Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022). REVIEW – Exciting, Emotional, Exhausting
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is more potent than its predecessor. It is faster, more tightly paced, has better action scenes, and its characters are written much better. Sonic the Hedgehog felt more like a Sonic movie that a large Hollywood studio was only interested in making a profit. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 feels more like an adaptation that a team of Sonic fans passionate about the franchise would make.
This film has so many great things that even people who did not like it the first time around will enjoy it again. Both the new and old characters are much more likable. Tails and Knuckles have been welcomed additions to this film franchise, while Sonic has more depth and Eggman is an entertaining villain. Eggman feels more like himself in the sequel than he did before. His character isn’t just an assortment of quirks or oddball behavior. He’s much more consistent and thus easier to invest in.
Both the live-action and voice casts deliver outstanding performances. Colleen O’Shaughnessey and Ben Schwartz do a great job as Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. They bring these characters to life in a way that will appeal to long-standing fans, new viewers, and everyone in between.
Tika Sumpter plays Maddie, but James Marsden’s Tom doesn’t have much to do. Tika Sumpter is the star, and she kills every scene. Jim Carrey is the show star, chewing every stage most naturally. Now that Eggman is a better-written and more consistent character, Carrey has more material to work with. He owns this role. He could have played the part better than anyone else.
The real surprise is Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which manages to touch the heartstrings. The screenplay’s strength shines in the quieter, more intimate moments when the characters interact and develop their relationships. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are good examples of this. The film’s greatest strength is the friendship formed between them. It is rare to see male characters caring, trusting, loving, and caring. Sonic the Hedgehog 2, however, was refreshing to see.
This sequel is not perfect. It’s a bit too long. When you think the movie is over, another sequence begins. You feel exhausted from all of the running, chasing, and fighting. The screenplay is solid, but it’s too stuffed. It could use a few more rounds of trimming and editing.
The film is also plagued by scenes and lines intended to appeal to Gen Z audiences. These scenes feel out-of-place and out-of-touch and seem less like what kids like and more like what business people think kids like. These moments don’t date the film, but they do take away some of the enjoyment.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a solid film for the most part. It’s filled with likable characters, high-energy action scenes, and a strong focus on friendship. This film is sure to be loved by Sonic fans, but even those who have never played Sonic games in their lives may find themselves enjoying the action scenes and maybe even crying during the more emotionally charged parts. This might be the most fantastic video game movie adaptation.
