Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the direct sequel to its 2020 predecessor, which was a hit with audiences. It takes place less than a year after the original film. It opens on the Mushroom Planet, where Dr. Robotnik (a.k.a Dr. Eggman) was exiled. Since that time, he has been devising a way to return to Earth and finally succeeds, creating a portal. Before he can get through, a red echidna named Knuckles strides through the other side, taking Robotnik by surprise. Unlike Sonic, Knuckles “does not chuckle.”
He is a tough dude, with huge white hands. He is on Sonic’s trail because he believes Sonic has knowledge of the whereabouts the Master Emerald, a gem that can turn thoughts and wishes into reality, and in the wrong hands it can destroy everything. Robotnik, seizing the opportunity to get his hands on the magical gem, tells Knuckles he knows exactly where to find Sonic. They team up and return to Earth.
Meanwhile, Sonic is trying his hand at being a superhero in Seattle, Washington, calling himself “The Blue Justice.” He is over-confident and reckless. Although he succeeds in getting the bad guys, he leaves a mess in his wake.
Suspecting Sonic is behind the disaster in Seattle, his friend Tom, who Sonic still lives with in the quiet town of Green Hills, takes him fishing and warns Sonic that he needs to slow down and that his time will come to be a hero. Sonic rebuffs Tom’s advice and tells him, “You’re not my dad.”
Tom and his wife, Maddie, soon take leave to spend the weekend in Hawaii to attend Maddie’s sister’s wedding, leaving Sonic in charge of the house. After a bit of Risky Business dancing and gluttony, Sonic has unwelcomed guests arrive. He is horrified that Robotnik has returned and soon realizes he has met his match with Knuckles. Luckily, Sonic gains a new friend in Tails, a double-tailed little fox who has traveled from a distant planet to warn him that they need to find the Master Emerald before Knuckles and Robotnik can.
This sends the two on an adventure around the world while at the same time Sonic’s friend Tom has troubles of his own in Hawaii. His soon to be brother-in-law, Randall has overwhelming animosity toward him, and Rachel fears Tom will ruin her wedding. Little do they know that Sonic and Tails’ search for the Master Emerald will soon collide with Rachel’s big day.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was a lot of fun with surprises along the way. It is a film for all ages with a message of family and friendship. Most of the cast from the first film returns, along with the addition of Iris Elba, who knocks it out of the park as Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey, who has voiced Tails in the video games since 2014. My daughter, who is a huge Sonic fan, having read the comics and the video games, squealed continuously as she discovered all the Easter Eggs left for long-time fans throughout the movie. My son enjoyed the action and laughed throughout. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was fun, even for me, who has limited knowledge of the Sonic universe. It is worth a watch on the big screen.
Rose's Rating: 8/10.
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