Following his surprisingly big-screen debut, video game icon Sonic the Hedgehog is back for that difficult second album with Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Well, the early verdicts are now in, and while it doesn’t sound like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 attempts anything too radical, the sequel should provide another good time for kids, families, and Sega fans.

We shall begin with Carlos Aguilar of TheWrap, who commended director Jeff Fowler for doing exactly what he was asked to do, bringing “sentimentality,” “silliness,” and “action” to the follow-up. What else could you want from a Sonic the Hedgehog movie?

Next up is Ian Sandwell from Digital Spy, who found much to enjoy in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, even calling the sequel an improvement on its predecessor.

“As a director, Fowler understands the task at hand and fulfills that proficiently with some mild sentimentality, juvenile silliness and colorful action.”

The Hollywood Reporter’s Justin Lowe believes that “Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will appeal to family audiences… even if it doesn’t break new ground elaborating the franchise’s sprawling universe of intersecting characters and plotlines,” while Leslie Felperin from The Guardian had a very measured response to the video game outing saying, “There’s not very much to say about it, other than it’s mildly amusing and reasonably competently assembled.”

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a more confident movie than its predecessor, delivering the same blend of frenetic family fun and nostalgic beats for the long-time fans.”

Total Film’s Bradley Russell meanwhile took some issue with Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but ultimately felt that the franchise remains on solid footing.

However, not everyone was as swept up in Sonic’s superfast charm, with Peter Debruge from Variety accusing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 of overstaying its welcome and phoning it in.

“Despite some missteps, SEGA’s videogame mascot proves his previous movie was no flash in the pan.”

These sentiments were echoed by John Nugent of Empire Magazine, though they did heap praise on Jim Carrey’s performance as the villainous Dr. Robotnik. Though it sounds like not even the expert gurning of Carrey is enough to save Sonic the Hedgehog 2.

“At two hours and change, “Sonic 2” wears out its welcome well before it turns into yet another phone-it-in franchise entry…”

“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.”

Let’s End Things on a Positive Note…

     Paramount Pictures Studios

But, much like the overwhelming optimism of Sonic himself, we shall end things on a positive note, as Sean Keane of CNET found a lot to love about Sonic the Hedgehog 2, even if it is a tad too long.

Directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 stars Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, and Jim Carrey.

“Despite this diversion, 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.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on April 8, 2022, by Paramount Pictures.