Sonic 2 (2022) Film Article

Why Sonic 2 deserves more attention

by: HJ

Sonic 2 released in theaters on April 8, 2022, and video game fans were stoked to see it. Having watched the first film in theaters, I

was one of the people who saw it opening day. It didn’t disappoint, throwing in several Easter Eggs that fans quickly picked up on. I

laughed, cheered, and was touched by the film.

But here’s what surprised me: Sonic 2 not only delighted, but hit home in more ways than one. As a huge movie lover, I found myself

empathizing with Sonic and Knuckles, even drawing parallels from my own life. Caution: if you haven’t seen Sonic 2 yet, I will reveal plot

points, so a spoiler warning is now in session.

Sonic 2 picks up where the first film left off. Our blue hedgehog is getting settled in Green Hills with Tom (James Marsden) and

Maddie (Tika Sumpter). However, Sonic is too eager to use his powers for heroic purposes. After a specific incident gone too far, Sonic

stays home while Tom and Maddie head off to Rachel’s wedding. When Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) returns along with a red echidna named

Knuckles (Idris Elba), things seem dire. But Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) a tech obsessed fox helps Sonic. Along the way, Sonic must

put aside his own pride and learn about teamwork.

Sonic likes being a hero, taking pride in his accomplishments. But after destroying a city block while chasing criminals in Seattle,

Tom confronts him with the hard truth.

“No [Sonic], you put people in danger, and that’s not what a hero does. …And right now, whether you want to hear this or not, you’re

still just a kid. You got some more growing up to do before you are ready to become the big hero. But trust me when I tell you, there will

come a time when your powers will be needed. But you don’t choose that moment. That moment chooses you.”

Though it might seem harsh at first glance, Tom has a point. He is giving Sonic constructive criticism (tough love). In our lives, we

have parents or authority figures that challenge us to become better people. They care about us and don’t want our hearts to swayed by

the world’s desires. Hebrews 12:11 (NCV) states “We do not enjoy being disciplined. It is painful at the time, but later, after we have learned

from it, we have peace, because we start living in the right way.” I get it: no one, even me, likes being corrected or told something different.

However, it’s important to understand that without discipline, we’d be in a huge mess.

Sonic quickly befriends Tails, and that friendship blossoms in the most unlikely way. When given a chance to reach a truce due a

misunderstanding, they take it. Initially, it doesn’t go so well, and both animals fear for their safety. Sonic changes up the music and

assists Tails in getting out of his comfort zone. In no time, they win over the Russian people with their dance moves. After the win, Tails

gets personal with Sonic.

“Growing up, I didn’t have any friends. Everyone in my village thought my two tails were weird. …But then I saw you, the fastest

creature in the galaxy. You were weird too. But you were a legend. That made me think, maybe being weird isn’t so bad.”

Tails’ words hit me on a deeper level, and can resonate with others as well. Often, we are told to go along with the status quo, and

never change our way of thinking. When we decide to change our mindset, people tear us down, speaking undermining words. But true

friends stick by our side. Proverbs 18:24 (NIV) declares “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who

sticks closer than a brother.” Tails and Sonic’s friendship transcends beyond the shallow small talk and they stick by each other. When

Tails is injured, Sonic rushes to his side.

Knuckles the echidna is the sworn enemy of Sonic’s former mentor Longclaw. Throughout the film, he plans to destroy Sonic, siding

with Robotnik to do so. But Knuckles notices Sonic’s selfless nature, at one point noting “He chose helping the fox over pursuing the

compass.” It isn’t until Robotnik betrays him that Knuckles realizes the partnership was a mistake. Sonic saves Knuckles from drowning,

and the latter does the same for him. While sitting on the island, Sonic wonders why.

“Why did you save me?” Sonic asks.

“Because you saved me first, which clearly gave you a tactical advantage I do not understand,” Knuckles replies.

“It wasn’t a tactic,” Sonic responds. “I couldn’t just let you die.”

“Why? I’ve been trying to destroy you since the moment we met,” Knuckles wonders.

“Because being a hero isn’t about taking care of yourself. It’s about taking responsibility for other people,” Sonic replies.

When first hearing that, I was in shock. I’d never thought a video game film adaptation would dive deep into mature themes, but

Sonic 2 proved me wrong. I was floored, because it reminded me of how humility is a better response than pride.

As you might have noticed over the years, social media has blown up for (more often than not) the wrong reasons. Young/old people

(including Gen Z) record themselves or others doing risky stunts, spewing hateful discussions, and (most recently) protesters of a certain

country. Even though these influencers say it’s for a just cause, most people (myself included) see these occurrences as little more than

helpful. In fact, I’d go so far as to say these events are slowly tearing America apart. I know everyone who reads this might have different

viewpoints, and that’s okay. I’m telling you my opinion, and you can either agree or disagree.

To be vulnerable is a difficult thing to do. The world persuades us to shove our feelings/opinions down, and never deal with our

problems. They insist on everyone agreeing or affirming their choices as the right worldview. If anyone counters with a different

viewpoint, the world cancels or “blacklists” them. It reminds me of Jesus’ words in John 15:18-19, 22-25 (NLT): “If the world hates you,

remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belong to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I

chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. …They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have

no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else

could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what was

written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’”

Though this world has a cruel side, it has another one too. When movies like Sonic 2 handle mature themes without preaching at the

audience, people are most likely to watch those films again. That is the case with me: there are specific films I watch multiple times, not

just because I enjoy them, but also because the themes are handled well.

Another aspect I like about the live-action Sonic film franchise is the loving marriage between Tom and Maddie. In the first film, both

communicate and support each other through thick and thin. The same is true in this sequel too. Though they have some disagreements,

Tom and Maddie rally around Sonic, Tails and Knuckles. They open their arms for the animals, embracing them as part of the family.

One scene near the film’s end brings tears to my eyes almost every time I watch it. Tom, Maddie, and Sonic are behind the damaged

truck while Dr. Robotnik stands above them in a huge controlled robot. The Master Emerald crumbles in Sonic’s hands, and all hope

seems lost.

“You have to get away from me,” Sonic says. “I’m the one [Robotnik] wants.”

“Hey,” Maddie interjects. “We’re not going anywhere. We’re family.”

“And families stick together,” Tom acknowledges, grabbing Sonic’s hand. “No matter what.”

That ringing endorsement lifted my heart. So many films about marriage treat it as a joke, or on the flip side, don’t show meaningful

communication between the spouses. The Sonic films (and other kids’ movies) reject that negative notion and instead celebrate

marriage. Both films explain that marriage isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Tom and Maddie, while not perfect characters, take their parenting

job seriously too. Both of them call Sonic “kid” and “son,” plus voice their love for him too.

I can relate to Sonic in more ways than one because as a teenager, I was obsessed with fame. My thinking process was all about what

I wanted to be known for. However, as the years passed, that thought process took a back seat. I still struggle with desiring fame, but

recognize the more underhanded side of Hollywood.

That’s not to say desiring fame is a bad thing. Sonic wants to be a hero, but the way he initially does it is for the wrong reasons. In a

similar way, it’s what we choose to do with our desires that determines what we become. The question we have to ask is: am I doing this

for attention or to help people in their time of need?

Sonic 2  immaculately captures the spirit of the video games, but also balances it with great lessons about self-sacrifice, family,

friendship, and teamwork. If you haven’t watched this film yet, I’d encourage you to do so. This sequel tugs at the heartstrings, but

reminds us of the greatest blessings we have. Sonic 2 is one of the best movie sequels I’ve watched in a long time, and that is saying

something.