Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Doctor “Eggman” Robotnik may wail, “Not that irritating hedgehog again!” but cinemagoers should be pleased to have Sonic the Hedgehog 2, following an original film that surpassed expectations after a disastrous unveil. The optimism built from the predecessor’s success is met in this sequel, which levels up the humour, action and emotion.

After the first film’s events, Eggman (Jim Carrey, as funny as ever) escapes from the “piece of shiitake” Mushroom Planet thanks to Knuckles (Idris Elba, ripping off Drax the Destroyer), a brawny echidna who’s determined to reclaim the Master Emerald, an unimaginably powerful orb that is historically protected by his tribe. He’s manipulated by Robotnik to pursue Sonic for this, so they tag team against the speedy hedgehog with Robotnik secretly plotting to seize the Emerald for himself.

In parallel, Sonic’s best pal Tom (James Marsden) heads to Hawaii with his wife Maddie (Tika Sumpter) for her sister Rachel’s (a scene-stealing Natasha Rothwell) wedding, leaving Sonic in the lively domesticity of bubble baths and dancing to 90s pop. He’s soon assaulted by the duo but subsequently saved by Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey, the only videogame voice actor reprising their role), a flying fox with an encyclopaedic grasp of the wider galaxy. Tails’ belief is that Sonic is the ultimate force in existence, so he must be protected at all costs.

Between Tails’ knowledge and Knuckles’ motivations, we learn a great deal about Sonic lore – perhaps more than one may care to know – but it is compelling when we learn how the anthropomorphic characters are all struggling with their place in this universe. This leads to genuinely touching moments between the three creatures, which carry moral messages of friendship, finding connections through chosen families and overcoming loneliness.

These evergreen lessons are appropriate for all demographics, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 further appeals to both adults and children with its sense of humour, getting away with hilarious euphemisms and cultural references (particularly a Fast & Furious one) in addition to slapstick moments such as a Siberian dance battle that’ll keep the younger crowds cackling.

Big VFX-driven sequences are coherent with distinct, vibrant colour coding – but the third act runs too long with a string of set pieces that intend to focus on teamwork but culminate in a grand solo moment, which looks very cool but dismisses the core theme. Overall, though, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is next-level fun for the whole family.

Musanna Ahmed

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is released nationwide on 1^st April 2022.

Watch the trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 here: