SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

After the major box-office success of Sonic the Hedgehog a few years ago, there was inevitably going to be a sequel released. Jeff Fowler returns to direct along with a number of cast members to deliver a sequel that proves these to be some of the better films based on video games we've ever had. 

After settling in Green Hills, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) is ready for more freedom, and Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) agree to leave him home while they go on vacation. But, no sooner are they gone, when Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) comes back, this time with a new partner, Knuckles (Idris Elba), in search for an emerald that has the power to both build and destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessy), and together they embark on a journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a definite improvement on the first film, Jeff Fowler upping the ante and juggling the introduction of a few new characters really well to deliver a sequel that hones in on the responsibility of a hero and the honour of fighting for your kind in an enjoyably playful manner. Sonic is the main attraction, along with the brilliant Knuckles added to the roster, but there's far too much time dedicated to human characters you simply won't care about. The subplot which takes James Marsden's Tom off to Hawaii is one that just falls flat on its face and just makes you sit back and think why did they think this belongs in a film mainly aimed at children. 

This film is at its best when delivering more of the high-octane action we saw in the first film, Sonic and Tails (a flying fox with two tails) on a mission to beat Dr Robotnik and Knuckles to a treasure that will change the course of the universe. There's a snowboarding sequence that will delight both adults and children alike, as well as a number of high quality jokes delivered perfectly throughout. It really does help with a film like this to have great visual effects and they have done a spectacular job in bringing Sonic, Tails and Knuckles to life here.

The vocal performances are top notch too, Ben Schwartz fitting the wise-cracking character of Sonic so well once again. Colleen O'Shaughnessy, who has voiced Tails in games before this, is a welcome addition by giving Tails a sense of determination and loyalty to Sonic. It's Idris Elba as Knuckles who steals the show here though, a real fish-out-of-water feel to his approach while delivering some note perfect jokes and smackdowns to Sonic. 

Jim Carrey absolutely revels in the role of Dr Robotnik, the chaos dialled up to eleven as Carrey chews scenery and spits it all over the place throughout, sometimes a tad too much. James Marsden gets a bit shafted with how his character is treated in this sequel but at the end of the day, people are here to see Sonic and friends on their adventures. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is sure to be another huge hit and proof that films based on video games can actually be good. There's plenty for kids to enjoy and enough to make sure adults have a good time too, a post credits scene generating more excitement from people of my generation than anyone else in the cinema.

Verdict: ★★★