The first reactions to Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated video game sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, are now in, and they are nothing less than stellar. As the movie speeds towards its release date next month, the first critical responses to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 have now made their way onto social media, and it sounds like we are in for an absolute treat.

While the live-action Sonic the Hedgehog franchise got off to a somewhat rocky start due to some highly questionable design ideas, those mistakes have now been left in the dust, with the first movie impressing both critics and audiences alike. And according to the reactions to the follow-up, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 not only builds on this goodwill but is apparently even more of a love letter to the beloved video games.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 picks up closely after the events of the first outing, with Sonic the superfast hedgehog determined to make his mark as a hero and deciding to stay in Green Hills while Tom and Maddie go to Hawaii for her sister Rachel’s wedding. When Doctor Eggman returns from the Mushroom Planet in search of the Master Emerald to conquer the world and exact revenge against Sonic with the help of Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic and his new friend Miles “Tails” Prower set out to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Starring Ben Schwartz as Sonic, alongside James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Shemar Moore, and Jim Carry, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 adds Idris Elba as Knuckles and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails. Both of whom are very welcome additions.

With such a positive, glowing initial reaction to Sonic the Hedgehog 2, could the Sega emerge as the greatest video game movie ever made? The bar may not be very high, but seeing good movies based on the property hit the big-screen is sure to be a delight for fans of the franchise. Even star Ben Schwartz is excited for audiences to see Sonic the Hedgehog 2, with the actor stating that he is “so proud to be a part of this franchise.”

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is Due for Release on April 8

     Paramount Pictures Studios

Directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on April 8 by Paramount Pictures in association with Sega Sammy Group.

These early reactions are not the only ringing endorsement for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, with Paramount Pictures clearly confident in the sequel, as a third Sonic the Hedgehog movie is already in development.

Not only that, but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 villain, Knuckles, who has been described by the director as both The Terminator and The Winder Soldier of the sequel, is only the beginning for Idris Elba’s character. Alongside confirmation that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a go, Knuckles is all set to receive his own spinoff series.