Get ready to level up, because everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is back! The live-action Sonic the Hedgehog 2 premieres in theaters on April 8, 2022. This highly-anticipated sequel has some big shoes to fill with its predecessor. With the standards set so incredibly high, can it live up to the hype? Filled with laughs, action, and a strong message of teamwork, is the new Sonic movie kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Parents Guide + Movie Review
Bigger, better, and faster. Those are the words I keep coming back to when describing Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The bar was set high, and Director Jeff Fowler not only delivered, but he superseded those expectations. This is one sequel you’ll be talking about for awhile, and asking to see again.
The movie opens with icon Jim Carrey, as the evil Dr. Robotnik, isolated on the Mushroom planet. Please tell me I’m not the only one who had some major Castaway (the movie starring Tom Hanks) vibes. I mean, he even had his own “Wilson,” which he appropriately named, “Stone.” The opening sequence really kicked the movie into high-gear for non-stop adventure.
Back home in Green Hills, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) has settled in nicely with his family, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). He reminds me a bit of Batman, sneaking out during the night to fight justice. He’s determined to prove himself as a true hero of the community. Being the protective father figure Tom is to Sonic, he is not fond of this and doesn’t want Sonic to hurt himself, or cause casualties to others accidentally. Compared to the first Sonic film, Tom’s role has significantly changed from being Sonic’s fun buddy, to more of a dad. They’re a family…Golden Retriever and all.
When Tom and Maddie go to Hawaii for Rachel’s (Natasha Rothwell) wedding and leave Sonic home alone…things get a little bit crazy. Robotnik shows up with his new pal, Knuckles (Idris Elba), determined to find the master emerald. Whoever holds the emerald has the power to turn their thoughts into reality. Luckily for Sonic, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) shows up just in time to warn him. Let the race to find the emerald begin!
The Visuals and Soundtrack
Simply put, the visuals are out-of-this-world. We saw Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in an XPLUS theater, and it truly delivered the utmost movie-going experience. The sound utilizes technology that makes it completely immersive. The CGI of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, as well as portraying the different dimensions were beyond brilliant. Crisp colors and full of elaborate detail.
I feel like I need to mention the soundtrack, because the music is a whole lot of fun — 90’s kids, I’m talking to you!!
Is the Sonic Movie Sequel Better Than the First?
Well, that depends on who you ask, but for my entire family, including myself, the answer is an unanimous “YES!” With that being said, there was one element I did miss from the first movie. There just wasn’t enough of Tom and Sonic together! I mean, I get it, you can’t reiterate what has already been done, but James Marsden and Ben Schwartz are a great pair. And although I immensely enjoyed their scenes together, I just wish there was more!
That’s not to say the plot is bad, because it was incredible. The new characters were a delightful addition. And Idris as Knuckles is freaking hilarious! You will be crying from laughing so hard! It was nice to see Sonic explore friendship. In the first movie, he was looking for a family. He found that, now he just needs his tribe.
IS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 KID-FRIENDLY? HERE’S YOUR PARENTS GUIDE:
A cute little blue hedgehog and his friends. Add in Dr. Robotnik and an action-packed adventure, you might be wondering if the new Sonic movie is okay for kids. Here’s what parents need to know before watching Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with their kids.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has an MPAA rating of PG for action, some violence, rude humor, and mild language. It has a runtime of 2 hours 3 minutes. While this time duration might seem on the longer side for a family movie, I will assure you that it will race on by. There are no lull moments in this super fast sequel.
Let’s break down the thematic elements and take a closer look.
Violence
First thing’s first. We need to remember that Sonic is based on a video game. Clearly, you can expect some level of violence. Viewers can expect to see many explosions, bombs, fighting with swords, punches thrown, a car chase, natural disasters, and to round it out…attempted murder. However, nothing is overly graphic or gory. I would consider it on par with the first film.
Language
As a parent, I feel that language is one of the things that bothers me the most in family movies. Often times there are innuendos, or words used that are only there for the adults, and more times than not, just unnecessary.
In Sonic the Hedgehog 2, there is no profanity. However, you can expect to hear words like: imbecile, dumb, pathetic, freaky, and Hell. There were also some puns on words, like: “piece of shiitake,” and “holy sherbert!” And of course, there’s an abundance of fart jokes…because of course there is.
Mature Content
Like the first movie, alcohol once again plays a role. A fair share of drinking is shown in Sonic the Hedgehog 2. There is also another bar scene, however, this one was way more tame than the one in the first film. There was an innuendo for someone waxing….something. I’m just going to leave it at that.
Age Recommendation
I went to an early screening of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 with my husband, two children (ages 8 & 12), and my niece and nephew (11 & 10). We all LOVED it. I think the entire theater loved it! It is really a fun film for all ages. I would recommend the new Sonic movie for ages 6 and up.
Overall Thoughts
Buckle up. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is bigger, better, and FASTER! Loaded with nostalgia and pop culture references, stunning visuals and non-stop action. The banter between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles will have you rolling with laughter. Jim Carrey is a comedic genius as per usual, and his mustache alone deserves recognition. Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is an unbelievable good time! Race to the theaters to catch the new Sonic movie. Power bumps to all!
P.S. The mid-credit scene is EVERYTHING!
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 SYNOPSIS
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.
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I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE SEEING SONIC IN THEATERS?!
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