I just got back from seeing Sonic the Hedgehog 2, one of the many new movie releases out now in theaters.
I took a look at theaters close by to compare movie showtimes and settled on the 8:30 pm showing at an AMC Theatre near me. While Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s official release date was April 8, I managed to snag a showtime the day before.
I arrived at the AMC right on time to grab a snack and settle into my seat. I got sour gummy worms and a Coke ICEE while my boyfriend got some ultra buttery movie theater popcorn. I haven’t been to the theaters in a bit, so most of the advertisements were new to me. It was really exciting to see what else is coming out soon. The movie was fairly busy with mostly young adults or families and plenty of audience members were wearing merchandise of the characters. I personally think the early showings are a wonderful choice if you want an excited audience.
What is Sonic the Hedgehog 2 about?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (directed by Jeff Fowler) is an action-adventure comedy and sequel to the Sonic franchise. Taking place directly after the first movie, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has settled into Green Hills and is trying to find his place in the world. He dreams of becoming a true hero and is put to the test when Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns with a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba). Knuckles is searching for an emerald that has the ability to make thoughts a reality, which makes it a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands. Sonic teams up with new friend, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnes), to find the emerald first. James Marsden and Tika Sumpter return in their original roles as well.
My thoughts on Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Keep in mind that I had already heard some negative feedback from critics before I watched the movie. I will take a moment to caution listening to critics too much on family films. As someone who watches a lot of family films, I have noticed a trend of critics evaluating the films harshly because they don’t like the genre of media. I didn’t expect that I would agree with their opinions on the movie, especially because I enjoyed the original Sonic the Hedgehog.
I was right — I genuinely liked the movie. It kept my attention the whole time and the entire theater seemed glued to the screen. Laughs and cheers erupted from the audience throughout the film’s runtime as there were jokes catered to kids and references catered to adults. The film was a love letter to people who grew up with the beloved character and long-running franchise. My boyfriend, who was obsessed with Sonic as a kid, loved the movie; so much in fact, that he can’t wait for the next one. The little girl who was sitting next to me exclaimed Sonic’s iconic catchphrase “gotta go fast” and ran around the theater when the credits stopped rolling. Families around me shared their favorite parts as they left the theater.
The addition of Tails and Knuckles to the franchise brought a whole new dynamic. Sonic’s childish antics are balanced by his desire to protect Tails like a pseudo older brother. Sonic and Knuckles are able to connect over a shared experience but are distanced by how that same experience shaped them differently. Knuckles perceives everything in a literal sense which leads to several silly one-off bits and his sense of justice despite being on “the bad team” brings a warmth to the film. Sonic explores what it means to be a kid and what it truly means to be a hero. Tails, meanwhile, is very reminiscent of Sonic in the first movie: lonely, in awe of someone else’s ability to do good, and ready to be a part of something bigger than himself. The movie as a whole is very much a feel-good film.
Jim Carrey, as is true of the last movie, breathed life into the villainous and zany Dr. Robotnik. His humor, lines, and acting continue to make the movie a delight to experience. Plus, his dynamic with Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) was just as comical as the last film.
What others thought about Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Although my boyfriend and I enjoyed the movie, I still wanted to see how others perceived the film. Here were some thoughts from a few notable critics.
In The New York Times’ review of the film, Amy Nicholson writes:
“Carrey may have created the best PG-movie villain in decades: a perfectly calibrated comedy machine whose preening, glowering and frustrated sputtering somehow still seem spur of the moment.”
Sean Keene of C Net says:
“Every sequence focusing on Sonic and pals is so visually delightful and thoroughly dazzling that it’s hard not to revel in the CGI spectacle and pop culture references. As it goes on, the flick leans harder into imagery from the classic games (a scene referencing Sonic’s inability to swim is a standout), which will undoubtedly delight nostalgic ’90s fans and draw younger gamers into a retro odyssey.”
Fellow Sonic fans had tons of thoughts too!
This fan highly recommended the movie.
Well I’ve seen Sonic the Hedgehog 2 & guess what?…
I LOVE IT!!!! 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩
The sequel is absolutely brilliant, I highly recommend seeing it & don’t worry like I said I won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it yet 🤫🤫🤫
So go see it it’s GREAT!! 💙💙#SonicMovie2 pic.twitter.com/blEV5Sx4uW— PippiLS 🌈 (Still healing well 🥹) (@pippiminafowell) April 8, 2022
Mike reminded fans to stay for the after-credits scene.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was AMAZING. Stick around for credits for a nice surprise. #SonicTheHedgehog #shareamc
— Mike (@escobmike) April 8, 2022
If you are a fan of the franchise, enjoyed the first movie, or just want an exciting family film, then this movie is worth the watch.
