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Sonic the Hedgehog

SF Radio 8.22 High-Speed Heroes in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

April 17, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Now that SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 has sped into theatres, its box office success shows that this franchise actually has legs after all. With fun and furry, the sequel sees Sonic run far beyond the limits of Green Hills as he and new friend Tails work together to find the Chaos Emerald before his new adversary, Knuckles (Idris Elba). This week, Kirk Haviland (InTheSeats.ca; Blood in the Snow Film Festival) stops by to talk about the success (and failures) of video game films and what makes a hero.

You can stream on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify, iHeart Radio or Amazon Podcasts! Or, you can downoad the ep on Apple Podcasts!

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

8.22-Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2Download

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Podcast Tagged With: Idris Elba, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Knuckles, Sonic, Sonic 2, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tails, Tika Sumpter

Sonic the Hedgehog 2: Faster and More Furry-ous

April 7, 2022 by Steve Norton Leave a Comment

Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 from Paramount Pictures and Sega.

Faster and more furry-ous than the original, Sonic 2 manages to take the franchise to the next level.

Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 sees the return of the Blue Blur as he eagerly seeks to prove that he has what it takes to be a hero. Although he has settled in Green Hills, he frequently seeks out crime in order to show off his skills. However, his ultimate test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns from the Mushroom World with a new ally. Teaming up with the powerful echidna Knuckles, the two begin a quest for an all-powerful emerald that could destroy civilizations. As he battles Robotnik’s evil drones, Sonic must also team up with a brilliant fox named Tails in order to retrieve the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.

Leaning further into its video game roots, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a wild and frenetic chase around the world. As with the first film, Sonic 2 is energetic and enthusiastic across the board. Known for his speed and ‘attitude’, pop culture references and 90s music fly at such an astounding rate that they’re practically dizzying. Much grander in scale than its predecessor, the sequel expands the world extremely quickly, bringing in many more of the franchise’s characters that we know and love. As a result, the film feels more like a superhero film than its predecessor with its emphasis on global threats and powerful team-ups. Whereas the first film was a more intimate affair about Sonic’s connection with a small-town family, the sequel expands at… well… a sonic pace.

The addition of Sonic’s besties Tails and Knuckles to the world combined with the global adventure for an all-powerful emerald make the film feel massive in scale and changes the tone of the film. As a result, admittedly, the sequel does miss the more intimate moments that made the first film special. While there are some quieter character pauses that are memorable—like Sonic’s conversation with his friend/father Tom (James Marsden) in a rowboat—they often get lost amidst the chaotic story going on around them. However, in all honestly, the film has such humour and heart that it still feels special somehow.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 from Paramount Pictures and Sega.

Amidst the CGI mayhem, performances still remain enjoyable and fun. Fueled by Ben Schwartz, Sonic has the same whiz-bang personality that we have come to know and love. (There’s even a Parks and Recreation reference to fans of his Jean-Ralphio character.) After the success of the original, Schwartz’ voice has become synonymous with the character due to his ability to carry both innocence and attitude at the same time. What’s more, returnee Jim Carrey continues to find new energy as the villainous Robotnik. In many ways, it’s surprising to see Carrey so enthusiastic about returning to a franchise as he has remained (mostly) averse to sequels throughout his career. Even so, stepping into the role of Sonic’s arch-nemesis seems to have rejuvenated him by giving him an opportunity to lean into his more over-the-top performance style. (In fact, one could argue that he’s created a character who is allowed to literally mustache twirl his villainy.) 

Jim Carrey in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.

However, the best addition to the franchise may be its new characters, especially Idris Elba‘s Knuckles. All brawn and very little brains, Knuckles is a strong addition to the canon and has some of the film’s best dialogue. Signifying brute force, Elba‘s intense growl works well for the character yet his mighty warrior mindset is frequently offset by his innocence. (Incidentally, Tails is quite the opposite to Knuckles, with an ‘all brains and no brawn’ demeanour.)

In some ways, the film is reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz insofar as it involves three protagonists all on their own separate emotional journeys. (In fact, it’s also worth noting that the goal of all three characters remains the all-powerful Emerald…) For Tails, his arc seems to be about finding courage. Following his hero Sonic around the universe, the young fox doesn’t believe that he has anything to offer the mission. Of course, this isn’t the case… but he must discover that for himself. At the same time, the Tin Ma… er… Knuckles may have a rough exterior yet he is struggling to understand what it means to open up his heart to friendship. Although he believes he’s found one in Dr. Robotnik, their alliance is an uneasy one at best and he must learn who is worthy of his trust. 

Knuckles (Idris Elba) in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.

Even so, the primary emotional arc throughout the film remains Sonic’s understanding of what it means to be a hero. Wanting desperately to be able to use his powers to help people, he spends his nights stopping crime in the big city. (He even refers to himself as ‘Blue Justice’.) To Sonic, heroism is about being the standalone force for good that gets the glory for their actions. Unfortunately, that’s simply not the case. Instead, Sonic must learn that true heroism requires self-sacrifice, humility and putting others needs before your own if he ever truly wants to leave his mark. 

For sure, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is often silly and definitely over-the-top but frankly it’s still wildly enjoyable family fare. It’s also clear that the franchise is far from over. As with the first film, a post credit scene suggests that another adventure is on the way. (Without giving any spoilers, the scene’s introduction of another fan favourite character elicited almost Marvel-like enthusiasm from those in our theatre.) 

Assuming that’s the case, I know my kids and I are ready for the next level.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is available in theatres on Friday, April 8th, 2022.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Ben Schwartz, Colleen O'Shaunessy, Idris Elba, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Sonic the Hedgehog, Tika Sumpter

Sonic the Hedgehog: Gotta Go Fast!

February 17, 2020 by ScreenFish Staff Leave a Comment

By Johnathan Stowe

When the first trailers came out for Sonic the Hedgehog, I was very sceptical to see it based on the animation of Sonic (like many Sega fans were) but, once they made the changes and got the design right, it looked more like a movie to see. But would the plot of the movie work and draw interest? And that question has been answered after seeing Sonic the Hedgehog. 

Told by his adoptive mother Longclaw (Donna Fulks) to avoid danger, Sonic moves between worlds with the rings in his collection. All this traveling comes with a heavy price, however, as Sonic has no friends and becomes lonely. Once he travels to earth, he resides in Green Hills where he runs into Sheriff Wachowski (James Marsden), an officer who is looking to leave his county in order to make a name for himself in San Francisco. 

The villainous Dr.Ivo ‘Eggman’ Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is introduced as a crazy doctor who loves technology and is hired by the government to track unusual power outages created by Sonic. This is where I give Jim Carrey a big high five! He nailed the character and personality of Dr.Eggman flawlessly, especially through the comedy that the character has shown throughout the video games. Ben Schwartz, who voices Sonic, is another actor who did an amazing job. The film really gets Sonic’s personality down, as he speeds by as a cool but cocky character who doesn’t listen but who also makes lots of funny joke references. 

Sheriff Wachowski is a character you warm up to as the movie goes on as well. Married and trying to do his best to make a name for himself, Wachowski becomes someone worth saving. Because of his actions, Sonic loses his rings and they’re forced to team up with together to get his them back and to stop Dr.Eggman. 

The message of the film was the importance of friendship and family. Throughout the movie, Sonic dealt with loneliness and did not want to leave earth to go to a new planet. In one of the scenes, he writes on his bucket list that he just wants a best friend. However, through his relationship with Sheriff Wachowski, Sonic finds the new wave of power that he needs to defeat the villain. Just like the video games, Sonic uses the power of friendship and teamwork to stop Dr. Eggman. 

Sonic the Hedgehog has excellent visuals and really great comedic moments that both kids and adults would enjoy. Because the plot and story-telling are good and don’t feel forced, you really buy into the characters. (Also, the film has a ton of Easter eggs from the video games and a post credit scene that hints at another character joining Sonic in a possible sequel.) 

Overall, this was a great movie and I believe that this is the movie Sega needed in order to push Sonic back into relevance in a society dominated by so many other video games. Hopefully, we will get to see Sonic Mania back once again for a whole new generation.

Sonic the Hedgehog zoomed into theatres on Friday, February 14th, 2020.

Filed Under: Featured, Film, Reviews Tagged With: Ben Schwartz, Dr. Eggman, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Sega, Sonic the Hedgehog, video games

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