WARNING: Contains spoilers
Let’s get one thing out of the way right now: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a good movie.
Is it a great movie? No, not by a long shot.
But it’s a hell of a lot better than what we could’ve gotten, lest we forget the infamous trailer that nearly buried the movie series before it even got off the ground.
But as an unexpected side-effect of living in the darkest timeline, the atrocious CGI abortion that was Sonic the hedgehog’s face was not only fixed, but because of COVID-19’s commanding decimation of the box office, Sonic was one of the most successful theatrical releases of 2020.
This is not going to be a review of the second Sonic movie; there’s already enough written and video content online for me to add onto the dogpile.
No, I’m writing to put a spotlight on the human characters of Sonic 2, the unsung, non-CGI actors and actresses that keep this sequel from feeling like a 2-hour (!) video game cutscene.
Representation Matters
One of my favourite moments of the first Sonic movie occurred in one of the slower scenes, leading up to the final showdown with Dr. Ivo Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey.
Sonic finds himself at the home of Donut Lord aka Tom’s wife’s sister, Rachel, and he has a brief but touching exchange with his niece, Jojo.
In a previous scene, Sonic was injured in a battle with Robotonik’s robots that practically destroyed his shoes.
Seeing his dilapidated footwear, Jojo gifts him with a pair of red and white sneakers, the titular shoes for which his character is known.
I’ve confessed that I’m a recovering, closeted Sonic the Hedgehog fan. From about age 7 to 8, I was OBSESSED with Sonic, full stop
So when I witnessed a little Black girl gift one of my favourite childhood characters his signature shoes on the big screen, I really felt that.
There’s a lot of talk about adding diversity into Hollywood movies, that it’s a forced effort in inclusivity to get butts in seats.
But I just have to point to this scene to highlight the importance of seeing oneself on the screen. Inclusivity absolutely matters.
Sonic the Hedgehog Supports the Swirl and So Should You
Speaking of which, can we please give some recognition to the Sonic movies for portraying a beautiful interracial couple in a major blockbuster film?
In the sequel, Tika Sumpter is downright gorgeous opposite pretty-boy James Marsden; I love how Hollywood is normalizing the appearance of these types of couplings. Another movie that comes to mind is Love Hard as another example of a great rom-com which proves that love knows no bounds and sees no race.
Honourable mention goes to the chemistry between Dr. Robotnik and his loyal lackey Agent Stone, played to perfection by Lee Majdoub.
While Disney continues to queerbait its fans, Paramount gives us a dynamic between Stone and Robotnik that is equal apart heartwarming, tragic and hilarious. If you can’t tell, yes, I ship Stobotnik hard.
And Since We’re on the Subject of Rom Coms…
Maddie and Rachel. Rachel and Maddie.
There’s a point in the movie where Maddie’s sister Rachel has her wedding upended by Sonic and the agents of GUN.
What proceeds is this bizarre side-plot involving the two sisters infiltrating GUN’s security with the use of Tails intergalactic alien technology, and an aggrieved Rachel wishing to cause bodily harm to her handsome, catfishing double-agent beau.
I know a lot of people cried foul over the weird tonal pivot three quarters into Sonic the Hedgehog 2. “What is this zany rom-com subplot and why is it in my Sonic movie?” many of you said petulantly.
Listen.
First of all, the final act of the movie more than makes up for the questionable directorial decisions made early on (I’m looking at you, Siberian bar dance battle scene).
Second: if you regard this scene as its own standalone adventure…it’s pretty badass.
Rachel, played by Natasha Rothwell, is someone I’d love to see in an actual romantic comedy! The actress shows amazing potential in a leading role; why else would she be given more screentime in the sequel compared to the original?
Dr. Robotnik in 3 Dimensions
And of course, who can forget Jim Carrey as the villain Dr. Robotnik? Not only do we get an unrivaled performance from the king of physical comedy, but we also get a version of Carrey that people have been craving since the 90s. It’s the best of both worlds!
There have been murmurings that Carrey is going to retire from acting. That would be a shame; I really couldn’t think of another actor that could match his energy, and Carrey practically carries the first film.
Which brings me back to my original point: the Sonic movies flourished not just because they stayed faithful to the source material, but because the non-Sonic scenes are able to stand on their own two feet thanks in no small part to the human cast.
So put some respect on those fleshy, fur-less supporting characters! I hope to see more of the crew in Sonic 3. Do you agree, disagree? And would you watch a Sega spinoff starring Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone (not gonna lie, I totally would). Would love to know your thoughts — leave your comments below!