Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits theaters at a fast pace
Spoilers ahead
Everyone’s favorite little blue hedgehog from outer space returns to the theater for another adventure that audiences of all ages can enjoy.
Paramount Pictures’ Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a fun and family friendly adventure film that sees the titular Sonic the Hedgehog once again fighting against the maniacal Dr. Robotnik (Alternatively known as Dr. Eggman).
But unlike the first movie, this sequel sees Sonic making new friends for throughout the adventure.
Accompanying Sonic on this journey is Tails, an inventive yellow fox with the ability to fly, and Knuckles who is a red and powerful echidna warrior seeking the Master Emerald.
Knuckles initially sides with Dr. Robotnik for misguided reasons but he saw the error of his ways in the final segment of the movie. In the end, the Sonic heroes defeated Eggman and secured the Master Emerald.
It is a straightforward and easy to follow plot, but that does not make it any less entertaining of an experience. There were a good number of references for longstanding fans of the franchise (especially if you stay for the post credits scene) but nothing that would alienate newcomers.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a good film in which we get to see Sonic develop more as a character and grow into his role as a hero.
It is a big step for him as he makes lifelong friends and learns to embrace his new family on Earth.
A wonderful payoff to a scene in the first film happens after the final battle in the second where we see Sonic having a great time playing baseball with his family, Tails and Knuckles.
There were a couple spots in the film that felt like they could have been cut a bit shorter for a tighter story.
The most noteworthy examples being the dance battle sequence and a couple parts in the Hawaii subplot, but these moments do not detract from the film’s overall quality.
Although those could be considered low points, there were plenty of high points in character interactions, payoffs to moments from the prior film and exciting action sequences.
A favorite moment of mine was when the trio had an unplanned yet well-coordinated fight scene that utilized each of their respective strengths to stave off some machines which showed that they have come to understand and fully trust one another.
It is a fun film that does not require you to have watched the first one, so I recommend Sonic the Hedgehog 2 wholeheartedly.