Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and the Passion of Fans
Sonic the Hedgehog 2, directed by Jeff Fowler and featuring the talents of Idris Elba, Jim Carrey, and Ben Schwartz opened to moderately positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and is currently on track to becoming the most successful video game movie of all time.
As the highly anticipated animated film Sonic 2 hits the theaters, one may be tempted to look back and think about the community and fandom that has grown around the iconic blue hedgehog since his inception. While the franchise has been highly controversial over the years, there are still many fans who adore the series and its characters, so, one may wonder, what is it about this franchise that makes it so endearing to so many?
Sonic opened to packed theaters and excited fans. Those who had loved the series since they were children, as well as younger fans who had only recently discovered the series were excited to see their favorite characters come to life on the big screen.
Sonic the Hedgehog was first released as a video game for the Sega Genesis in 1991 to critical acclaim. However, as video games transitioned from 2D to 3D sonic, as well as many other properties from the time experienced a number of growing pains.
Ever since that initial stumble, Sonic as a franchise has been desperately searching for a way to regrow its brand, and it recently found success with two highly popular films, Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Some fans, like Damien Theriault still like Sonic despite the backlash for a number of reasons, namely personal nostalgia and the real passion that the creators’ feel for the property.
“Stuff like that hasn’t been done in a long time by people who are passionate [what] they’re working on.”
“I grew up watching Sonic on TV and playing the games.” Said Theriault. “So when they started doing the movies I was really happy because they were mainstream Sonic media. Stuff like that hasn’t been done in a long time by people who are passionate about [what] they’re working on.”
To many like Theriault, the issues with the franchise do not stem from any inherent problems, but instead from a lack of passion for the franchise and its characters by those in charge. Viewing the property as a way to milk profits instead of creating great media.
Others, like Claire Blackmore, enjoy Sonic for a much simpler reason: because it’s fun.
“I think that Sonic is just a funny little blue guy.” Said Blackmore. “He was made for a kids game and now he’s getting kids movies. I sometimes enjoy kids’ movies and [this was one that] was okay.”
For Blackmore, its the colorful, vibrant nature of Sonic the Hedgehog that she finds appealing. The aesthetic beauty that only really exists in media targeted towards younger viewers. For some fans, a great looking film is enough to pull one in despite other issues the property may have.
Even though Sonic as a franchise may appear heavily flawed to many, there are enough fans who find themselves deeply endeared to the little blue Hedgehog and his friends’ exploits. These fans will love and support their favorite series through thick and thin for many years to come.
Sonic is proof that with enough passion, even the most questionable of material can be turned into gold when creators really, truly care not just about what they are creating, but who will be enjoying it as well.