggs and faithful ties to the Sonic games. The draw for children is the physical comedy and increased but still family-friendly action sequences.
Despite the improved pacing, the script still has its flaws. Some parts of the trio’s story are too long. The issue presents itself in multiple scenes, but it’s most prominent in the third act. The intention seems to be to exaggerate the campy villain filler that usually comes before the final showdown and add more comedy to this stage. Sadly, it has the opposite effect and slightly taints an otherwise marked improvement over the previous script in this case.
In front of the camera, the mainstays are spectacular. Ben Schwartz takes his previous effort as Sonic to another level for this one by adding an ability to create empathy for Sonic to the comedic charm that gives the film a heart the first one lacked. Jim Carrey nails Dr. Robotnik again, but this time with less physical comedy and more well-sold banter. James Mardsen and Tika Sumpter continue their outstanding chemistry with limited but more comedic screen time (especially Marsden, as he plays up being the butt of a few jokes).
However, a newcomer and the expansion of a returning minor character made the movie for me. Idris Elba as Knuckles is perfection. He brings the toughness and grit needed for Knuckles, but he skillfully disarms that when it’s the time not to take the character seriously.
Natasha Rothwell, who returns as Tom’s long-suffering sister-in-law Rachel, steals the show in her expanded role. Rothwell takes full advantage of the opportunity by showcasing the same wit and charisma that made her must-see TV as Insecure’s Kelli but adds some previously unseen range that makes you wonder why her star vehicle isn’t here already.
Sonic 2 is a night to day improvement over the first film. It goes from a watchable series to an enjoyable one thanks to a much-improved script and the continued high-quality performances from its cast. It’s not a perfect film because its tendency to drag out several scenes beyond their use slows it down and loses you a bit. Despite telling too much story, Sonic 2 is a joy to watch for adults, kids, and Sonic fans in general. If you decide to check it out, a standard format screen is the move, and stay for the end credits.
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