Watch Kids' Reviews of
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

The wild, fun and adventurous blue hedgehog we all love, Sonic a.k.a. Blue Justice, is back in his new movie, Sonic the Hedgehog 2! This film has new character appearances, major plot twists, mind-blowing adventures, and tons of laughs throughout it. It's great that this sequel is one of those movies you can enjoy without seeing the original; however, since it refers to different scenes from the first one, you may want to watch the original first.

In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Dr. Ivo Robotnik, or Dr. Eggman as Sonic calls him (Jim Carrey), returns to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles (Idris Elba), in hopes of finding a magical gem that holds the ultimate power of the universe. All that stands in their way is Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his new partner in crime, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey). It's a battle of good and bad to see who will reach the emerald first and win in the end.

The main characters are Sonic, Dr. Robotnik, Tails and Knuckles. I love how this film introduces characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and they just fit in seamlessly. One of the voice actors who surprised me is Idris Elba. His voice is the perfect match to portray Knuckle's strong and confident personality. My favorite part is when Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) are at Rachel's wedding and need to open a portal for Sonic; Tom realizes he may have mistaken the wedding ring for one of Sonic's golden rings. It adds some hilarious adventure to the wedding. Kudos to Junkie XL for keeping an "old school" feel throughout the film with songs such as It's Tricky by Run D.M.C. and Here Comes the Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze.

This film sheds light on the importance of having family and friends in your life. They will always have your back and keep you on the right path in life. Sonic and the other characters experience different obstacles that teach them the true definition of a family, even if they come as friends.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is out of this world. I rate it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 8 to 18, plus adults. The "battle of the gem" takes place in theaters on April 8, 2022. Be sure to stay for the after-credits movie scene.

By Tiana S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

I really enjoyed the original Sonic movie and this second one, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, is even better. I really enjoyed watching this new Sonic movie, especially with his fun, amusing and youthful personality. If Sonic was real, I would want to be his friend. Although, this is more of a little kid's movie, it brings excitement and suspense. The battle between Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and the evil Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) makes this film a "must-see"!

In the story, Dr. Robotnik figures out a way to get off the planet that Sonic banished him to. His goal is to seek revenge on Sonic with a new partner. When Dr. Robotnik arrives back to earth, he goes looking for Sonic and realizes that there is something bigger that he wants - something that can give him extreme powers to take over the world. While Dr. Robotnik is trying to figure out how to conquer the world, Sonic is struggling with self-control. He wants to be a real superhero and do good, but sometimes, he causes more problems than doing good. Soon he will be put to the test when it comes time to face Dr. Robotnik.

My favorite part of the movie is the ridiculous plan Dr. Robotnik makes to get off the planet he is stuck on. I also like Sonic's character which is relatable to young teenagers. His funny and quirky personality really embodies how a 13-year-old child really acts. Sonic's characteristic demonstrates how it would look if a child his age had the same power as Sonic and what they would do with it. The animation and quality of the effects are impressive! How they made the real people interact with the animation seems so realistic.

The messages of the movie are discovering what it means to be a true hero, making new friends, and not giving up. There was a little foul language at the beginning of the movie--I felt the movie would have been great without using inappropriate language and some innuendo. Older kids and adults will probably understand what they are insinuating.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 2, 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5-18, plus adults. It's a family-oriented movie and everyone can enjoy it. It can be found in theaters near you on April 8, 2022.

By Ava C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

Our familiar blue hedgehog friend Sonic is back with new adventures in Sonic the Hedgehog 2! This film has an exciting plot that moves at the perfect pace, sure to make the audience yearn for more.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 focuses on Sonic (Ben Schwartz) as he's becoming more familiar with his new life in Green Hills. While Tom (James Marsden) is away from home at a wedding, Sonic realizes that Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is back and he's not alone. Doctor Robotnik has a new sidekick named Knuckles (Idris Elba) who gives Sonic and his new sidekick Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), a run for their money. When Doctor Robotnik and Knuckles try to capture a sacred emerald that belonged to Sonic's family, Sonic and Tails have to try to stop them before evil takes over.

The humor in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is why I would watch it again. This especially goes for the scenes with Rachel (Natasha Rothwell). As her desire for the perfect wedding increasingly gets ruined and her banter with the characters increases, it makes her a really lovable character. Natasha Rothwell's body language and the acting choices she makes are commendable and really drew me in. That being said, I was a little disappointed about how little she was displayed at the end. She is a vital character in the beginning, since she is the whole reason Tom is away from Sonic. However, she then disappears and I wondered when her humorous contribution was coming again. Knuckles is against Sonic the whole time, and then they finally get to know each other, which opens up a lot of room for interpretation and possibly another movie. Now that Sonic has people he can rely on, that can be used to continue to build his story.

The message of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is that sometimes people are just misunderstood. You have to get to know a person before you can truly understand what they're going through and why they make certain decisions. Sonic didn't know why Knuckles was the way he was, but when he hears his story and gets to know him, it is easier for them to see eye to eye.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a very fun movie to watch. I give it 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 18, plus adults. Everyone will find something they enjoy and can look back on to laugh at. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 releases in theatres April 8, 2022. Make sure you check it out!

By Maica N., KIDS FIRST! Film Critics, Age 14

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 by Jeff Fowler is absolutely hilarious! This is a must see for all ages, everything from the quirky comebacks to the feel good feeling family moments.

Sonic wants to prove that he is a real hero, and can take care of his community. When Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) comes back to earth, he is surprised by his side villain, Knuckles (Idris Elba) who wants to steal the emerald that can destroy the whole universe. Sonic needs to protect the emerald, so he recruits his sidekick Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) to try to find the emerald. The two of them go through a lot of adventures and triumphs.

This film had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and what stood out to me the most were the special effects. They are so colorful and realistic. Sonic, Tails and Knuckles all look so fluffy and soft. My favorite scene is the dance party and I even learned some new moves. It's amazing how one of my favorite video games has turned into one of my favorite movies. My favorite part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is when Sonic's fuzz turns gold, much to the surprise of everyone. I love how we see Sonic grow throughout this film. He learns how to be brave for his family.

The message of this film is that family is everything!

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. It opens in theaters April 8, 2022.

By Sariah Rodriguez, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is an exhilarating film that many young movie-watchers have been anticipating since the first one came out. The sequel shows the growth of Sonic and how he has matured since the last movie. The messages, actors and action-packed scenes will be sure to captivate audiences too.

After the first film, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has found his place in his town, living comfortably with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). But, he makes it his mission to go around helping others to prove he is the hero of the town. While Tom and Maddie are in Hawaii for a wedding, Sonic has the house all to himself and plans to just relax, eat and watch TV. All of that changes when Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) comes back with a new sidekick named Knuckles (Idris Elba). Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles are looking for a very powerful emerald and they think Sonic can show them where to find it. Sonic has to team up with a sidekick of his own, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), as they face off with Robotnik and Knuckles in an unforgettable battle to the emerald.

What I really like about this movie, and what I think others will enjoy as well, is the acting and the humor. One of my favorite scenes is when Rachel's (Natasha Rothwell) wedding gets ruined. You can really tell by her facial expressions and her tone that she is genuinely angry that her beautiful wedding is destroyed. I also like the fighting scene between Robotnik and Sonic because it is full of action and shows what can happen if you never give up. Like people say - "if you fall down you get right back up" - and that is what Sonic does. My favorite character in this film is Sonic because he is funny, has perseverance, and is a bit childish, which I can sometimes relate to. I also like Knuckles because he acts so serious, but acts funny at the exact same time without any intention. I think these two characters have the potential to be everyone else's favorite too.

The message of this film is that being a hero doesn't mean looking out for yourself; it means doing a lot for others and caring for others. This message is shown multiple times throughout the film and it is shown in many different ways that will draw viewer's attention. This film is completely family-friendly.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters April 8, 2022. Be sure to check it out!

By Giana Nesmith, KIDSFIRST! Film Critic, Age 10

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is an ideal sequel, including many of the best parts of the first movie while expanding the sandbox in which it plays. The first Sonic was a fairly traditional road movie, but this sequel bounces back and forth between being a superhero movie, a fantastical adventure, a coming-of-age story and a family comedy.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 follows our favorite speedy blue hedgehog Sonic (Ben Schwartz) on another adventure, this time even greater than his last. He's found a home with humans Maddie (Tika Sumpter) and Tom (James Marsden), who--in trying to be a father to Sonic--warns him of the great responsibilities that come with power he possesses. Sonic, in the meantime, is acting as a vigilante, stopping robberies and preventing low-level crimes in the areas surrounding his hometown of Green Hills. When Maddie and Tom head to Hawaii, Sonic gorges himself on junk food, blasting music throughout his house and taking full advantage of his "parents" absence until his shenanigans are brought to a halt by the arrival of a familiar enemy. That's right, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) has returned from his exile to a mushroom planet, and he's brought an angry, red echidna with him named Knuckles (Idris Elba) who also has beef with Sonic. Fortunately, Sonic has a new ally in a double-tailed creature who wants to help him in his fight against Robotnik and Knuckles, aptly named Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey).

This may be a Sonic movie but you can't cast Jim Carrey and not expect him to make every moment his own. Carrey brings more of the same hyped-up energy to Ivo Robotnik that made him stand out in the previous Sonic installment--the only live-action actor in this movie constantly animated enough to rival that of the actual animated characters he interacts with! I will admit, sadly, there is less Carrey in this movie than in the first, but that's because there's so much more going on. With the addition of Tails and Knuckles, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 goes all in on the richness and, arguably, the insanity of Sonic's lore. And if the post-credits scene that drew excitement and cheers from the audience I saw this with is any indication, this is only the beginning of exploring the expansive worlds and cast of characters that come with Sonic.

You should be aware that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 does have some rude humor and action violence that may be a little intense for younger viewers.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for 8-18, plus adults. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 speeds into theaters April 8, 2022. If you're feeling the "need for speed," I'd say go check this one out.

By Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

The newly-released Sonic the Hedgehog 2, by filmmaker Jeff Fowler, is exhilarating, action-packed, and fresh. This two-hour film brings back all the fan-favorite characters, including Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), my personal favorite! That's not all--this film also reveals more about our favorite blue hedgehog that we didn't know before. Let's dive in.

The storyline follows Sonic (Ben Schwartz) as he uncovers new powers, becoming a teenager, and once again saving the world from the manic Dr. Robotnik. Yup, you heard right: Dr. Robotnik has returned to Earth, but not alone! He is accompanied by a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna. However, Dr. Robotnik isn't the only one with a determined ally by their side--Sonic meets a new friend named Tails. Together, they go through numerous challenges and even moments of failure, ultimately fighting to protect the "Master Emerald", which was left behind to be watched over by Sonic's most valuable friend, Longclaw. The question is: will they be successful?

My favorite character is most definitely Rachel, portrayed by writer, actress, teacher and comedian, Natasha Rothwell, who is hilarious. Rachel, the long-time best friend of Maddie, Sonic's mother, has been a fan favorite since day one and hasn't lost the title. In this film, Rachel falls madly in love with a young man named Randall, and even marries him. Well, before he can even put the ring on her finger, it is revealed he is actually an undercover agent working to track down Sonic the Hedgehog. Although her wedding doesn't work out the way she planned, Rachel and Maddie team up and work together to help Sonic and his friends complete their mission. She also brings many laughs and memorable moments.

My favorite part of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is when Dr. Robotnik finally gets his hands on the "Master Emerald." Actually, let me rephrase... I wasn't totally thrilled knowing Dr. Robotnik can use that emerald to completely wipe out the entire existence. I was excited how Sonic and Knuckles decide to team up and stop Dr. Robotnik, because they both finally realize they have more in common than they ever would have thought. They both come to the conclusion that they both want the emerald for the greater good, unlike Dr. Robotnik. Sonic helps save Knuckles' life, and Knuckles repays him by doing the same.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has many unexpected moments and even makes you want to close your eyes at some points. This film will most definitely make you get up out of your seat. The message of this film is: It's never wrong to learn to set aside differences with people--we may all be unique and share different opinions, and yet showing kindness and doing good can never go wrong.

I give Sonic the Hedgehog 25 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 7 to 18, plus adults. It is available now in theaters.

By Nathalia J, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

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The world's favorite blue hedgehog is back for a next-level adventure in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2. After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns, this time with a new partner, Knuckles, in search for an emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globe-trotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. From the filmmakers behind The Fast and the Furious and Deadpool, Sonic The Hedgehog 2 stars James Marsden, Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub and Jim Carrey returning, alongside new additions Shemar Moore, with Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles and Colleen O'Shaughnessey as the voice of Tails.