Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Movie Reviews

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog, a blue ball of whirring energy - played with jubilant and childlike glee by comedian Ben Schwartz - speeds onto the screen. Across from him in a rain-drenched, broken backyard is a beefier, red furred and fisticuffed minion of the moustachioed Dr. Ivo Robotnik. For those who played the famed SEGA video games of the ‘90s and early 2000s, you’ll know this anti-Sonic looking red guy as Knuckles the Echidna, played here by Idris Elba.

Echidna, meet Hedgehog.

If that’s not crazy enough for you, you’ll have recognised Robotnik as a comically Machiavellian and moustachioed Jim Carrey. There’s a shocking amount of talent in Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which sees its eponymous hero take on Robotnik once more with a new friend and ally, Tails. Funnily, it all works – once you’ve toppled the tower of confusion that comes with watching an animated hedgehog fight Jim Carrey, that is.

There’s a deeper story here, too. Sonic finds responsibility and friendship during this fun, kids romp that is perfect for a school holiday watch. There are even jokes for the parents along the way.

Sonic The Hedgehog 2 (G) is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from today, 10.00am, 2.10pm, and 6.45pm.

Dog

A man and his best friend tale that plays to Channing Tatum’s strengths? – don’t mind if I do.

Lulu, a Belgian Malinois army service dog, was once paired with the late Sergeant Rodriguez, who sadly lost his life in combat. The dynamic duo had once been military royalty – but since his passing, Lulu has been untameable. Returning Army Ranger Jackson Briggs (Tatum) is tasked with getting Lulu to the funeral on the other end of America’s Pacific Coast on time.

A mismatch story to its core, Tatum delivers a touching performance along the journey. He and Lulu drive each other completely crazy, break a handful of laws, narrowly evade death, and learn to let down their guards to have a fighting chance of finding happiness. There are sombre touches, funny performances, and great scenery on show in this trip of a lifetime.

Dog (M) is playing at the Bowen Summergarden Cinema from today, 12.15pm, and 4.25pm.

In other news