Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Performance & Direction: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 features a noteworthy lineup led by Ben Schwartz . Supported by the likes of James Marsden and Tika Sumpter , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Quick Plot Summary: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a Action, Adventure, Family, Comedy film that delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The narrative structure follows a classic action blueprint: establish the protagonist's world, introduce a formidable antagonist, and escalate the stakes through increasingly intense confrontations. 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. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it. This approach calls everyone and everything into question as the plot unfolds.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Thematic Depth
Beyond the spectacle, the film explores themes of justice, redemption, and the cost of violence. It questions whether the ends justify the means and examines the personal toll of heroism.
What Works & What Doesn't
✅ Strengths
- Solid execution of genre conventions
- Engaging moments that showcase the creators' vision
- Competent performances from the cast
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Some narrative choices that feel predictable
- Occasional pacing lulls in the middle act
Ending Explained: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Ending Breakdown: Sonic the Hedgehog 2 resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to action resolution.
The climactic sequence delivers on the escalating tension, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Sonic the Hedgehog 2?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $110.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $405.4M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Budget
The estimated production budget for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is $110.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
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YouTubeSonic the Hedgehog 2 Parents Guide & Age Rating
2022 AdvisoryWondering about Sonic the Hedgehog 2 age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is 123 minutes (2h 3m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.4/10, and global performance metrics, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2022 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sonic the Hedgehog 2 worth watching?
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 7.4/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Sonic the Hedgehog 2 parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Sonic the Hedgehog 2?
The total duration of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is 123 minutes, which is approximately 2h 3m long.
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Critic Reviews for Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Never saw the first one, nor played any of the games - but I still quite enjoyed this animated adventure. "Sonic" is determined to use his powers to be a crime fighting hero, but frequently causes more havoc than the criminals! When the dastardly "Robotnik" manages to escape from his prison in a galaxy far, far, way and returns with the echidna from hell ("Knuckles") though, our blue pal finds himself and his family in considerable peril. Luckily, help is on hand from the twin-tailed "Tails" and battle lines are drawn Who can find the giant emerald first? The story is pretty derivative - bits of "Indiana Jones"; "National Treasure" and even "Guardians of the Galaxy" all seem to have influenced the story, which I have to say is a little predictably thin. That said, it is well placed with plenty in the script for the grown ups amongst the audience. "Sonic" makes for quite a likeable rodent and Jim Carrey"s engagingly hammy, moustachioed, megalomanic works well. The star? Well that's Natasha Rothwell's no-nonsense, would-be bride "Rachel" (a part of the storyline that doesn't work so well, but she is definitely not to be messed with). The visual effects are impressive and though maybe fifteen minutes too long, I still found it very much better than I had expected.
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://www.msbreviews.com/movie-reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-spoiler-free-review "Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is a vastly superior sequel to the first adaptation. Jeff Fowler works with his screenwriting team to fix some of the issues with the original flick, successfully managing to create a much less corporate work, more focused on Sonic and, this time, also Tails and Knuckles, in addition to putting humans aside in a subplot that, even so, still bothered more than it should. Taking advantage of phenomenal voice acting from the cast, as well as an already iconic performance by Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik, entertainment levels soar tremendously as the action-adventure sequences amaze viewers with praiseworthy animation and visual effects, as well as an engaging main narrative that expands on the origin of the hedgehogs while simultaneously developing the same characters. Fun for kids and adults alike." Rating: B
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 embraces the nostalgia of Sega Genesis and the essence of the 90s with a film that is fun for absolutely everyone of all ages. Audiences will adore the new characters, the action is a memorable throwback to what we loved about the games the films are based on, and the special effects are top notch. Even with its flaws, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is the best video game adaptation ever. Full review: https://hubpages.com/entertainment/Sonic-the-Hedgehog-2-Review-2022-The-Master-Emerald-of-Family-Friendly-Entertainment
Full review: https://www.tinakakadelis.com/beyond-the-cinerama-dome/2022/4/13/go-speed-racer-sonic-the-hedgehog-2-review Sonic the Hedgehog 2 picks up not long after the events of the first film. Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey) was banished from Earth by Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and crash-landed his spaceship on the Mushroom Planet. His only means of escape is Sonic’s quill, which is flowing with immense energy, and he uses it to send out a distress signal. This catches the attention of Knuckles (Idris Elba), another super-powerful anthropomorphic animal like Sonic. Knuckles is the last living member of the echidna tribe that was wiped out in the same war that sent Sonic to Earth many years ago.
The third time is the charm or, after having been less than thrilled about the last two movies I have watched this one was finally one that I quite enjoyed. When I watched the first Sonic movie with the kids I was quite amused by it. This one I also watched with the kids and I have to say it was some fun two hours. These movies are pure comedies with an aspect of adventure. Make no mistake about, they are silly movies. Then, with Jim Carrey in one of the lead roles that is what anyone that has not lived under a rock in Coyote land would expect. Jim Carrey more often than not grates on me with his overacting and ridiculous behavior but in this movie he is the perfect fit. The movie sets the tone right away when it starts at the mushroom planet, or as Jim Carrey (Dr Robotnik) calls it, the piece of shitake planet, with Dr Robotnik’s coffee making machinery. What follows is one long ride of, mostly, slapstick jokes but still following the red thread of the story. A story which is not really bad and which adds a nice adventure aspect to the movie. The movie even adds some realism, although they probably did not realize that during production, in that the federal agents are just as big a–holes as they have proven themselves to be in real life lately. The grand finale with Dr Robotnik’s huge robot was quite hilarious. I really do not want to spoil things but watch out for that moustache. I’m happy that they refrained from following up that snot laser with a fart laser though. Bottom line, a really fun family adventure movie.
Lol, I can't believe these movies are being made. If you're adapting the Sonic canon into a modern family-action-comedy film, this is kind of the best-case scenario. Much more bonkers than I anticipated, but not always in a good way. Definitely a fun time!
**Sonic 2 is as fun and ridiculous as the first, for better or worse.** Sonic 2 continues the formula that brought its predecessor success the first time with colorful, funny characters that make jokes that every kid will giggle at and a completely unrestrained Jim Carrey in his element and at his best. This time the movie swaps Sonic's human sidekicks for animated characters from the games, with Idris Elba's Knuckles being surprisingly funny (I didn't expect that from the trailers). Just like the first movie, Carrey makes this movie so entertaining. His outrageous performance perfectly fits the role of a kids' video game villain, and his snappy dialogue and quipped one-liners made me laugh at almost every scene he graced. Sonic 2 is not a typical movie I would choose for myself, but I'm not upset when my little daughter chooses to watch it over many other kids' movie options.
Sonic 2 was much more enjoyable for me to watch. The additions of Miles "Tails" Prower and Knuckles were great. Dr. Robotnik's henchman being kind of attracted to Robotnik was... strange. I didn't like that. And that one girl, I think her name was Rachel in the film, is insane. The music was good, the CGI was good, and Knuckles was awesome, funny, and cool (I'm a Knuckles fan, if you couldn't tell). I'm excited to see what they do with Shadow in Sonic the Hedgehog 3!
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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