Our home has a bit of a rude name for Sonic the Hedgehog. After a mishap with my nephew, he is known as a wanker. Long story short, he was losing at the game and shouted it out. He was only about four at the time. Safe to say, it has remained grained in our minds. A proper core memory. Therefore, when we hear about Sonic the Hedgehog, it is a big deal. Something that made the sequel to the first feature film big news to us. 

After Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) beats his nemesis Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey), he is faced with a new enemy in the form of Knuckles (Idris Elba). Joining up with new pal Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to save the world again, the pair are faced with the return of those they thought they wouldn’t see and worlds they hoped to never cross again.

It is safe to say that video game based features don’t always have a great track record, yet Sonic the Hedgehog has been overcoming this stigma for a long time. Well, since its 2020 feature film. Not a huge success, but a big enough one to return to cinemas again, the feature isn’t the best out there again, but it makes for great family viewing. Something that has probably led to it being worthy of another feature film and a TV show. Both in the works now. 

The film’s plot is very much the same as the first, yet knowing how much young and old audiences liked it makes it worthy of it being so similar. Giving off the vibes that remind you of getting up early in the morning to watch cartoons before school, with a big bowl of cereal, this funny, sweet and wholesome adventure is brought to life in a new way with the addition of Tails, and Knuckles. Two figures who aren’t brilliantly developed, but interesting enough. 

Fans of the games will enjoy seeing the plot reflecting what they know from the games. For example, Sonic having to find a map, using a compass to guide him and searching mazes and temples to ultimately win the story. All done so in a two-hour runtime. A little shorter than we all spend playing the game. 

With the brilliant return of Jim Carrey’s villain, the new faces and the familiar plot and gaming storylines, the film works in many ways. Whilst it may not be the best, it is one film that the whole family will appreciate in the end. Sonic saves the day again this summer holiday.

3 Stars

Joey X