Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

Related: Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

This sequel is worse than the first film: more blasphemy, more profanity, more immodesty, and should likewise be avoided. It features profanity (at least 8 instances) and is filled with blasphemy (God's name is taken in vain at least 11 times), disdain for authority, deceit, immodesty, and sexual immorality. Since its heroes practice sin, this movie conditions viewers to substitute evil for good and good for evil (Isa. 5:20) by praising evildoers who ought to be despised (Ps. 15:4; Pro. 28:4).

Subtle Perversion of Good and Evil

What struck me as I analyzed the film, which I believe is spiritually dangerous, was the development of this idea that the essence of heroism is the taking of responsibility for other people. This idea is introduced during a sit down Tom has with Sonic, who initially dismisses it, but eventually adopts it as his own life goal later in the film, and even relates it to others. Ultimately, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles embody this heroism; together, they say, "We must make a vow to use our powers to keep the universe safe…" The film also develops a concept of evil, embodied in Dr. Robotnik, against which the "heroes" must fight in order to protect what is deemed to be good.

The problem with all of this is that the film is presenting a synthetic heroism, a counterfeit righteousness, a manufactured evil. It is a very clever, subtle, and potent distraction, and by it the audience is led away from recognizing what is truly righteous and wicked. In reality, the film—in its entirety—leaves zero room for honoring what is truly righteous (e.g., reverence for God, the honoring of parental authority, chastity, integrity, etc.). Each of the so-called "good" characters, including all of the "heroes," are in fact embodying wickedness—walking in an unbroken course of profanity, lying, blasphemy, and immodesty. Biblical perception, informed by the Word of God and directed by his holy law, must be discarded in order to enjoy and follow along with the movie. In the end, those who do so will be left feeling a hatred for an imaginary evil that doesn't exist and praising as heroes those who are actually evildoers who despise God.

Violations of God's Law

Blasphemy and Profanity

This movie violates the Third Commandment. God has warned that he will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain (Ex. 20:7).

• Sonic, Tom, Rachel, Randall, and a commander each take God's name in vain at least twice
• Wade takes God's name in vain at least once
• Dance music lyrics include "Girls hit your hallelujah"
• Robotnik attributes to himself omnipotence and omniscience
• Profane references: hell (2), holy (2), among others

Disdain for Authority

This movie promotes violations of the Fifth Commandment. Those who disobey parents are worthy of death according to the judgment of God (Rom. 1:30-32); those who despise government are likened to brute beasts who will be condemned (2Pe. 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).

• Sonic rebuffs his father figure Tom when he admonishes him for his ongoing deceitfulness, telling him, "You're supposed to be my friend. Stop trying to be my dad."
• While Sonic initially relents, he proves to be insincere as he continues to lie to his face throughout the film, and relish in the lack of supervision when he is home alone

Abuse, Violence, and Murder

This movie promotes violations of the Sixth Commandment. God hates those who love violence (Ps. 11:5). The Bible says those who hate are murderers, and no murderer has eternal life (1Jo. 3:15).

• Rachel is shown repeatedly seeking to murder her fiancé Randall, in scenes meant to provoke laughter
  • She explicitly says she intends to murder him, "vaporize" him
  • Driving a golf cart, she tries to run him over, but he jumps out of the way
  • While on the ground, she menacingly approaches him, threatening him with death

Immodesty and Sexual Immorality

This movie violates and promotes violations of the Seventh Commandment. The Bible warns that those who do not repent of sexual immorality will not inherit the kingdom of God (1Co. 6:9-10), but will be judged by God (Heb. 13:4). We are commanded to "flee fornication" (1Co. 6:18).

• Rachel (Natasha Rothwell, unmarried) and Randall (Shemar Moore, unmarried) are repeatedly shown kissing
• Rachel alludes to her spa attendant waxing her groin area at the spa
• Maddie and Rachel are immodestly dressed throughout the film, showing cleavage and bared legs
• Several women shown immodestly dressed, including wearing a bikini
• Several men including Randall are shown shirtless, playing volleyball, spraying champagne on each other. Maddie is shown gazing at them and after mentioning their muscles, prompts her husband Tom to say, "Control yourself"
• A shirtless break dancer slides Sonic's map down his pants, saying, "You want? Come get."

Deceit

This movie promotes violations of the Ninth Commandment. The Bible warns that all liars, whom God hates (Pro. 6:16-19; 12:22), shall have their part in the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8).

• Sonic is portrayed as a shameless liar
  • His father figure Tom tries to admonish him for his pattern of mischief and deceitfulness, but Sonic rebuffs it and continues to lie to his face throughout the film
  • Even the "evil" antagonist Robotnik takes notice of his deceitfulness

Sinful Content in Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Warning! The following table contains direct quotations from the film, which include instances of blasphemy, profanity, and other vices.

Soundtrack

Below are some of the songs included in the film's soundtrack, some of which may only be heard partially in the film.

Here Comes The Hotstepper by Ini Kamoze

While home alone and away from the supervision of Tom and Maddie (Sonic's caretakers/parental figures), Sonic is partying in the house and jamming out to music. This song is totally inappropriate for children (or anyone for that matter), because it glorifies lawless hedonism, as is demonstrated by its official music video.

This Is How We Do It by Montell Jordan

Very similar to Hotstepper, here's another song Sonic parties to—one which glorifies drunkenness, reveling, the party scene, materialism, and sexual immorality. The official music video is extremely inappropriate.

Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

Sonic chooses this song to perform with Tails in a Siberian dance battle. Again, this song is totally inappropriate, and in the very least, takes God's name in vain and glorifies sexual immorality:

Girls, hit your hallelujah (woo)
'Cause uptown funk gon' give it to you (woo)
I'm too hot (too hot, hot damn, hot damn)
Bitch, say my name, you know who I am
Come on, dance, jump on it
If you sexy, then flaunt it
If you freaky, then own it
Don't brag about it, come show me

You Know How We Do It by Ice Cube

This song is filled with profanity and glorifies gang-banging, drugs, and a life of sin and vice.

Walk by Pantera

Robotnik rocks out to this song while building his robot near the end of the film. Its official music video features members of the band performing shirtless on stage. According to the band's lead vocalist Phil Anselmo, the message of this song is "Take your f***ing attitude and take a f***in' walk with that. Keep that shit away from me."

Stars In The Sky by Kid Cudi

This catchy, feel-good song occurs at the very end of the movie, before the final credits. Its lyrics present a false, worldly conception of heaven:

Heaven's where we meet
This is my heaven, baby, day and night in my zone
We are free of worries