Now streaming: Love and friendship are the ultimate power-ups in Sonic 2

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Paramount Pictures
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is now streaming on Amazon Prime. It is reviewed by Lindsay Steele.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (Paramount Pictures)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Family, Comedy
Streaming service: Amazon Prime
Rating: PG (rude humor, mild language, action, some violence)

Summary: After settling in Green Hills, Sonic is eager to prove that he has what it takes to be a true hero. His test comes when Dr. Robotnik returns with a new partner, Knuckles, in search of a mystical emerald that has the power to destroy civilizations. Sonic teams up with his own sidekick, Tails, and together they embark on a globetrotting journey to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands.

Synopsis: Many video game-based films fail to make an impression but Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is funny and entertaining while offering surprisingly relevant life lessons to viewers young and

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After Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) makes a self-serving spectacle trying to stop a robbery in Seattle, his adoptive dad, Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) offers some words of wisdom. “Taking care of yourself is not what being a hero is all about. It’s about taking responsibility for other people,” he tells Sonic. Essentially, Tom is echoing the message found in Matthew 6:2: if you perform good deeds so that the world will admire you, you’re taking the wrong approach.

Throughout Sonic 2, we see Sonic begin to understand the meaning of heroism, juxtaposed with the self-serving nature of the villain, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey in a masterful comedic performance) and the villain’s lackey, Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub). The Sonic sequel introduces two furry characters, Tails (Colleen Ann O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). The latter initially teams up with Dr. Robotnik and Stone to try to capture the powerful Master Emerald as Sonic and Tails try to stop them. Sonic offers Knuckles mercy and friendship after Dr. Robotnik betrays Knuckles and takes the gem for himself. Why? Because helping others means putting your pride aside, Sonic tells Knuckles.

Meanwhile, Dr. Robotnik uses the Master Emerald to begin his quest to take over the universe. “Maybe it will be enough?” he ponders. The (hilariously) self-aware character admits that power doesn’t satisfy and that the unwavering affection of Stone is simply a product of a sycophant whose “admiration is inevitable.”

At the end of the film, Sonic, Knuckles and Tails must use teamwork to overpower an “upgraded” Dr. Robotnik to save the universe. This requires the trio to channel their unique abilities and put their differences aside to benefit those who cannot help themselves. That is something all of us, as Catholic Christians, should strive to do.

Discussion questions:
Dr. Robotnik is driven by a need for more power, even though he admits it probably won’t satisfy him. Can you think of a time where you thought something more would make you happy? Were you fulfilled? Why or why not?

In Matthew 6:2, why does God urge benefactors not to boast of their good deeds?

Why is humility important when it comes to serving others?

Can you think of a scenario in which putting aside differences and pooling time, talent and treasure benefits others?

(Editor’s note: Lindsay Steele is a reporter for The Catholic Messenger. Contact her at steele@davenportdiocese.org or by phone at (563) 888-4248.)


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