Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Back in 2020 , Paramount’sSonic the Hedgehogmanaged to be one of the few picture to get a proper theatrical release . In the weeks before the coronavirus pandemic rolled over the worldly concern in sincere , the video recording biz version raked in a solid amount of money and get ahead over sports fan who might ’ve been initially put off by the titular character ’s infamous first figure . And so , it ’s with some in high spirits expected value thatSonic the Hedgehog 2now go far , still flossing and lobbing Olive Garden jokes . Once again directed by Jeff Fowler , the new film introduces several more element from the games , making for a more conversant transonic story . Though it lack the same zippy vigor as the first film , Sonic the Hedgehog 2is bolstered by fun new persona and a absolutely wacky Jim Carrey .
Set sometime after the first movie , speedy hedgehog Sonic ( voiced by Ben Schwartz ) is now happily square off in Green Hills with " Donut Lord " Tom ( James Marsden ) and Maddie ( Tika Sumpter ) . spirit is good , especially when Tom and Maddie jet plane off to Hawaii for a wedding , leaving Sonic to indulge in some distinctive teen prank while home alone . However , his fun time is disrupt by the return of Dr. " Eggman " Robotnik ( Carrey ) , now loose from the Mushroom Planet with the aid of powerful newfangled friend Knuckles the Echidna ( voice by Idris Elba ) . Both Robotnik and Knuckles seek the Master Emerald , an artefact with the vast power to put down and redo the world , and consider Sonic knows where it is . help by Modern friend Tails ( voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey ) , Sonic must rig out to find the Emerald before his enemies and prevent untold event .
Related : Why Knuckles Is A Villain In Sonic The Hedgehog 2
With the insertion of not one but two striking new characters and all the exposition ask to establish the Master Emerald , Sonic the Hedgehog 2is a large pic than before in many ways . That admit its runtime , which pushes just past two hours when the former moving-picture show was roughly 20 minutes shorter . Fowler , work off a screenplay by Pat Casey , Josh Miller , and John Whittington ( from a fib by Casey and Miller ) , admittedly does have a lot of ground to cover . However , there are section ofSonic the Hedgehog 2that lag when it should be speed forward . The occasional fault to the human storyline over in Hawaii undercuts the urgency behind Sonic ’s latest risky venture , even if it yield those like Sumpter and Natasha Rothwell ( as Maddie ’s sister Rachel ) some groovy bit to glint . Also , an epic brawl between Sonic and Knuckles at the end of the second act feels like a final conflict , so when there ’s still a decent amount ofSonic the Hedgehog 2left to reveal , it makes the overall flick sense longer than necessary .
Still , whenSonic the Hedgehog 2is really moving , it is pretty energetic . Fowler stages passel of action scenes for Sonic , and while it could get dizzying for anyone not as intimate with the games , buff of the character are spring to enjoy themselves . The additions of striking game characters Tails and Knuckles are welcome unity , though there ’s an argument to be made that Tails is underused . He and Sonic forge a upstanding friendly relationship , and Fowler was very smart to engage O’Shaughnessey , the voice of Tails in the games , for the film . However , Knuckles is definitelySonic the Hedgehog 2 ’s standout . With his literal mind-set and super - unassailable fists , he capture the deepest arc out of anyone here , and Elba ’s gravelly voice is a everlasting fit . He will make for out jest in both nestling and grownup . Beyond that , the quieter vista between Knuckles and Sonic actually turn up to be the beating heart of the film . Fowler handles those serious moments rather well , though some ingredient do n’t always flux well with the lighthearted energy of the rest ofSonic the Hedgehog 2 .
When it comes to the returning cast , Schwartz maintains the same zip he had in the first movie , shooting off references and quips in equal measure . He beat a few moments of exposure that allow him to give Sonic some extra shading . Of the performers who actually appear on screen , Carrey continues to steal the show . He intelligibly understands the designation , giving a go - for - broke execution with Robotnik that has the accurate kind of zany muscularity a video game villain need . Marsden is charming , but he regrettably gets stuck with some ofSonic the Hedgehog2 ’s duller moments for most of his prospect . Tom ’s relationship with Sonic father a new level in this installment that wo n’t come as a surprise , but it still leave Marsden the probability to put in some earnestness to the film . Those are his best minute .
All told , Sonic the Hedgehog 2is more overstuffed than the last instalment , and that leads to some pacing and fiber issue across the gameboard . Still , this is a movie that manage to uphold the spirit of the plot it is based on , and it does so with a wide - ranging soundtrack that have needledrops from Bruno Mars to Andy Williams . The cast shows up willing to play ball , with Elba and Carrey standing as the MVPs . Sonic fans will likely have a upright time with this one , and while more general audiences might not understand the overall appeal , they ’ll probably find some region to enjoy as well .
More : Watch The Sonic The Hedgehog 2 Trailer
Sonic the Hedgehog 2arrives in U.S. theaters Friday , April 8 . It is 122 minutes retentive and rat PG for activity , some wildness , unmannered humor , and balmy speech .
Voice of Idris Elba in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
The iconic blue hedgehog is back in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 , eager to prove himself as a grinder . And when Dr. Robotnik escapes his prison house , it seems he ’ll have his chance . This film introduce viewers to dear characters Tails and Knuckles , in another mad dah for dangerous undertaking .
Voice of Idris Elba in Sonic the Hedgehog 2
