Movie Review: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' is Surprisingly Good

When I had read that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was more than 2 hours long and included a mid-credits scene, I was expecting to be deeply impatient and unhappy. It really is rather inconsiderate to make a kids movie that lasts more than 90 to 95 unless you’re Pixar. Fact of the matter is that the target audience for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is not one expected to have an attention span to be in a public place for more than 2 hours.

On top of which, you aren’t being considerate of parents who likely are not fans of Sonic the Hedgehog and would rather be just about anywhere else. That’s not even mentioning how unfair to film critics it is to ask us to sit through Sonic the Hedgehog 2 any longer than we should. Sure, some of us get paid to do this, why else are we adults at a kids movie and taking notes, but even with our meager pay for this task, 2 hours is asking a lot for Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

So, with that said, I am utterly baffled to explain that even at an unconscionable length, I actually enjoyed Sonic the Hedgehog 2, even the post-credits scene that I have no context for. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a delightful film with very funny performances from Ben Mackenzie as the voice of the titular Hedgehog, and arguably Jim Carrey’s best performance since his comic heyday in the early to mid-90s.

As we join the action of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 we find our childlike hero desperate to prove himself as a superhero. With his super-speed, Sonic has traveled to Seattle, Washington and found himself chasing down an armored car that has been stolen. Sonic is impetuous and has no plan for once he catches the armored truck and while he may stop the crime, he also causes nearly as much damage as he was trying to prevent.

Not wanting his human family, married couple Tom and Maddie Wachowski (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter), to know he’s moonlighting as a hero, Sonic is not aware that they are already on to his ruse. Tom gives Sonic a pretty good disappointed dad speech and then offers inspiring advice about how Sonic can’t go looking for his moment, he needs to wait for it to come to him, and boy does it ever.

Dr. Robotnik is back on Earth after having been exiled to a planet predominantly made of mushrooms. With the aid of the Echidna Hunter, Knuckles (Voice of Idris Elba), Robotnik is now back on Earth. Knuckles needs Robotnik to lead him to Sonic whom Knuckles believes has the key to an ancient and all powerful treasure. Sensing an opportunity, Robotnik plans to double cross his new partner and take the power for himself. Sonic however, is not alone, a brand new friend has stepped up to help. Tails the Fox (Colleen O'Shaughnessy) is a Sonic superfan and a whiz at making helpful gadgets.

That set up is pretty terrific, filled with energy, character, and humor. Jim Carrey is especially brilliant. His escape from the mushroom planet, his wildly charismatic villainy, and just his general bigness, is so much fun. It only builds up throughout Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The final act is Carrey in tour de force comic mode. As Robotnik reaches the climax of his evil scheme, Carrey only grows more brilliantly big and hilariously funny.

Carrey isn’t the only thing great about Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the supporting cast is nearly as good, each with a beat to play, each getting their own moments to have the biggest laugh or play the most pivotal role in a scene, no superfluous characters. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 was directed by Jeff Fowler who appears to adore the concept of Sonic the Hedgehog. Fowler’s joy is apparent throughout the entire movie, he cares about making a good movie and especially about making a good Sonic movie.

My reaction to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is undoubtedly in part due to sub-basement low expectations. I went in thinking I was going to be miserable and waiting for Sonic the Hedge 2 to be over as soon as humanly possible. I left, after sitting through a mid-credits scene, giddy and genuinely delighted by the movie. Sonic the Hedgehog should not be as good as it is, but it is just that good.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 opened in theaters nationwide on april 8th, 2022.