Films based on video-games are usually tricky to pull off. With a video game, you can spend hours exploring the world and the story while getting acquainted with the gameplay. With a film however, we explore the worlds and characters in a much smaller amount of time. This is why films such as Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, Assassin’s Creed and Warcraft struggle with their storytelling. Saying that, Sonic the Hedgehog, which came out in 2020 at the start of the global pandemic, didn’t adhere to the restraints of the video game it is based on. Instead, the film focused on a simple but charming story of good versus evil.
With Sonic the Hedgehog 2 the world and characters are now more or less established. Dr Robotnik returns from the first film after being stranded on a planet full of mushrooms by Sonic. On the planet Dr Robotnik comes across a new creature, similar to Sonic called Knuckles, a supposed Echidna warrior who has a personal vendetta with Sonic. From this point on the story kicks off with Sonic’s life with his human family going well except for the fact that Sonic wants to be a hero again. Naturally, that leads to Sonic and Dr Robotnik clashing again with the addition of Knuckles as an additional villain and newcomer Tails, a yellow fox-like creature, teaming up with Sonic.
Fans of the video game series will pick up on a variety of easter eggs and references scattered across in the film. For those who are not fans will be able to follow the story really easy regardless, as the world-building is gently eased into the story this time around. This sequel feels much more like an adventure film as opposed to the road-trip plot of the first film. In fact there’s a lot of callbacks to other adventure films such as Indiana Jones and Jumanji throughout this playful sequel.
The biggest highlight of the film is the cast. Jim Carrey puts in a big, bold performance as Dr Robotnik that feels like one of his 90s characters such as Ace Ventura or The Mask, which means he is over-the-top and much more physical with his comedy which is a treat to see again on the big screen! Idris Elba lends his gravelly voice to Knuckles and brings out a flawed and naive character out of him. Ben Schwartz also completely inhabits the role of Sonic with his child-like personality and energetic mannerisms noticeable in his voice work, which was also a highlight in the first film. Together these are characters you want to get to know throughout the course of the film.
The only downside to this sequel is that it does tread a lot of common tropes that are found in film sequels, such as a larger amount of visual effects and putting more emphasis on the action. Luckily, the film looks much better than the first, especially after the incident regarding the re-design of the main character, with the film feeling more colourful and having impressive visual effects that blend with the human characters and locations seamlessly. In regard to this, you end up forgetting all about the shortcomings that come with film sequels.
★★★★☆
4/5
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is full of character, charm and humour. It’s a great film to see with the family as adults and children will gain something out of the experience. This sequel does go bigger and louder as most sequels do, but it completely wins you over with some stunning effects work and a highly entertaining story. It's a joy to see the filmmakers have fun with Sonic and I’m looking forward to see where they take him next.
Thanks for reading today’s blog!
Alex Murray, the Head of Eyesight Productions
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