News culture Sonic 2 the movie: An adaptation at the height of the video game saga?
SEGA’s mascot lands in theaters at the end of March 2022 with the direct sequel to Sonic released two years earlier. Is Sonic 2 the film up to the first episode, but especially the video game saga? JV’s editorial staff answers this tricky question.
Summary
- Sonic 2 the movie in a nutshell
- The Sonic’matic Universe
- A film adaptation worthy of video games?
Sonic 2 the movie in a nutshell
Sonic 2 the movie (Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from its original title) is the direct sequel to Sonic the Hedgehog released in February 2020. SEGA’s second blue hedgehog adventure is once again directed by Jeff Fowler and written by the trio Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington. The role of Sonic goes to Ben Schwartz while Colleen O’Shaughnessey and Idris Elba lend their voices to Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles respectively. Finally, Jim Carrey and James Warden again play Dr. Ivo Robotnik (aka Eggman) and Tom.
In this sequel, Sonic lives peaceful days in the small town of Green Hills, but the rambunctious hedgehog aspires to become a true hero, which does not fail to complicate the life of the young teenager and his guardian Tom. The return to Earth of Dr. Robotnik accompanied by his new ally Knuckles pushes Sonic to intervene and team up with Tails, a two-tailed fox, in the hope of thwarting the plans of the Machiavellian genius. The latter intends to steal the Emerald of Chaos whose power is beyond measure in the universe.
The Sonic’matic Universe
The first Sonic was unexpectedly a good surprise when it was released in French theaters on February 9, 2020. It must be said that the film directed by Jeff Fowler went a long way following acid feedback from fans concerning the design of the SEGA mascot. . Sonic the Movie was a box office success with $306.8 million raised, despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The Paramount company has therefore logically decided to bet on the supersonic hedgehog and to launch its own universe in the cinema.
Sonic is rewarded with a film trilogy even before the release of the second film scheduled for March 30, 2022 on our territory. The lore has many characters who are just waiting to steal the show from Sonic. The latter is joined for his second adventure on the big screen by Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles, and SEGA’s lore has many heroes to add, starting with the tenebrous Shadow. This trilogy of films is not the only project that Paramount has started. Indeed, a series centered on Knuckles is also on track and intended for the Paramount + streaming platform.
A film adaptation worthy of video games?
Sonic 2 takes up the formula that made the success of the first episode and pushes all the sliders one or even two notches further. Sonic the Movie was aimed primarily at children – young and old – with its comedy-adventure take on the SEGA universe and that lighthearted tone conducive to genuine smiles. He managed all the same by skilful winks supported to titillate the nostalgic fiber of the fans, especially those of the Mega Drive era. This second opus does the same, and puts the means on the table to produce a feature film with increased ambitions.
The action scenes, much more numerous and epic than before, highlight the supernatural abilities of our heroes. Between the speed of Sonic, the ingenuity of Tails and the destructive power of Knuckles, the clashes take on a whole new dimension. Speaking of characters, it is worth highlighting the interpretations of Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey and especially Idris Elba. The actor brings to life a 100% first degree bright red echidna who is often on target. Humor is omnipresent here to the point of defusing certain situations at times and lowering the stakes. The scenario, although linear and expected, remains effective and gives pride of place to the antics of the main antagonist.
Jim Carrey, as usual, is masterful in the role of Dr. Robotnik. The American-Canadian actor shows off like never before and lights up the feature film directed by Jeff Fowler with his improbable mustache. If you are by nature a fan of the excessive performances of the man who was The Mask and Ace Ventura in the past, you will be abundantly served. He thus gives the reply to credible creatures whose integration is the majority of the time of quality. Some interactions with beings made of flesh and blood could be a little surprising, but overall the production has done everything possible to make these fictional characters “alive” in computer generated images.
Sonic 2 for twice the adventure. This new film adaptation should appeal to both video game fans and children of all ages who want to get away from it all for two hours.
By Silent_JayJournalist jeuxvideo.com