Sonic the Hedgehog 2 Movie Review: Furry, Fast and Fun

Written by Pony Princess. 

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 is released in Malaysian cinemas nationwide on the 21st of April 2022.

Growing up in the 90s, Sonic was my childhood. I became a devoted Sega fan ever since I was awestruck by the anthropomorphic blue speedy hedgehog who burst onto screen in full 16-bit pixel back in 1991. Sonic's immediate appeal compelled me to repeatedly play the game for countless hours.  Like any fan, I faithfully followed the blue blur as he continued to evolved into a modern look and hop to different gaming and media platforms and finally to the cinematic universe. 

Sonic 2's officially release date in North America was scheduled on the 2nd of April while the Malaysian release was about 2 weeks later. So I literally had to dodge spoilers that flooded social media and Sonic fan groups. Finally,  on 21st April 2022, Sonic 2  arrived in Malaysian cinemas with the famous duo to greet us on premiere day.

Sonic (and Tails now shown) are visiting GSC & TGV Cinemas this month. Check with local cinemas for schedule.

Sonic 2 the movie takes off after the first one where Sonic (Ben Schwartz) is now happily living under the same roof with Tom and Maddie Wachowski. (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter) He has become a sort of surrogate son to them, living a carefree life while secretly aspiring to emulate his heroes from comic books. However, his arch enemy Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) long thought to be banished in the mushroom planet has escaped and allied with another imposing alien creature in the form of Knuckles the Echidna.(Idris Elba) The evil doctor is now not only determined to get even with our blue friend but learned about the existence of a mysterious gem called the Chaos Emerald that is capable of infinite power. Coming to warn Sonic of the impending danger is another new yet familiar character to the Sonic universe in the form of an alien fox with twin tails called Miles Tails Prower. (Colleen O' Shaughnessy) Tails first made his appearance much to fan's delight during the previous movie's end credits. Together the duo with the help of their human friends must work together to put a stop to Dr. Robotnik's nefarious plans of taking over the world.   

An alternative poster of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 pays homage to the classic SEGAGenesis/Megadrive console Sonic game cover art (1992)

Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic 2 is even bigger, grander and just as cool as the first. The movie runs for two hours and two minutes (that makes it 2.2). 

The cast includes the wise cracking Ben Schwartz reprising his role as the movie's titular protagonist, Sonic the Hedgehog. From the get-go, Ben has injected his personality into the blue blur which brings greater character depth to Sonic who was previously a mascot gimmick designed to sell 16-bit game consoles to teenage kids. 

Ben Schwartz is the voice of Sonic the Hedgehog. His favourite Sonic game is the classic Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (1992)

Paramount's adaptation on Sonic has not only the hedgehog's cool attitude intact but enhanced with Ben's witty humour with comebacks dotted with pop culture references to keep both adults and children entertained. 

Children will find Sonic's impressionable, fun-loving and child-like nature particularly relatable. Fans of the game who are now all grown up or in their teens (depending on which generation of Sonic games they grew up with) will find the smirking hedgehog adorable with the familiar cool due with the attitude.

The biggest win to Sonic fans is of course the inclusion of Colleen O' Shaughnessy who reprised her role as Sonic's sidekick and BFF Miles Tails Prower. Since 2014, Colleen is THE original voice for the twin tailed fox from the Sonic games and animated series. Fans are ecstatic that they get to enjoy Colleen's performance on the big screen with the same kind of personality consistent with the original material. Colleen's debut is also a huge step forward for voice actors in general since it is rare for a voice actor involved with the original source material to get cast in a big-budget Hollywood film based on it. (Source: https://www.thegamer.com/sonic-movie-tails-cast-colleen-oshaughnessey/) 

Colleen O Shaughnessy is the only voice actor from the video game to reprise her role in the live action movie. She and Ben Schwartz coincidentally shares the same birthday too.

As they say, a good hero is only as good as its villain. Jim Carrey,  is back and is bigger with badder Robotnik antics and now spots the iconic bushy moustache from the games. While in the first movie, Carrey steals the spotlight with his larger than life, Jim Carrey-ness, this time he feels less dominating as if the directors are consciously making room for the new characters to shine in the movie universe. 

With Paramount confirming the upcoming sequel Sonic 3, fans are left pondering about Jim's involvement in the future since his announcement about retiring. 

His uncanny pairing with Knuckles the Echidna who is Sonic's arch nemesis from the game is not only a force to reckon with  but also opens up an avenue for more laughs as the tough but literal minded Knuckles adapts awkwardly to society and Earth's customs. Knuckles's adaptation to film is probably one of the best seen in the Sonic universe. No one in the Sonic fandom could predict that a celebrity like Idris Elba to become the voice of Knuckles. In the Sonic universe, Knuckles's image is not the most inconsistent to a point of being reduced to a buff jock archetype in a particular recent Sonic animated series. (Fans will know what I am talking about.)  

A tv-series spin off for Knuckles is in the works. 

Whatever it is, this echidna is in dire need of restoration. The film actually delivers this by solidiying original Knuckles tough nut personality, restoring the beloved character's canon status with Idris Elba delivering his role with finesse (albeit minus the sexiness) Knuckles is the yin to Sonic's yang so first time viewers with no context to Sonic from games will likely find a favourite in one or the other.

The settings and graphics in this movie is rich and varied. Sonic's adventure takes you from the city to tropical island of Hawaii to ancient ruins and snowy ice cap mountain peaks which creates a sense of an adventure of epic proportions. In that respect, it feels  like a strong nod to the Sonic games where the player guides Sonic across different exotic locations in pursuit of Dr. Robotnik. The movie's interpretation of technology with Dr. Robotnik's drones, gadgets and other high tech machinery adds a nice touch of sophistication and maturity to a franchise that is originally aimed at younger audiences. Dr Robotnik's slower, sleek and metal machinery contrasts nicely against the bright colour fur balls zipping across the screen. In the final showdown, the final boss in the form of Dr Robotnik's giant robot is a direct reference to the game from Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The interpretation on the silver screen is executed brilliantly, not looking like a jarring piece of cheesy mecha right off the games but a genuinely imposing and believable threat. 

You don't want to mess around with Doc.

One of the main highlights of the film are the characters whose  personalities are as bright as their alien fur. The relationship between best buddies Sonic and Tails are nothing short of endearing. While it was never explained how Tails met Sonic the games, the movie gives us an original spin on their meeting and took its time to introduce and build the growing friendship and bond. The youngest of the two, Tails comes across as uncertain and looks up to Sonic as big brother sort of figure. Sonic's gradual transitioning from an impulsive kid to a protective and caring brother figure just seems natural. There is definitely one scene or two that will leaves you feeling warm, fuzzy and frantically searching for fan art or fiction.  

Sonic and Tails sibling like relationship is heartwarming.

The introduction of Knuckles too was exceptionally well executed. Although admittedly my first impressions on Idris Elba was mixed. It was hard picturing the man known for commanding roles as the voice behind a furry echidna. Yet, it turns out that no nonsense, authoritative charisma synonymous with Idris Elba worked astonishingly well for Knuckles. The movie took its time to create a solid and believable relationship with Sonic which started off antagonistic and transitions into an empathic, genuine connection united by a common cause.

Pick your favourite. Sonic or Knuckles.

Putting the trio together creates a great balance of personalities and all the more engaging to follow. Sonic fans and gamers will no doubt be struck by the nostalgic rush when the three iconic characters fighting together side by side, a scene which reminiscent that of the 2008 game Sonic Heroes. 

A great balance of personalities in the hero shot. 

Unfortunately, the movie is not without its flaws. While the animated characters shine brightly, not much can be said about the human characters. Now the humans feels out-of-place as if they are squeezed into the story as a temporary respite or comic relief from the CGI characters. For one, Agent Stone (Lee Majdoup) may seem entertaining to some as Dr Robotnik's devoted lackey but personally, it did nothing for me. It feels like the director is still struggling to find a balance between the main characters and human companions. When it comes to the human side of the story, the movie just loses its momentum with mediocre characters. Aside from Tom and Maddie who is directly related to Sonic and the G.U.N. personnel that will be tied to Dr Robotnik and possibly in future sequel (hint, hint no spoilers), the rest falls flat. Considering the story direction, we will probably be seeing more human characters in the upcoming movie and hopefully by then, the writers are able to mesh them better into the story. The scene in Hawaii is supposedly meant to highlight some major events in the plot which is more light hearted in tone compared to the rest of the scenes. But its messy inclusion felt unnecessary long.  

We are just as confuse to why are you here in the story.

Overall, the whole premise of Sonic 2 the movie centers on the theme of what it means to be a hero, the importance of friends, family and team work.  Here the movie thoroughly  explores Sonic's vulnerabilities where he can get hurt, gets his face shoved into sand and is willing to accept help from his friends.

Audiences get to see Sonic growing as a character from the impulsive adrenaline hero wannabe to a thoughtful, caring figure with a strong desire to protect his friends and family. The film is able to deliver what the games could not by giving added depth to Sonic's purpose.

So is this movie cool enough to watch?

Sonic 2 the movie is hugely entertaining and fun to watch especially if you have a family with young kids. Its action packed, comedic content blend with heartwarming scenes and lovable characters with leave you with impressions that you can remember from the film long after you have watched it. The only downer are the people scenes that feels a bit long and stretches the film much more than necessary. 

The story has a solid plot to boot and with the trio strongly established, the story has potential expand beyond is original game source. Having said that, the movie already feels like its ready to launch away from the games and evolve into something far more original befitting the cinematic universe. A third sequel or Sonic 3 is confirmed to be in the works and fans can do what they know best and speculate. However, as Jeff Fowler is known to listen to fans and delivers what he promises, whatever creative direction he wish to take with Sonic, fans are definitely there to support.

Its a film that definitely delivers and lives up to fan expectations and more. For those who grew up with the game with plenty of easter eggs that will make you rewatch it just to spot them all. 

My only qualms about Sonic 2 the movie is not related to the film per say.  I observed that  this franchise despite its success in the box office worldwide is sorely lacking in merchandises that one can take home as a memorabilia long after the movie ended. For a newcomer movie franchise, there's understandably very little of on ground promotional activities, at least in Malaysia. 

To date, Sonic 2 the movie has made 246.8 million USD (over RM1 billion) worldwide and becoming a hit for Paramount. With this kind of success and with the numbers to boot, I hope in the upcoming movie, fans of Sonic or not we get to see the kind of hype and promotion that's often geared towards established existing super mega franchises. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is now showing in Malaysian cinemas nationwide.

Disclaimer: Sonic the Hedgehog is copyright by SEGA and the movie rights with Paramount Pictures. Materials used in this article are for fan engagement only.

Vin Diesel's superhero upgrade into BLOODSHOT

Written by The Vulcan.

BLOODSHOT. "Who?" you may ask. What he ain't is another intergalactic rogue misfit adventurer the likes of Star-lord in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). However he is yet another character with comic book origins but not that from the pages of Marvel or DC. Instead Bloodshot first appeared in the pages of Valiant Comics in November 1992 as guest or cameo roles of Eternal Warrior and Rai. With a solid reception by readers, Bloodshot #1 was released in February the following year to quickly become one of Valiant Comics best-selling characters.

Cover of Bloodshot #1 (1993)

Created by Kevin VanHook, Don Perlin, and Bob Layton, the original Bloodshot was imagined as a tech-augmented soldier with super-human attributes and regenerative "healing factor" (like Marvel's Wolverine) made possible by nanites in his bloodstream. For the less sci-fi initiated, nanites are extremely small robots the size of nanometers (billionth of a meter); as comparison a human hair is 75,000 nanometers. In the comics, the nanotechnology was developed by Project Rising Spirits (PRS) over decades to create the ultimate soldier embodied as Bloodshot. However the process erases his memory and implants false ones as a means for control. Core to the story is Bloodshot's quest to recover his identity.

Current version of Bloodshot in Volume 3 series (2012 onwards).

The first volume of Bloodshot comics ran for 51 issues until 1996. It was then rebooted the following year by Acclaim Comics with this second volume running 16 issues. After a long hiatus, Bloodshot returned in 2012 with a third volume now under Valiant Entertainment. This incarnation of Bloodshot finds his former identity as Ray Garrison and continues to adventure in several series until today in Volume 4. If you like to check out the comic books, follow this guide for the right reading order. The first issue is even available to read for free here.

In the shared Valiant comic universe, Bloodshot crossovered with Harbinger in Harbinger Wars.

The rights for a Valiant cinematic universe (VCU?) was acquired by Sony Pictures in 2015 for five movies starting with Bloodshot and then the Harbinger titles; Harbingers are psychics with superpowers with shared story arcs involving Bloodshot. Unfortunately for Valiant fans, rights of the Harbinger titles fell to Paramount Pictures last year and therefore prospects for such a new superhero universe were much diminished; read more about this here. Whilst there are no definitive movie release dates for Harbinger, Sony's Bloodshot blasts into cinema's worldwide this week.

Official Synopsis

Based on the bestselling comic book, Vin Diesel stars as Ray Garrison, a soldier recently killed in action and brought back to life as the superhero Bloodshot by the RST corporation.  With an army of nanotechnology in his veins, he’s an unstoppable force –stronger than ever and able to heal instantly.  But in controlling his body, the company has sway over his mind and memories, too.  Now, Ray doesn’t know what’s real and what’s not – but he’s on a mission to find out.

Directed by: David S. F. Wilson
Story by: Jeff Wadlow
Produced by: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Jaffe, Dinesh Shamdasani, Vin Diesel
Cast: Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez, Sam Heughan, Toby Kebbell and Guy Pearce

Vin Diesel as Ray Garrison, aka Bloodshot.

Star of the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise Vin Diesel takes on the mantle of Bloodshot / Ray Garrison. Fans of the comics will point out immediately that he looks nothing like the titular character with grey ash skin, red eyes, chest circlet, and... hair! Indeed Vin Diesel retains his trademark "bad boy" look of his breakout roles as Dominic Toretto, Xander Cage and Riddick. So perhaps it's best to frame this movie adaptation as Vin Diesel's version of Bloodshot.

 Left to Right: Vin Diesel as Dominic Toretto (Fast & Furious), Riddick, Xander Cage (XXX) in trademark black singlet.

Whilst the exploits of Dom / Xander / Riddick often surpass human believability, his latest foray as Bloodshot brings him true superpowers able to smash concrete with his bare hands and heal lethal injuries faster than Marvel's most famous clawed mutant. Of course one can say Vin Diesel has also been superpowered before as the lovable Groot in the Guardians of the Galaxy, even cheating death like Ray Garrison. Let's just say Bloodshot is how we imagine Fast & Furious' Dom to be if granted superhuman powers!

In the movie PRS has been renamed Rising Spirit Technologies (RST) and based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Can't miss our Petronas Twin Towers in that trailer, then have fun trying to spot other familiar sights in the movie. But don't hold your breathe too long (unless you're KT; see below) as American producers just might not get the local nuances right... like what was suppose to have passed off as Sibu, Sarawak in 2018's Venom movie!

RST's reseach program is headed by Dr. Emil Harting (above) played by Guy Pearce (Iron Man 3, Prometheus). Using nanotechnology and cutting-edge prosthesis, he has created a team of augmented soldiers codenamed Chainsaw, with a brainwashed Ray Garrison as its most potent weapon sent on missions across the world.

KT (Eiza Gonzalez, above) was injured in the line of duty and subsequently equipped with prosthetic lungs enabling augmented function underwater.

Ex-Navy SEAL Jimmy Dalton (Outlander's Sam Heughan, above) who lost his legs in an explosion now sports stronger and faster bionic legs from RST. As seen in the trailer he is also further augmented with an additional pair of mechanical arms which no doubt evens the odds when he is seen trading blows with Garrison.

Blind ex-Ranger Tibbs (Alex Hernandez) rounds out the team with high-tech ocular lenses granting him extraordinary vision.

Main cast at the Bloodshot Premiere.

See what the RST's team of augmented humans are capable of in this tech vignette:

Bloodshot is Director David S.F. Wilson's feature movie debut. Hailing from South Africa, he started his career visual effects with actor Sharlto Copley (District 9, The A-Team, Chappie). Creating a name for himself, he was recruited by Tim Miller (director of Deadpool) into Blur Studio in California. He has more recently directed the pilot episode of the Netflix series Love, Death + Robots. Wilson shared that it was Vin Diesel's 8-year old son Vincent that helped convince the action star to come on board for Bloodshot.

Check out what Wilson, Vin Diesel, Eiza Gonzalez and Bloodshot's co-creators Bob Layton and Kevin Vanhook have to say:

Hear more from Vin Diesel and the cast including Lamorne Morris as Wiggins in this extended interview by ComicBook.com:

It is worth noting that this movie is not actually Bloodshot's first live action appearance. Indeed just a couple of years ago in 2018 Bloodshot appeared in web TV series Ninjak vs the Valiant Universe by fan filmmaker Aaron Schoenke of Bat in the Sun, famous for its Super Power Beat Down videos. Actor Jason David Frank of Power Rangers fame was cast as Bloodshot looking close to the character's comic incarnation. Watch the action below:

Ninjak vs. Bloodshot... who will win?

Our 2 sen movie reaction to Vin Diesel's Bloodshot

2020's Bloodshot comes in different flavour from the comic book superhero movies from Marvel and DC being served in recent years such that we could step into the cinema with minimal context and limited expectations. Hence, Bloodshot delivered an entertaining ride without a dull moment.

However it's difficult to see Vin Diesel apart here from his trademarked roles (black singlet - check!), just elevated to insane superhuman levels. Maybe that's why he took the role since doing the same carnage to F&F's Dom can't be explained rationally away in that franchise. Perhaps he could have tried to look closer to the comic Bloodshot and be a bit less Vin Diesel. But then that would probably disappoint a few million of his fans that want a Vin Diesel movie. And Vin Diesel fans probably outnumber Bloodshot fans so we can understand Sony Picture's choice as less risky versus casting against a less well-known younger actor.

Whilst the plot is somewhat predictable thanks to the trailer having explained a bit too much, there are still some small surprises. One of which is Lamorne Morris' Wilfred Wiggins who contributes much of the movie's humour. And most of the other cast members have enough moments to be worth remembering their names.

As for Kuala Lumpur, our nation's capital could have been "served" better with some on-location shoots. But the actual location of RST was not really important to the overall narrative, as noted in an overseas reviewer that a different cut of the movie exists where the city was not named.

No doubt Bloodshot's box office performance will determine whether there will be sequels. But if the movie plays well then selling a sequel will certainly be easier and should be put into production sooner rather than later as middle-aged lead star Vin Diesel is not getting any younger, muscles aside. As for a Valiant Cinematic Universe, it's unlikely Harbinger Wars will happen but there are many other comic books Sony Pictures could look to adapt; just browse the Valiant's comic titles.

For other opinions, read this review by Variety or watch Comicbook.com's video:

Wanna win some Bloodshot movie premiums? Join this contest by KLIPS by 17 March.

TGV Cinemas is offering their MovieClub members to the chance to win these movie premiums via their Facebook contest ending 19 March. Then watch their exclusive interview with Vin Diesel himself here.

MBO Cinemas has similar movie goodies available via their Facebook contest until 19 March as well.

More chances available from LFS Cinemas on their Facebook contest ending 20 March.

Still wanna try then head to GSC Cinemas' Facebook contest but act fast as contest closes 15 March.

Plus choose to watch Bloodshot in GSC's 4DX or D-box by 25 March and stand a chance to win Sony appliances including a PS4.

Fans of IMAX movies at TGV Cinemas will receive an exclusive poster with every purchase of 2 tickets.

Follow more on Bloodshot from the official Facebook Page and Sony Pictures Malaysia.

BLOODSHOT  IN CINEMAS NOW!

Disclaimer: Bloodshot is a registered trademark of Valiant Entertainment LLC, referenced here for fan service engagements without intent to infringe.

Sonic The Hedgehog Races into Cinemas & Your Hearts this Valentines Day

Written by Hayashiforest.

Back in the nineties... 

I was seven years old and shopping with my parents, when I found myself drawn to a television screen in a toy shop, like a moth to light. I was hypnotized by a speedy blue ball that jumps, dodges and whizzes around the screen with incredible speed. I barely blinked when the screen suddenly faded black and the words, SEGA emblazoned across the screen. An emblem titled, SONIC appeared together with a catchy jingle and a blue character popped up. It turned to look at me with a smirk and cheekily beckoned me to press Start. I was sold. I must get a Megadrive NOW! Daaaad!!! (For the record, my parents did not get me a Megadrive until I was older 3 years later.)

It was fate.

Like many fans who grew up with Sonic, he is more than just a childhood hero but a historical turning point that transitioned me from regular kid to geek. When fans learned that Sonic will be getting his own movie, reactions were mixed, to say the least. Video games that turned into movies never had a good rep in the box office. So stakes are definitely riding high especially when its Sonic that we are talking about. 

My humble Sonic collection

When the first Sonic the Hedgehog teaser trailer was released in 2019, things looked pretty rocky, if not already confirming the worst nightmares of the most ardent Sonic fans. However, more about that in a minute. The movie is now 100% complete and showing in cinemas this week.

If you are not already Sonic fan, here is a guide on the little blue hedgehog, before you speed off to the nearest cinemas. 

 Sonic the Hedgehog

Who is Sonic?

Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game franchise, pop culture icon and the official mascot of Sega Games Co Limited. He is the brainchild of three Japanese men who formed the Sonic Team in 1991. They are Yuji Naka the team leader and programmer, Naoto Ohshima the character designer and Hirokazu Yasuhara, the game level designer.

(L - R above) Yuji Naka, Hirokazu Yasuhara, Naoto Oshima and Takashii Iizuka.

(Below) The first Sonic the Hedgehog game released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis and Megadrive. The game successfully sold 15 million copies. 

Sonic was created for the sole purpose of competing with Nintendo's juggernaut, Super Mario. He made his debut in American shores as a cool character with spunk, attitude and speed. There was simply no comparison that Sonic was the cool kid that every young and impressionable gamer wanted to hang out with.  So, combining the brilliant design and Sega's aggressive marketing Sonic won the hearts of American gamers and set to established SEGA as a household brand. Sonic's career now boasts of more than sixty different games across platforms and is featured in comic books, cartoons, anime series, apparel, shoes, toys and food. 

Sonic the Hedgehog comics published by Archie Comics since 1992,
became the longest-running comic series based on a video game.
(2008, Guinness World Records)

Sonic had at least one animated movie released in 1996 as a two-episode OVA anime.
It was produced Studio Pierrot and directed by Kazutaka Ikegami.

Sonic first appeared in Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in 1993.
He is the first video game character to have a balloon in the parade,
trailblazing for other game characters in the future.

The Plot

The main story of Sonic the Hedgehog revolves around Sonic fighting against the mad evil scientist Dr. Ivo Robotnik who threatens to dominate the world using his robotic inventions.  In the Sonic games, Sonic will race through the levels in pursuit of Dr. Robotnik while avoiding obstacles or minion enemies (known as badniks) that lie in his way to stop him. The game culminates at the final boss level with Dr. Robotnik suited up in one of his mega deadly inventions, only to be defeated by the hedgehog, should the player win the game. 

There are many iterations to the story but anchors on Sonic who uses his incredible speed to fight for freedom against Dr. Robotnik. In some versions, the fight is seen as a metaphor of nature defending itself against the threat of industrialization.  

Sonic versus Dr. Ivo Robotnik (otherwise known as Dr. Eggman in Japan) 

Now that you know our hedgehog a little better, it's movie time! Here is everything about the movie that you need to know:

Quick Movie Facts

Sonic Movie Release Date (Malaysia): 13 February 2020

Directed by: Jeff Fowler

Cast: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Adam Pally, Neal McDonough

Writers: Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, Oren Uziel

And there were speedbumps...

When the very first Sonic movie trailer was first released on May the 1st last year, it caused a major ruckus for Sonic fans. He looks nothing like the Sonic we grew up with and was disturbing with the realistic rendition that includes a set of creepy human teeth. It was just a sad, sad day for the fans.

Left - Sonic from the first trailer.
Right - The improved design. 

Although now the past is behind us, you can still watch the old trailer below and judge it for yourself.

Thankfully, the rallying distressed cries were taken seriously by movie director Jeff Fowler who responded in a Tweet stating that they are fully committed to making the changes necessary to make Sonic look his best.

The result is a new trailer featuring a better looking Sonic that is more cartoonish and closer to the the "modern Sonic" design that fans are familiar with. Jeff delivered what he promised by engaging Sonic's redesigning efforts to Tyson Hesse, who was the artist behind the Archie Comics Sonic and introduction opening scene of the recent 2017 Sonic Mania game.

Check out Tyson Hesse's craft below:

The decision for Sonic's redesign took many by surprise and is well received given that the movie industry is dominated by conglomerate overlords who will simply overrule any form of fan community feedback.  The results truly speak for itself with the new trailer below.

Ben Schwartz as Sonic the Hedgehog

Playing the voice of our hero hedgehog is Ben Schwarzt who has done voice acting roles before including a voice consultant on Star Wars: The Force Awaken for BB-8. Better yet, Ben's a child of the 80s so he'd grew up playing the classic Sonic games citing Sonic the Hedgehog 2 as his favourite.

Jim Carrey as the mad, evil scientist Dr Ivo Robotnik

Jim Carrey will be playing Sonic's arch-enemy and villain Dr. Ivo Robotnik. A legendary comedic star of the nineties known for his major role as Stanley Ipkiss in The Mask (1994).  Expect Carrey's classic gags and stunts making us wonder what sort of Dr. Robotnik he will pull. Watch this featurette on him becoming Robotnik.

James Marsden as Tom Wachowski.

James Marsden (Cyclops from the original X-Men trilogy!) is Tom Wachowski, the town's sheriff who will also play a major role in the movie alongside our hedgehog friend. Other side casts include  Tika Sumpter, playing Wachowski's wife, Annie. Tom's friend Billy is played by Adam Pally and Neal McDonough (Arrow's Damien Darhk) is Major Bennington.

Official Synopsis

Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from SEGA, Sonic the hedgehog tells the story of the world's speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination.

The music of Sonic

Addictive and catchy music is the heart of all Sonic games. On YouTube, there are literally hundreds of remixes made by fans for every possible Sonic game out there. Paramount's Sonic the Hedgehog movie has made a tribute to that with an official Sonic tie-in song called Speed Me Up, by Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Yachty and Sueco the Child. 

Sonic the Hedgehog Promotional Goodies

There are some of Sonic movie goodies and freebies for grabs from our local cinemas. The movie officially screens from 13 February but there are still competitions open for those who don't want to feel left out.

TGV Cinemas - Family Friendly Special Screening.
For the Family.

TGV Cinemas has put together a special Family Friendly Special Screening with Sonic, complete with fun activities and goodie bags for the little ones. MovieClub Members are entitled to RM5 off for tickets!  So mark your calendars  this weekend 15& 16 February 2020 and bring your little ones along. Get more information and tickets to TGV's special Family Friendly Screening here. TGV MovieClub members also stand a chance to win official Sonic the Hedgehog movie merchandise through their Facebook Page contest (ending 20 February).

Exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog Movie Merchandises up for grabs!

UIP Malaysia & LFS Cinemas are offering some exclusive Sonic the Hedgehog movie merchandise that only a fan can drool at. Competition goes on until the 19 February. So try your luck by checking out the LFS Facebook page.

Sonic Merchandises Galore
If you want a piece of Sonic to bring home with you, drop by H&M for some cool Sonic designed shirts!

Cool and trendy designs!

H&M has some of the best designs I've ever seen especially the black Sonic shirt with the pixel sprite Sonic running on the sleeves. While the male side has more variety, ladies need not be disappointed. For the girls, there's a white hoodie featuring the original pairing, Sonic and Tails, and bonus! There's Amy Rose the Hedgehog! Classic Sonic fans will recognise this design of Amy from the Sonic CD game where she made her debut in 1993.

A Sonic CD classic!

Win a H&M Gift Card worth 500 and MORE Sonic merchandises

If that's not enough to whet your appetites, H&M also has a contest for the hardcore fans. Just purchase any Sonic item from the store, scan the QR code, and tell them why you want to win. It's that easy! Find out how at H&M here Facebook page.

Non-Spoiler Movie Review

I attended the Movie Premiere at TGV 1 Utama all dressed up like a Sonic Super Fan (wig, ears, gloves, the works) and was genuinely excited.  I chucked all my Sonic baggage out of the door and was anticipating a good ride. Fair to say that I was pleasantly entertained and had my moments of fan glee whenever a cleverly inserted Sonic easter egg pop up in the movie. It's a feel-good movie where both non-fans and fans alike can enjoy. 

Well for fans, it really depends on how anal you are as a Sonic fan. But for me, taking the movie as it is, I find it unexpectedly delightful and charming. I particularly enjoyed the new Sonic design and his mix of attitude and screen personality truly shine. I am somewhat uncertain with Dr. Ivo Robotnik and Jim Carrey's interpretation of the evil scientist. In classic Jim Carrey style, he's put an original twist on the villain in ways I could not possibly imagine as a Sonic fan which is not necessarily a bad thing. James Marsden as Tom the sheriff is likeable throughout and the chemistry between him and the hedgehog adorable.

I will recommend anyone to watch Sonic if you are in for something lighthearted, heartwarming and not too heavy in plot or action. It is a character-driven movie that focuses on establishing Sonic as a solid and relatable character that is not all about attitude but heart as well. The writers definitely know their direction with the hedgehog and his potential to push boundaries beyond the point of no return.

A quick reminder, to stay during the movie credits!

Check out other reviews by The Verge, and IGN. Sonic The Hedgehog is now showing in Malaysian cinemas nationwide.

Sonic's gonna keep on running!
Art by: Rei Hayashi

Disclaimer: Sonic the Hedgehog and associated trademarks are copyright to Sega, referenced here for fan service purposes only without intent to infringe.