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Paramount’s Sonic the Hedgehog movie sequel arrives in US cinemas on Friday, April 8, and reviews for the film from critics are out now. To help you get an idea for if the film is worth your time and money, we’re collecting review scores and excerpts, which you can see below.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the sequel to 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, which is among the highest-grossing video game movies of all time. Ben Schwartz returns as the voice of Sonic, with Jim Carrey also coming back to play the evil Dr. Robotnik. James Marsden and Tika Sumpter also reprise their roles. In terms of new cast members, Idris Elba voices Knuckles, while Colleen O’Shaughnessey voices Tails.
The Oscar-nominated director behind the original Sonic, Jeff Fowler, returns for the sequel. GameSpot’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2 review scored the film a 7/10. Reviewer Phil Hornshaw said, “What works about Sonic the Hedgehog 2 really works, and it’s easy to forgive its foibles because it’s just so much fun.”
Paramount is very enthusiastic about the Sonic series, already announcing a third movie and a TV series as part of its plans for a Sonic the Hedgehog cinematic universe. Carrey has said he might retire from acting after Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and if he does, Paramount will not recast Robotnik.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is already out in many international markets, and it’s made lots of money so far. The film is expected to bring in about $50 million from its US opening weekend.
You can see a sampling of review scores and excerpts below, and more critical consensus here at GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Directed by: Jeff FowlerWritten by: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John WhittingtonStarring: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter, James Marsden, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey
GameSpot — 7/10
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2 could easily have gotten lost in its game references and spacey worldbuilding but avoids those pitfalls because Fowler and the cast know what’s fun about this idea. Likable characters, fast action, and plenty of solid gags keep Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on pace, even if that pace is a little slower and shakier this time around. What works about Sonic the Hedgehog 2 really works, and it’s easy to forgive its foibles because it’s just so much fun.” — Phil Hornshaw [Full review]
Empire — 2/5
“Sonic’s second outing is little more than a half-baked half-term distraction tool–though Jim Carrey’s outrageously committed performance nearly saves the day.” — John Nugent [Full review]
CNET — No Score
CNET is GameSpot’s sister site
“Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the confident sequel the original left me hoping for, with a sharper script and jokes that’ll leave you giggling. It maintains the original’s family friendly tone and dives into the classic games to create a cinematic universe for Sega’s beloved icon–that ’90s sense of adventure lives on.” — Sean Keane [Full review]
The Hollywood Reporter – No Score
“Overstuffed with frantic action and framed by Sonic’s wisecracking commentary, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will appeal to family audiences seeking holiday distractions even if it doesn’t break new ground elaborating the franchise’s sprawling universe of intersecting characters and plotlines.” — Justin Lowe [Full review]
Variety — No Score
“Sonic 2 ends much as the first one did, with hints that this blue hedgehog will buzz-saw his way through more adventures. Stick through the credits to find out which franchise character Paramount and Sega promise to introduce next. A word of advice to the studio: Don’t rush it. Audiences were appreciative when you took the time to redo the design of the CG Sonic, and they’ll wait as long as it takes to do right by characters they’ve already dedicated so many hours to playing at home.” — Peter Debruge [Full review]
