There’s a familiar ring to Sonic The Hedgehog 2.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 feels like a throwback to the kind of sequels that dominated the eighties and nineties, where “more of the same” was the guiding principle for movie after movie until audiences grew bored. Director Jeff Fowler returns to helm this follow-up, delivering a film that’s entertaining enough but doesn’t do much to distinguish itself from its predecessor.
The story picks up where the first left off, with Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) adjusting to life on Earth and embracing his role as a would-be hero. However, the return of Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey, bringing his comfort zone pantomime villainy) sets events into motion, particularly when he allies with the formidable Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba). Along the way, Sonic gains a new ally in Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and together they race to stop Robotnik from seizing the Master Emerald.
While the film’s action sequences and colourful design will likely please fans, it struggles to expand the lore in meaningful ways or provide enough context for viewers unfamiliar with the franchise. The Master Emerald’s significance is hinted at but never fully explained, leaving newcomers to wonder why it matters, while Knuckles’ motivations are touched upon but lack the depth needed to make them resonate. The introduction of Tails and Knuckles, for example, relies heavily on audience familiarity with the games, leaving their backgrounds and significance largely unexplored for those new to the series. Idris Elba’s Knuckles brings a sense of stoic dignity to the character, and Tails’ partnership with Sonic is sweet, but neither gets the depth or development needed to make them compelling for the uninitiated.
Jim Carrey’s Robotnik is once again a highlight, his manic energy elevating the one-note character into something passably entertaining. It’s a role that plays to his strengths, though it doesn’t really push him outside his usual box of tricks. Meanwhile, the human characters, like James Marsden’s Tom and Tika Sumpter’s Maddie, struggle to find relevance in the story. Their subplot—centred around a friends’ wedding—feels like a contrivance to validate their inclusion rather than an integral part of the story.
Visually, the film retains the vibrant aesthetic of the first movie, and the CGI characters are well-integrated into the live-action world. However, the spectacle alone can’t mask the lack of narrative ambition. The movie introduces elements like the Master Emerald and Knuckles’ warrior lineage, hinting at a rich backstory, but it stops short of exploring these concepts in depth or making them accessible to newcomers.
In the end, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a serviceable sequel that plays it safe, relying on the charm of its animated leads and the nostalgia of its audience. While it lays the groundwork for future instalments, it’s hard to shake the sense that this franchise could be doing more to capitalise on its potential. Fans of the first film will likely enjoy this one, but those looking for something more substantial might be left wanting.
