Mental Health Through Pop Culture

View Original

Sonic the Hedgehog

When I was a kid one of my favorite things to do in the evenings after school was to play Sonic And Knuckles on my hand-me-down Sega. I would always get mad because I always got stuck on level 3, it got me every time! Sometimes I’d stick Sonic 2 on top of the S&K cartridge so I could tear up Green Hills as Knuckles. But we aren’t here to talk about Knuckles, we are here to talk about our favorite blue blur Sonic the Hedgehog. The next video game movie with the hopes of being the cinematic curse for video game properties. 

Sonic The Hedgehog had all of my nostalgic juices flowing going, upon my entry into the theater. Originally fans were not happy with how the film portrayed the iconic hedgehog. So after an internet uproar about the design - Paramount did something astounding, they actually listened to the people and changed things up. And here within the finished product, audiences find something special. 

The movie is led by strong performances from Jim Carrey as the villainous Dr Robotnik, James Marsden as the human lead in Tom Wachowski, and Ben Schwartz voicing the lovable Sega icon, Sonic. Sonic The Hedgehog is an exciting, fun, and visually stunning film. This film also taught some really heartfelt lessons along the way. The classic storyline of Dr. Robotnik chasing after Sonic was really fun to see on the big screen. Sonic is a really well paced adventure. The core cast compliments that pacing and excitement, which in turn allows for Sonic to be introduced to new audiences and old fans simultaneously. Jim Carrey goes above expectations and delivers a return to form as Dr Robotnik. Which in turn allows him to be the perfect antagonist to chase after Sonic and Tim. James Marsden and Ben Schwartz have great chemistry between one another. Both arcs of the characters slowly merge together beautifully.

This film was heavy on two things, overcoming loneliness and finding your place in life. Sonic spent a lot of time hiding in Green Hills. Which in turn all caught up to him and all he longed for was a friend to give high fives to. Tim’s own struggle for something more highlights the underlying need for both characters. When Tim and Sonic was forced to team up and rival Robotnik. Audiences get to see both of their arcs merge and the finished product is beautiful to see. Carrey absolutely crushes his return back to the spotlight. Providing an unmatched energy from the rest of his cast. This is the Jim Carrey we’ve missed and we are glad to have him back. Sonic The Hedgehog is a film perfect for families to enjoy and perfect for those die hard Sega fans and will be looked back on as a classic video game movie.

RORSCHACH RATING:

If you or someone you know is reading this right now and you are struggling with suicide, depression, addiction, or self-harm - please reach out. Comment, message or tweet to us. Go to victimsandvillains.net/hope for more resources. Call the suicide lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Text "HELP" to 741-741. There is hope & you DO have so much value and worth!

Victims and Villains is written and produced by Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey. Music by Yuriy Bespalov & Beggars. Sonic the Hedgehog is property of Paramount Pictures & Sega. We do not own nor claim any rights.

See this content in the original post