It’s a dangerous game (pun intended) turning a video game into a movie. We have seen recently the long awaited release of the Uncharted film which has launched to a tepid response. A series that has such a cult following as Sega’s Sonic, means they have to get this right.
This passion for the character forced the studio to reanimate the entire character for the first movie when the fans rejected his new look (those human teeth especially…).
For the second outing it follows a more traditional flow with Sonic (voiced by the enigmatic Ben Schwartz) trying to adapt to his night time vigilantism/hero work as the ‘Blue Justice’ but also negotiating growing up with his adopted family Tom and Maddie Wachowski played by James Marsden and Tika Sumpter. The reality of living with a super ‘sonic’ blue hedgehog is not smooth and his escapades are causing all sorts of wanton damage!
However, with the return of Dr Eggman portrayed by the ever charismatic Jim Carrey, comes the return of a fan favourite character who is friend/rival of Sonic – Knuckles the Echidna voiced by Idris Elba. This time around though he is after the Master Emerald which leads to a confrontation with the blue hedgehog! Knuckles isn’t the only familiar face making their debut in the series. We now have Tails the flying fox lining the party as a Sonic super fan and gadget expert, portrayed here by Colleen O’Shaughnessey.
The film feels more polished this time around than the previous endeavour. The animation has had a step up which leaves you wanting to see more of the furry critters rather than the humans!
The weakest point of the film I would say is the human element (with one exception). There are certain scenes – most notably one based around a wedding where the story doesn’t need it to be there in the slightest, it’s just a way of getting the characters to Hawaii. This was one of the biggest let downs – as it took away valuable screen time from who you most want to see. They also introduced GUN, a military arm dedicated to thwarting these extra-terrestrial threats. This added little to the plot accept as cannon fodder!
One of the biggest positives to the human roster was Jim Carrey. His energy and enthusiasm for the role really does give every scene he is in a real spark. From watching the old Sonic shows as a kid I can remember Dr Eggman quite vividly. Carrey’s role goes a long way to bring this character to life. Much as he did in the first film. The mannerisms are very much in his repertoire so it seems like a natural role for him, especially watching his frustrations build as his attempt to catch this hedgehog leave him more and more frustrated!
The film as a whole I thought was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours. It has its weak moments and will not win any awards. However, it is charming and the voice actors and some of the human cast do bring the game to life in a way that a lot of films struggle with. If you like video game movies or are a fan of Sonic then I highly recommend giving it a watch. There aren’t many films that can pull this off I have found. So my recommendation is to give it a shot!
Author: Tommy, Bath store
