“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” is the long awaited sequel of the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie released in 2020. After teasing the introduction of new characters, fans have anxiously awaited the movie’s premiere. Its opening weekend was the second highest of 2022 at $71 million.

The sequel picks up right where the first movie leaves off, and continues the story of Sonic and Dr. Robotnick’s rivalry. The sequel also features Tails, as introduced in the post credits scene of the first movie, and Knuckles, who are both in almost all Sonic games. Knuckles teams up with Robotnick after saving him from the alternate dimension. They race Sonic and Tails to get the Master Emerald, causing chaos and plot twists left and right. Allegedly a third movie is in the works, which is very exciting after seeing the shocking post-credits scene.

With references to Sonic games and pop culture this movie is for everyone. For example, Green Hills, the town Sonic and the Wachowskis live in, is a reference to the iconic level “Green Hill Zone” which begins most classic Sonic games. Sonic’s fear of water and swimming is a nod to his inability to swim in the games. The G.U.N. Agents, chaos emeralds, and the Master Emerald are all key points in many Sonic games.

There are many more subtle references that Sonic fans will enjoy pointing out throughout the movie, however there are some references for everyone; for example, jokes and comments about other movies like “Batman,” “Poltergeist” and “The Wizard of Oz”. 

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” also features a very fun soundtrack with well known songs like “24k Magic” by Bruno Mars, “It’s Tricky” by Run-D.M.C. and “Stars in the Sky” by Kid Cudi, which was made specifically for the sequel.

However, many critics claim that the movie is too long and has too many CGI character interactions in comparison to the first movie. While this is true, with the introduction of Tails and Knuckles, the movie also still features actors like Jim Carrey as Robotnick and James Marsen as Tom Wachowski. Although they don’t have as much screen time as the CGI characters, that is what makes the movie. It is very well done, and easy to look past.

Overall “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” is definitely worth a watch as it shows not only a great action movie based on a classic character, but the importance of trust and friends.