Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 - 2022

Movie Info

Rating: PG

Age-appropriateness: some violence and action, language

Overview: When the manic Dr Robotnik returns to Earth with a new ally, Knuckles the Echidna, Sonic and his new friend Tails is all that stands in their way.

Themes: responsibility, teamwork, power, honor, friendship, uniqueness, mentor, heroes, selflessness, humility, tricky people, diversity

The Quick 3

Ask these quick questions to hit the major themes of the film.

1. Responsibility. How responsible would you say you are right now? Why was Jesus' actions on the cross so selfless?

Tom tells Sonic to stop being irresponsible. Tom tells Sonic to stop lying and sneaking out and trying to be a hero - because Sonic is putting people in danger. Tom says, "Taking care of yourself is not what being a hero is all about. It's about taking responsibility for other people." Responsibility is when you do the things you are supposed to do and accept the results of your actions. Jesus took responsibility for every person who ever lived by dying for them on the cross. This was the most selfless, loving act in history.

2. Teamwork. Who are some of your best teammates? Why is it better to be on a team than it is to try to accomplish something on your own?

Sonic teams up with Tails. Dr. Robotnik joins forces with Knuckles. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken."

3. Honor. What are some ways you can show honor to others? When has someone dishonored you?

Honor was very important to Knuckles. Everything he did, he did for the honor of his people. He called out Dr. Robotnik when the Eggman acted in a way that was dishonoring to others. Romans 12:10 says, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other."

After The Movie Discussion Guide

Follow this 5-10 minute discussion guide to drive an in-depth conversation.

1. Sonic could run 300 miles per hour. What would you do if you could run as fast as Sonic?

2. Throughout the story, Sonic works on becoming more responsible. He's still just a kid, and he wants to use his powers to be a hero. However, sometimes he puts himself first and doesn't act selflessly. Responsibility is when you do the things you are supposed to do and accept the results of your actions. How responsible would you say you are? What are some things you could do that would show increased responsibility?

3. Sonic teams up with Tails. Dr. Robotnik joins forces with Knuckles. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 says, "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken." Who are some of your best teammates? Why is it better to be on a team than it is to try to accomplish something on your own?

4. Knuckles worked hard to restore power to his people and to find the Master Emerald. He says he was destined to restore honor to his tribe and was willing to destroy anything that gets in his way. In real life, our true power doesn't come from a Master Emerald, but from God, Himself. Psalm 147:5 says, "How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!" Who do you consider to be the most powerful human you know? Why do you think God is so powerful?

5. Tails was inspired by Sonic. Tails said that everyone in his village called him "weird" because of his two tails. But, once he met Sonic, he thought being weird wasn't so bad. Tails' friendship with Sonic was very important to his life. In a way, every single person on earth is different in their own way. What are some of the things that make you unique? Who are some friends you've met that make you feel "not so weird"?

6. Honor was very important to Knuckles. Everything he did, he did for the honor of his people. He called out Dr. Robotnik when the Eggman acted in a way that was dishonoring to others. Romans 12:10 says, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other." What are some ways you can show honor to others? When has someone dishonored you?

7. Sonic misses his former mentor, Longclaw. He works hard to make her proud. Even though she's gone, Longclaw still impacts Sonic's day-to-day life. Longclaw influenced Sonic in a big way. Who are some of your mentors? Have you ever had to grieve the loss of a mentor?

Here's an article about How to Talk to Your Kids About Death/Grieving.

Minute By Minute Guide

Use this break down of the entire movie in addition to the “After the Movie” discussion guide. Great for repeat viewings.

:09 When Sonic sees bad guys breaking the law, he fights for justice. He wants to be a hero and he thinks that heroes have to stop all of the bad guys themselves. What do you consider to be a true hero? Was there anything that Sonic did that wasn't heroic?

:14 Tom tells Sonic to stop being irresponsible. Tom tells Sonic to stop lying and sneaking out and trying to be a hero - because Sonic is putting people in danger. Tom says, "Taking care of yourself is not what being a hero is all about. It's about taking responsibility for other people." Responsibility is when you do the things you are supposed to do and accept the results of your actions. Jesus took responsibility for every person who ever lived by dying for them on the cross. This was the most selfless, loving act in history. How responsible would you say you are right now? Why was Jesus' actions on the cross so selfless?

:24 Sonic called himself "unstoppable", only to be stopped by Knuckles. Sonic was humbled in that moment, not realizing that others could be as powerful as he was. Matthew 23:12 says, "But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Sonic thought too highly of himself and it resulted in him being defeated by Knuckles. When was the last time you thought too highly of your abilities? Were you humbled when you realized that you weren't as awesome as you thought you were?

:33 Longclaw passes the responsibility of protecting the Master Emerald onto Sonic. Longclaw says, "you have a heart like no other creature I have known." Psalm 51:10 proclaims a prayer to God, asking for a pure heart. It says, "Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me." Why is a pure heart so important? What are some things that make your heart impure?

:46 During the dance fight, Tails says he isn't as brave as Sonic. Tails would go on to display bravery as he used his inventions to win the dance fight. Bravery is having the courage to make good choices, even when you’re afraid. How brave would you describe yourself to be? Why is it so hard to be brave in some situations?

:52 The Owls took the Master Emerald from the Echidnas because they thought no one should have that much power. After all, the Master Emerald had enough power to destroy all life. Do you agree with the Owls choice to remove the Master Emerald from the Echidnas? Do you think that someone should have that much power on Earth?

:58 Knuckles notices that Sonic chose to help his friend instead of pursuing the lost compass. Knuckles considered the act to be very honoring. Do you agree with Sonic's decision in this moment? When was the last time you chose helping out a friend instead of pursuing something you wanted?

1:10 Rachel asks Randall if anything between them was ever even real. She feels like she was tricked when she finds out Randall was an undercover agent. But Randall assures her that his feelings for her are real. Has anyone ever tricked you? How did you know if you could trust that person?

Check out this article on How to Talk to Your Kids About Tricky People.

1:25 Dr. Robotnik betrays the trust of Knuckles. Dr. Robotnik says that "friends are open, honest, and vulnerable with each other". He then says that friendship - therefore - isn't worth it. He'd rather be selfish and gain power for himself. Sonic then takes responsibility for Knuckles, saving his life when he was under water. Do you think that an open, honest, and vulnerable friendship is worth it? Do would you rather go at it alone?

1:36 Sonic encourages Tails and Knuckles to combine their strengths together into one team. If they put together Knuckles' strength, Tails' smarts, and Sonic's speed, then they can defeat Robotnik. It takes a diverse team to do something great. Each person's unique strength makes the team awesome. Why is diversity such an important thing for teams? What diverse team do you belong to?

1:47 After Sonic turned into the Gold Sonic and gives it up to turn blue again, Tails asks him: "you were the most powerful hero in the universe, and you let it go - why?". This is a question that many people ask of Jesus. Jesus is fully God, and yet he let it go. The reasons is because He loves the world and everyone in it so much. He was willing to give up His life to forgive our sins and give us eternal life. Can you believe that Jesus - the most powerful person that ever lived - gave it all up? How does it make you feel to learn that Jesus gave up His very life because He loves you so much?