For the third year in a row, there shall be an interactive star of a line of Super Mario LEGO sets, especially a new starter course [7] [15]. The sets may have been leaked just before the 10th of March and eventually announced on that day [24], but I wanted to wait until the release of the trailer before expressing my thoughts on them. Coincidentally enough, the release of the trailer happened to be on the day the My Little Pony: Tell Your Tale series was uploaded onto YouTube and only a day before the theatrical release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in cinemas [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [28]. The biggest highlight of this announcement is the interactive toy based on the princess of Mushroom Kingdom [7] [15]. Peachy! It has been about a year since a certain Player Two “otherwise known as “Luigi S. PlumberPants” landed in the LEGO scene within the second starter course that was later followed by a line of sets based on a daring ghost hunt in his mansion [16] [18] [39]. Later this year, the loveable princess in pink who bakes great cake will be Player Three [7] [15] [21]. One of my wishes from early 2020 and last year came true [39] [40]!
My homegirl! I am so proud of her! [7] [15]
The mould of the princess’ head is adorably convincing [7] [15] [24]. I know this sounds quite corny, but it is pretty fitting how her fringe resembles the yellow heart emoji on iOS. Just like the interactive figures based on Mario and Luigi [16] [39] [40], her eyes are little screens that display emotions, which once again look highly expressive [7] [15]. It is cute how she can snack on an apple, causing an image of it to appear on her chest. There are some exceptional details of her attire, including two lovely shades of pink for the dress and a nicely designed crown on the top of her head. Her arms may be awkwardly short, but there are still gloved to further increased accuracy. And yes, she can always stomp on a coin block to get coins [40]. There is also a costume for the figure based on her cat suit from Super Mario 3D World [7] [21] [15]. Looking closely at her interaction with MarioBob PlumberPants, the screens on their chests seem to indicate the use of a familiar yellow cape [7] [15] [22]. Sick and tired of Peach always being the damsel-in-distress [20] [21]? Go ahead and let her play along with any of the Mario brothers or in a completely independent manner [22] [23]. Besides, her interactivity can appeal to female LEGO builders.
The quote “LEGO Peach time!” from the lovely new toy says it all. I guess she would like to bake an apple pie sometime. [7] [15]
Meow! [7] [15]
There are some exciting expansion sets aside from the third starter course with a new character [7] [15]. The prime playset of the new wave is her iconic castle. I believe that playing with the LEGO interpretation of the castle is sure to be a brief reminder of roaming through a red castle villa in Go Vacation [13] [14]. Through the two castle doors, there is a red and gold throne to place the Peach figure on [7] [15]. I just love how the stained-glass window is included, even though it looks like a non-removable sticker at a certain angle, but I wonder if there will be a twenty-second star to receive [20] [36] [37]. Well, I guess that would be up to the consumer during playtime. In the third starting course, there is a platform that Peach can swing on [7] [15]. There is also a gift house for any of the two Yoshis and a tower of Cat Peach to climb on. Even though the new expansion sets that were convincingly based on the main Super Mario games would be sold separately, the third starter course in the series on its own would be a great start of a third wave that brings on a little female empowerment.
Just listen to the castle theme tune from Super Mario 64 playing in the background [18]. It sure pumps up the hype. [7] [15]
“Hello again, Yoshi!” [7] [15]
What other characters are there in the new starter course and expansion sets? The noble Yellow Toad and the sweet little Toadette are featured in the trailer for the new wave, perhaps as sidekicks for the princess, despite no technical interactivity [7] [15]. One of them could be a hostage held in the cat tower for her to rescue as Cat Peach. The new major antagonists to confront are Lemmy Koopa, Ludwig Von Koopa and the leader of the Hammer Bros. army. Uh oh! According to the trailer, it is likely that Bowser could take over Peach’s castle at any minute! Other enemies in the forthcoming line include a Spike, a Cat Goomba, a Monty Mole and a Magikoopa. These new foes come in separate playsets as the Hammer Bros. leader can fall off a tall platform with enough simple action taken by any of the interactive figures and the Magikoopa can be knocked off his broomstick. Luckily, there shall not be any rocks for a Monty Mole to throw near Yoshi’s gift house [20]. With some new allies to trust and a new flock of foes to fight, a playful kind of empowerment awaits one peachy princess and perhaps the two plumbers who have risked their lives for her many times [7] [15] [39] [40].
Nice try, LEGO Bowser, but LEGO Peach will not be scared of you! Have you learned nothing from the end of Super Princess Peach [23]? [7] [15]
I think Unikitty from the two main LEGO movies will be a great teammate for the princess in her LEGO form [34] [35]. It sure takes two Barbies to tango in style these days [2] [3], but I guess it may take a third player to tackle some new enemies in another series of blind bags [33]. [7] [15]
With my manicure inspired by Elsa’s spring dress in Frozen Fever from 2015 brought back [6] [38], I am delighted to see one of my favourite Super Mario characters being welcomed to the line of LEGO playsets based on the franchise after racing as my Mii in Mario Kart Tour [7] [15] [19]. The third wave starring Princess Peach is sure to expand on the series’ ambition even further later this year. I can tell plenty of Nintendo nerds and LEGO lovers out there are as excited for the new starter course and expansion sets as some of our animal crossers are during another sakura season in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp [1] [17] [25]. I also wonder when there will be the release of new Littlest Pet Shop toys later this year too. Surely, purchasing one of the pets from the third wave of the Lucky Pets line of the sixth generation of the Littlest Pet Shop franchise could have led to beginning a new career as an LPSTuber [26], but I doubt that I can compete with far more experienced LPSTubers [4] [5]. And yes, I will see Sonic the Hedgehog 2 at the cinema [27] [28]. As for princesses on adventures [7] [15], I guess I ought to regally prepare for Tiara Diaries soon [31]. How about some ASMR with LEGO plastic tonight [29]?
Thank you, MarioBob PlumberPants…and our princess is in the right castle dome [32]. [7] [15]
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Namco Bandai Games. (2018). Go Vacation. Nintendo Switch. Tokyo, Japan.
Namco Bandai Games. (2011). Go Vacation. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo, Japan.
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Laura: Ladies and gentlemen, mobians and badniks, behold! The official trailer for the sequel to a speedy blue rodent’s cinematic acclaim that was revealed alongside the trailer for Sonic Frontiers in the Game Awards 2021 Livestream [41] [42] [60] [63] [68] [77]! I have been expecting the opportunity to analyse it at some point after being cuted out by the crossover between Pusheen and Hello Kitty [21] [22] [23] [24] [44] [45]. There had to be some purpose for the mid-credits scene, right? It would take a lot of determination and caution to do the best filming possible for a direct sequel to a box-office hit during the continuation of a global pandemic [26]. After a brand new third chapter began for Fortnite fighters, allowing them to battle with our friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man began about a week ago [17] [18] [38], many Sonic supporters out there began to keep their hopes high for what can honour the legacy of the first film’s ironic success [67]. Let us charge through this analysis together, just in time after the first movie becomes available to watch on Netflix in the United Kingdom and his return in the recent Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade as a balloon float [37] [39]. Once again, I will not be gathering what to expect from the sequel alone since Tom Wisniewski, my boyfriend is psyched as Player Two.
Tom: When I first heard about a live-action Sonic the Hedgehog movie, I thought it was going to suck (especially after that disastrous first trailer) [91]. But when the film came out, boy I was happy to be proven wrong [67]. The film was a lot of fun, Ben Schwartz captured the spirit of the character very well, Jim Carey was the best he’s been in years, and it was a nice new take on the classic character. With the teaser in the post-credits scene, and the film’s box-office success, it was inevitable we were going to get a sequel [90], and the trailer for it came out recently [41] [60] [63]. So, what do I think of it?
Some of us must be holding a grudge against the same website that removed the tenth episode of Sonic and Tails R for an unexplained reason before it was restored the next day [28] [29] [30]. On a lighter note, would anyone using the brand new Windows 11 right now like a tub of bloomberry ice cream after this analysis [16] [95] [96]? [41]
Laura: The blue speedster’s live-action interpretation has come a long way since his critically panned design from the first trailer for the first movie [91]. Interestingly enough, he wants a little more freedom sometime after settling into a new home [64], which adds to the confidence, fondness of adventure and signs of impatience he had always consisted of in the video games [64]. Looks like he still has an appetite for chilli dogs, along with some fashionability for pulling stunts in his new home [41] [60] [63]. I do not recommend allowing him to do those in my house. It is a shame the sequel will not be based on Sonic and SEGA All-Stars Racing as he is also seen recklessly driving a robber’s van [48], but at least he seems great at snowboarding. Apart from his wittiness and sense of adventure, could there be a time when he would reflect on his separation from Longclaw [91]? I strongly believe there ought to be a moment featuring that as it is unknown what happened to her in the introduction of the first film, even though it is highly likely that she was killed off by the tribe. A familiar, but freshly re-established friendship is yet to further assure him that he will never have to be all alone again [41] [60] [63].
How cute does Sonic look in his greatly improved design for his next live-action adventure? As cute as Hatsune Miku looks in her Sonic Style attire for those who pre-ordered Hatsune Miku: Colourful Stage! [10], which is a brief rehash of how she celebrated his 20th anniversary in her own Sonic cosplay back in 2011 [43]. Sonic is sure to provide some light-heartedness and adventurousness, quite like Sunny Starscout and Izzy Moonbow from My Little Pony: A New Generation [88] [89]. [41]
The blue blur and the two-tailed genius looked absolutely adorable in their collaboration with Cookie Run: Kingdom [11] [12] [13], as they sure do in the official trailer for a live-action follow-up [41] [60] [63]. Surely, some of us prefer Tails’ portrayal in brilliantly done fanmade projects, such as Sonic and Tails R over how he is portrayed in the post-2009 games [31] [49] [50], but what about the trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2? How they are seen on a highly familiar red plane just yells “Sonic the Hedgehog 2 from 1992!” rights in our faces [51]. There also appears to be a throwback of the bar scene from the first movie as the duo are also seen in new disguises [41] [60] [63]. I suppose it ought to be classified as the “winter edition”. We are yet to find out Tails’ prime motivations for finding Sonic with the help of a tracking device and befriending him as it must have something to do with either a plot point that will be mentioned later or the danger the tribe of echidnas caused in Sonic’s world [67]. Within a whole new introduction, I am sure that their friendship will soon be as fashionably enlightening as the alliance of two Barbies [4] [5] [41] [60] [63].
“I’m gonna get a sequel and Tails will be a friend of mine! [73]” [41]
Tom: I am happy they were able to get Tails most recent voice actress Colleen O’Shaughnessey to voice Tails again [40], a nice bit of fan service there.
There also appears to be quite a glow-up for his character design, compared to the mid-credits scene from the first film [67] [91]. [41]
Laura: Before the release of the trailer [41] [60] [63], I speculated that Knuckles the Echidna would have been a member of the tribe that tracked down a younger Sonic in the first film [67]. Could that be the case later on in a moment of some depth, such as a flashback? I am rather bewildered at him being a new sidekick for Dr. Robotnik [41] [60] [63]. However, I am not entirely surprised since there were some moments of the doctor tricking the red echidna in the games [78]. Knuckles also appears to have an exclusive power, but within a red aura, further enhancing the credibility of the use of CGI [41] [60] [63]. His character design is also exceptional, resembling what he looks like in the games, but with some convincing details. Additionally, his gloves still resemble spiked mittens, unlike his design in the fan film from Blue Core Studios [8]. How Knuckles’ character will be exclusively re-established in the sequel will also help the film honour the legacy of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and Sonic 3 & Knuckles [52] [53]. Moreover, I will root for him eventually joining Sonic and Tails’ side after moments of battling and character progression.
Tom: Tails is being introduced in this movie (after the post-credits scene in the first film) [67] [91], but also Knuckles makes an appearance [41] [60] [63]. He’s being voiced by British actor Idris Elba, so from that I can gather they’re going for the tough, no nonsense attitude that Knuckles was originally best known for. As much as I would’ve loved to hear Dan Green voice Knuckles again [46] [48], that was a big ask, and I do think Idris is a good choice all the same.
I will expect a notable evolution within this interpretation of Knuckles the Echidna. Quite similarly, I believe that there will be important aspects of character evolution in Lightyear, an upcoming spin-off of the Toy Story franchise that is centred on Buzz Lightyear’s origin [84] [85]. [41]
As the first film laid the groundwork for the Sonic world, this movie looks more like it’s transitioning into the looks of the video games [48] [51] [52] [53]. Dr. Robotnik returns to earth, now looking more like his classic Eggman design, with his big bushy moustache and red coat [41] [60] [63].
Laura: I knew the devious Dr. Robotnik, also known as “Eggman” would seek revenge on Sonic in the forthcoming sequel! Of course, his patch of brown hair is absent and his moustache is bigger and bushier [41] [60] [63]. He seems to relish in his new appearance as a sign of him still maintaining his ego, in spite of his defeat near the end of the first film. Aside from that, there would be some concern for his sanity after he was sent to the Mushroom Planet [59] [61]. Nevertheless, I can see his huge determination by the summoning of more badniks [41] [60] [63]. You Sonic supporters know that he is up to no good when he is gaining access to the Master Emerald, a legendary relic Knuckles would be the protector of to keep Angel Island floating [52] [53]. Reprising the role that was very well performed in the first film [67], Jim Carrey is sure to provide more samples of light-hearted humour when it comes to Eggman seeking revenge as shown in small but notable examples in the trailer [41] [60] [63]. Do I need to say more when the way he peers through a hole in the wall just screams “The Shining” in my face [36]?
“Papa’s got a brand new ‘tache!” – Dr. Robotnik, 2022. [41]
Tom: Whilst the film takes place on planet Earth again, it looks to be taking Sonic to different colourful locations [41] [60] [63], many of which gave me vibes of Sonic Adventure [47], which makes me very happy indeed. The Master Emerald was shown in the trailer, so we could maybe get to see Angel Island [52] [53]. Also seeing Sonic boarding down the snowy mountainside, and chasing Robotnik in the sky on Tails plane The Tornado, again, put me in mind of some of the levels in the games [51]. I do appreciate the genuine effort the filmmakers are making to make us Sonic fans feel right at home with these familiar locations.
Shadow the Hedgehog much [46]? Would he smell like a specific cologne or a specific scanted candle [55] [56] [57]? [41]
Laura: Surely, there ought to be some new developments for Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski during a few scenes. How Tom is seen talking to Sonic on a fishing trip is a sign that something will lead to him gaining some maturity and the eventual ability to use his powers more wisely [41] [60] [63], as well as aiding him to keep a specific secret [65] [66]. Considering how his blue buddy is yearning for some more adventure, I can tell that he is advising him that there will be unexpected moments when his powers are more necessary, which would be the case when he learns a few things along the way [41] [60] [63]. I believe that Maddie would be a great mother if she ever wanted to have a child with her husband, considering her occupation as a veterinarian [67]. She is seen doing a celebratory dance with her sister, which could mean she might be taking time to sort things out when it comes to some people not approving of her marriage [41] [60] [63]. If Sonic were to leave the human world with Tails at the end of the sequel, Tom and Maddie might as well have their own biological children.
Sonic must have gained some inspiration from Tom’s new occupation to be more heroic in Green Hills [67]. But still, there ought to be some further personal growth that could be heavily associated with befriending Tails and confronting Knuckles. [41]
In association with promoting the film, there will be a short comic series consisting of four issues written by Gale Galligan and published by IDW Publishing referred to as a “pre-quill” to its events [65]. Teehee! Get it? The plot will focus on how the blue blur soon starts to grow a little bored of his simple life in Green Hills and proceeds to make it more interesting for himself by attempting to fight crime, which would be highly convincing for developing him even further into his highly experienced video game counterpart. Not only will this be an interesting way to promote the film but allow the reader to already be engaged in the film’s plot without spoiling it. The series will also be reprinted into a graphic novel as a compilation for those who prefer reading graphic novels in April 2022 [66]. I just wonder if the comic series and their editions in a graphic novel will be titled “Sonic VS. Knuckles – The Pre-Quill” in Japan to go along with promoting the sequel later on in Summer 2022 for Japanese audiences. I guess that ought to be the case since the film will be titled “Sonic the Hedgehog / Sonic VS. Knuckles” in Japan [65].
Would you be up for reading a pre-quill before watching the movie on the big screen? [41]
Tom: As great as the first movie was [67], I think this movie has the potential to be even better. This series seems to be going from strength to strength, and the new additions this movie makes look very good [41] [60] [63]. If all the pieces fall in place, I think Sonic the Hedgehog could very well be the best video game movie series of all time, and I can’t wait.
Laura: Aside from how amazed I am at the recreation of the events of the first Lilo and Stitch film in a summary that is stylised to resemble the experience of playing a 16-bit video game [14], I am quite impressed with promising the trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is [41] [60] [63], pretty much like how I see the potential for Sing 2 before its official release date in the United Kingdom [58] [82]. I would be more hyped for a sequel to the film based on the events of the reboot of the Tomb Raider franchise and its sequel, Rise Of The Tomb Raider [75] [76], which could be a tomb raider’s cup of tea [33]. Sonic’s well-deserved sequel is set to be released in the first half of 2022 before the time Marvel’s Midnight Suns rises as a role-playing game with a customisable protagonist [86] [89] [93] [94]. In the meantime, I shall be sure to continue to follow my passion for writing since my father’s cousin was an educational author way before I was born [2] [6] [7] [9]. And who knows? I might as well establish American editions of my novellas for American readers in the future [27] [82] [92], regardless of the amount of hate I could get [1] [15] [20].
As surprised as I am at how Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse will be split into two parts with the first part being delayed to October 2022 [33] [72] [74], I do not doubt that many of us are looking forward to Sonic the Hedgehog hitting the big screen in the world of live-action for the second time, quite like how he joined the monster-hunter clan for the second time [19] [34] [35] [54]. Additionally, it is highly promising that Sonic Frontiers will further honour the legacy of the PlayStation 5 that has done so well so far [69] [70]. [62]
A special thanks to Tom Wisniewski for his participation once again [90]. I hope you dear nerds out there have a Merry Christmas this year [71]! [41]
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It has been over a year since the theatrical release and ironic acclaim of the live-action film starring Sonic the Hedgehog, which was quite a rehash of how plenty of fans, including my younger self, enjoyed watching the fanmade movie from Blue Core Studios back in January 2013 [1]. Although the cost and efforts to drastically redesign the blue dude after the film’s delay back in 2019 seemed risky [22], I still thank Jeff Fowler and the visual designers for acting upon so much backlash in such a responsible manner [52] [56], which was slightly similar to how a scene in Lilo and Stitch had to be cropped and heavily edited before the film’s release in 2002 to avoid disrespecting the victims of the devastating terror attacks that occurred back in September 2001 [51]. Due to the final outcome’s success that beat the record Detective Pikachu held in early 2020, the filming for a chronological sequel began earlier this month [13], which is a sign of a lot of motivation to help the blue blur maintain his Hollywood image from his movie’s creative team. Since I have personally enjoyed watching the first film with my boyfriend last year [48] [53], I shall discuss how its sequel should excel in 2022.
Plenty of us have considered Sonic the Hedgehog’s movie a surprising acclaim before Chuck E. Cheese sang to the youth of today live from home, sending some more positive vibes during the first lockdowns in the first half of 2020 [2] [3]. [46]
Now that we know that the sequel is in the works [47], let us keep our hopes high for an outcome that will further enrich the legacy of Sonic the Hedgehog in live action. [13] [47]
Whoa! Just look at the title announcement that was released back in February, leading up to a lot of potential [34] [42]! The number two that swiftly appears next to the unique logo for the first film consists of two highly familiar tails sticking out and glows in a striking shade of yellow, indicating something…or someone showing up in the sequel. It was pretty neat how it was even featured in a short but fairly special Chinese New Year celebration in honour of the year of the ox [28] [50]. I recall praising the uniqueness of the first movie’s logo during negative reactions towards the pre-release posted that featured Sonic’s old movie design back in late 2018, notably due to the shape of his quills craved into the letter “C” [61]. Aside from the exceptional design of the logo and promising title [34] [42], there will be hope that the sequel will be as honourable as Frozen II and Finding Dory [11] [15], from interesting new character development to even more humourous moments. Quite similarly, this would also apply to the hopes for a second season of Helluva Boss in the very near future of animation for mature audiences after the first one is completed [19] [57] [58].
I thought I could hear 1992 calling [40]…and it is stating that 2022 can share the vibes of its 16-bit sequel soon [47]. [34]
The mid-credits scene after the first film’s conclusion showed strong indication that there would be a sequel that brings out the prime vibes of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the nostalgic game from 1992 that further enriched the legacy of the classic Sonic games from the ‘90s [40] [48]. It is all because of the sudden appearance of Miles “Tails” Prower. How he was holding a tracking device in the mid-credits scene briefly reminded me of how he often held his translator in Sonic Colours [37]. I do believe that Tails’ role in the movie that takes place after the events of the first one will be quite a big one. Could he try to catch up to Sonic’s incredible speed like how he did in a flashback in the crossover they were in an episode of OK KO! Let’s Be Heroes [21]? It is important for a film’s title and logo to not be greatly misleading [34] [42], so Tails ought to be the second main character in the sequel of the movie [47], thus honouring the legacy of the sequel to the first-ever Sonic game [40]. I guess it will not be long until Emi Jones could do her own dub of the mid-credits scene from the first film [24] [25] [26] [48].
The adorable and intelligent two tailed fox will definitely be a huge part of the next chapter of the blue-armed rodent’s life [48]. [46]
Obviously, the same big mistake should not be made again as Sonic’s much more preferable design will definitely return in the sequel [23], despite how I believed that the old design was just misguided rather than completely hideous [59]. As I would still call the film’s fairly unique incarnation of him “Blue Lightning” due to how the aura of his speed results in blue static [22] [48], I think that he would call me “Mint Gal” because of how I like to have a mint to keep my breath fresh [48]. The way he got upset at how alone he felt after playing baseball by himself and accidentally caused a massive power cut reminded me of how Elsa’s ice powers were revealed after her coronation and could not be controlled due to how scared she was in Frozen [14]. Since it was announced that the talented Roger Craig Smith will no longer be voicing the speedy blue dude in early 2021 [41], could Ben Schwartz do the honours after the release of the sequel? As Schwartz reprises his role for the sequel, I will be expecting some more witty lines and references to other film franchises on perhaps a way back to where he came from [48].
The original design that was revealed back in 2019 could have been worse [22], but at least the redesign was a huge improvement. [46]
Here is how the movie version of Sonic looked in Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. He was referred to as “Teen Sonic” in both mobile games as an indication that the movie sets up a new origin. [45]
There has been some speculation that Knuckles the Echidna will appear at some point in the sequel too [47]. However, I think less is more, meaning that fewer characters in a story means more time for them to realistically develop their traits and relationships and contribute to something meaningful in the plot [35] [36]. Despite this, it seems highly likely that he could appear in the mid-credits scene as a sign of a third film being made after the release of the sequel, thus leading to the series eventually becoming a trilogy, which is what the live-action Garfield film series from the mid-2000s never managed to evolve into [17] [18]. Well, except in Zombieland: Double Tap [65]. Alternatively, if Knuckles ought to appear in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 at another point, could he start as a member of the tribe that was seen at the beginning of the first film if Sonic manages to return to his home world for old time’s sake [48]? If so, that would lead to an iconic co-star receiving a new and interesting evolution in this new decade. I think Dwayne Johnson’s voice and skills in acting would suit a new live-action interpretation of the red echidna quite well [10] [27].
It would kind of make sense for Knuckles to firstly appear in the sequel as a member of the tribe since the movie’s timeline is basically a new origin of Blue Lightning and all of the echidnas at the beginning of the first film were members of a tribe [48]. [46]
The talented Jim Carey did such a fantastic job that portraying a rather unique version of Dr. Robotnik who had brown hair before being defeated by the blue blur [48]. As a bizarre yet surprising choice for the role, I still recall many witty moments with him as Robotnik, including his groovy dance moves. It was interesting to see the arrogant scientist with hair, a more sophisticated moustache and a black trench coat in his pre-Sonic-hating origin [43]. Part of me wishes that how he was bullied at some point in his youth was not mentioned as some stories have turned victims of bullying into villains [5] [29]. I am absolutely sure that Eggman will escape from the Mushroom Dimension and seek revenge on Sonic at some point in the sequel, being as menacing as he was in the first film. The only differences will be that his patch of brown hair will be absent and his moustache will be longer and scruffier [48]. Letting Carey reprise the role will be totally worth it as he won the “Best Villain In A Movie” award at the Critics’ Choice Super Awards for his outstanding performance of Dr. Robotnik [43].
Did anyone notice Robotnik’s return during the Christmas break [48]?! [46]
What can I say about the movie-exclusive characters? It was devastating how Sonic lost a good friend of his when he was little. Her name was Longclaw, which was quite fitting as she has long wings and claws on her talons, just like how an owl would consist of those in real life [44] [48]. She was a firm, but caring mother figure to a much younger Sonic who at least appreciated his efforts of bringing her a flower in spite of how he failed to keep his powers hidden from a tribe of echidnas. Would you believe she was even a playable character in Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle in association with the games’ involvement with promoting the film [44]? It would be a huge relief if she turns out to be alive and well before Tails leaves Sonic’s world to go and find him during a brief flashback or an introduction in the sequel. Moreover, the flashback could also provide some further explanation for why the tribe were after Sonic at the beginning of the first movie [48]. And a moment of her being alive and well could lead to such an emotional moment of a teenaged Sonic finally reuniting with her.
Here is how Longclaw looked in Sonic Dash and Sonic Forces: Speed Battle. [44]
Watching the first film, I knew that deep down, Sonic must have felt as if he was responsible for how he had to be separated from Longclaw [48]. Perhaps in the sequel, he can express that feeling before his next battle against Dr. Robotnik as a sign that she might still be alive back in his home world. [46]
At least Sonic knows that not all humans are jerks. Tom Wachowski’s role as a sidekick in the first film was indeed similar to the role of Freddick O’Hare from Hop, not just because both characters have been portrayed by James Marsden [20] [48]. It was adorable how he was helping some ducks cross the street before he met the blue speedster, along with how the ducks’ names are references to three iconic cartoon ducks. Despite his disapproval of some racoons dining on the trash outside of his house, I am pretty sure he would be fascinated at Sly Cooper [16]. Maddie Wachowski, Tom’s wife is probably my favourite human character of the film because of how caring and rational she is [48]. I also like how she chooses to stay married to Tom, despite her sister trying to convince her to divorce him as it is a sign of her being a strong female character who is not afraid to be assertive. Could she be pregnant at some point in the forthcoming sequel as an aspect of new character development? I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Wachowski would be great biological parents.
Aren’t Donut Lord and Pretzel Lady precious together? [46]
To at least be engaging, the overall plot of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 should not provide too many elements that are recycled from the first film [48]. I think Dumb and Dumber To could have been more passable if its story did not borrow too many plot points from its predecessor [8] [9]. Surely the prime aspect of finding a lost relative was taken from Finding Nemo during the development Finding Dory [12], but the sequel’s plot at least managed to remain fresh with a new setting for a new quest [11]. Additionally, there are signs that the second season of My Little Pony: Pony Life provides some fresh new ideas for plots with an alternate universe the Mane Six end up in [31] [62] [63]. I strongly believe that Sonic will develop a strong friendship with Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog 2 in 2022 [47] [48], just like back in 1992 [40]. As previously mentioned, there ought to be some new character development to let the stars gradually shine brighter, such as Maddie agreeing to become a mother. Throughout the second chapter of the blue-armed blur’s origin, we ought to be proud of him, like how I was proud of three incarnations of Lara Croft becoming a battler in the sixth season of the second chapter of Fortnite [60] [64].
I am up for a new sequence of Sonic running through rings that take him to different places in the human world in the sequel [48], but I still stand by how I hope that the overall plot will not borrow too many elements from the first one as it is important for a sequel to provide fresh and new aspects to greatly reduce predictability. [46]
So, the official sequel to the Sonic the Hedgehog movie titled “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” will be in theatres on the 8th of April 2022, the same date as the upcoming sequel to Spider-Man: Into The Verse [4] [30] [47] [49]. There will be some intense competition between the two! I would love to see Princess Elise from Sonic ‘06 return in another Sonic the Hedgehog game, but as a far more independent supporting character without much reliance on a protagonist’s co-operation [39]. It worked for Mayor Pauline in Super Mario Odyssey [32], right? Speaking of Pauline, I adored her Valentine’s Day attire and an angelic sample of her singing abilities from the Peach VS Daisy tour in Mario Kart Tour back in February [33]. And speaking of Valentine’s Day, watching the ironically successful movie starring Sonic the Hedgehog was how my boyfriend and I spent it last year…before it simply kept getting worse [52]. Moreover, I would still be interested to see a new anime series based on the blue dude’s legacy that does not fall into the hands of degrading censorship before it airs in the West [6] [7] [54] [55]. Here is to a rather memorable celebration of his 30th anniversary in 2021 [38]!
My boyfriend and I will be looking to seeing the official trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog 2. I might as well analyse it, just like how we analysed the trailers for the first film together back in 2019 [52] [56]. [47]
Will every box in the list of expectations be marked with a tick in 2022? We shall wait and see. Goodnight, fellow hopers. [46]
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Laura's Ambitious Writing 