Sonic The Hedgehog 2 – A Delightfully Nostalgic Sequel (Early Review)

Nostalgia can be very powerful and something that keeps fans coming back. When it comes to the sequel of 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, it especially leans into nostalgia for the video game series across its promotional material which is going to make a lot of fans happy. The aptly-named Sonic the Hedgehog 2, shouldn’t have come as that much of a surprise with the last film hinting at a sequel in one of its post-credit scenes. That being said, some were concerned following the marketing of that original film but at the end of the day, Sonic is very much in safe hands here as Schwartz’s Sonic is back once again to deliver his many quips and hilarious jokes.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 follows Sonic (Schwartz) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) as the menacing Doctor Robotnik (Carrey) returns to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles The Echidna (Elba). To stop Robotnik from destroying the world, Sonic and Tails would need to work together to keep the Chaos Emerald safe from Knuckles and Robotnik in a race to find it all while trying not to ruin Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie’s (Tika Sumpter) week away at Maddie’s sister Rachel’s (Natasha Rothwell) wedding but little did they know how big of a part they would play in the proceedings. 

One thing that critics disliked about the original was the amount of screen time Sonic got. However, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is truly a Sonic film as Tom and Maddie take more of a backseat this time around. Getting the introduction out of the way, this sequel drops audiences off right where the first film left off. Boasting plenty of great action and full of fun adventures for families as well as some phenomenal CGI, there’s a lot to be had here. The lore of the film was surprising in how it dives deep into the history between Knuckles, Sonic and Tails that one can’t help but connect with these characters. The film goes above and beyond most children’s films, doing a fantastic job at teaching life lessons.

On a technical level, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 shines with its cinematography and soundtrack which were an improvement over the original. The cinematography looks incredible across every scene and looks beautiful while the amount of work that went into the many details and intricacies in the designs of Sonic, Tails and Knuckles was commendable as all three look great. The overall speedy pace of the film just makes for an exciting theater experience with fun dance numbers and a funnier script than the first film to occasionally lighten things up.

When it comes to the other performances, Elba as Knuckles was a stand out, offering a funny, entertaining, and downright badass of a character. Meanwhile, Carey does an amazing job once again as Robotnik as his anger towards Sonic has only grown since his time in the Mushroom Realm, leaving him craving revenge against Sonic alongside his craving for power and wanting to rule the world. O’Shaughnessey does a great job as Tails, replicating the classic voice while matching his attitude and mannerisms. 

Another Sonic film has already been greenlit and based on this film’s post-credit scene, it will surely be exciting to see where the series goes next. This reviewer can’t recommend Sonic The Hedgehog 2 enough whether or not one is a fan of the series or its titular character. For those simply wanting a fun time with the family, this film will be right up their alley. 

*still courtesy of Paramount Pictures*

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