It’s Game On as the legendary “Blue Blur” returns to the big screen in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
After settling in with the Wachowskis, Sonic wants to learn about being a hero after finding out that Doctor Robotnik has returned with a new furry red partner, Knuckles. After running into a new friend, Tails, Sonic joins forces as the two go on an epic adventure to discover the almighty Chaos Emerald before Robotnik beats them to it; otherwise, it could mean the end of the world as they know it.
From the first film, that needed to settle everything in and build the world around Sonic. This sequel quickly takes off with a bang as we head straight into continuing where we were left off after the previous film. As we see Sonic being almost the kid in the Wachowskis family as he demonstrates that he wants to be independent and grown-up, but as he soon discovers that whilst he’s not quite ready for that responsibility, he becomes satisfied with who he is and what he’s got which leaves a great message within this movie.
It ultimately kicks off with it being evolution since the first film. With more focus on developing Sonic, his Character evolved drastically; we begin to see not just some fast-paced “Blue Blur” having fun cracking jokes all over the place as he runs around having ultimately “no idea” what he’s doing. Still, instead, we see a more grounded version of the character as he has found a home that has made him feel comfortable in his own space, so there is room for him to develop within the area that he’s in. He realises why he saves people and opts to do what he does. While it can be a weakness, it’s something that makes him stronger than ever as he becomes what he has always wanted to be, which is a hero.
One of the things that makes this film stand out exceptionally well and on a new level is that they’ve gone for an even more colourful approach to the style and look of the film. As it’s full of vibrant scenery that lights up the screen as it helps build the many locations visited throughout the different battles throughout the film. You can’t help but appreciate it. Each one feels like a different stage in the game advancing through a story that progresses as the movie goes on, continuing a legacy that reasonably represents the world of sonic.
What also continues to be a solid and fantastic standout, however, in this film is the animation mixed with live-action elements. As they build vibrant stages throughout the film, every little texture combined with real-life elements blend seamlessly as battles with the CG characters talking to the human actors or expansive sets with loads of people packed throughout; it feels like every element is built for this movie. Nothing feels out of touch, impossible or takes you out of the immersive experience as you enjoy the fast-paced action, expositional dialogue or hilarious comedic moments as it seamlessly fits together.
From story to growth within Sonic’s character, the fair majority of this movie adds a lot to this movie and makes for a reasonably positive experience. But some things do bring down this movie in some of the slightest ways. This is primarily because it tries to appeal to kids more than the many older fans of sonic. In a way, it does well and truly impacts the older fans, but the aspects of mixing pop songs into some slightly cringy moments provide simplistic jokes that kids will simply laugh at. It brings the film down just a bit in finding every moment enjoyable as it manages to captivate a younger audience.
However, that doesn’t hold this movie back. It has all eyes on Sonic following his progressive growth and journey as a character as he discovers the meaning of becoming the hero he wants to be and his fantastic friends. And with even more inspiration from the games traced throughout, the added mix of tails, knuckles, decently hilarious jokes, tons of easter eggs and fun moments throughout, it ends up being the Sonic movie that we all wanted to see as it tells a story that advances through epic stages and battles to tell an adventure that well represents the character and games in a simply entertaining live-action animated video game movie.
