Sonic the Hedgehog 2 has been a smash-hit in theaters worldwide, warming fans with faithful nostalgia, solid performances, and well-written character development(s). However, the comedy of the film elevates the film, creating parodies from pop culture and other movie franchises.
Sonic has always been a character that utilizes positivity and humor, so utilizing these memes and references not only made the audience laugh– it also perfectly developed Sonic's character, resulting in a beloved adaptation of the iconic video game(s). The following list covers the funniest references and memes utilized in Sonic the Hedgehog 2.
Cast Away
At the beginning of the film, Dr. Eggman is stranded on the Mushroom Planet, where his only companion is a rock carved in the likeness of his former lieutenant, Agent Stone. Eggman speaks to the rock companion for over 200+ days, attempting to leave the planet while communicating with the only "friend" he has.
This is a parody of Cast Away, as there are many similarities between Wilson and "Stone". Both have human likenesses on their "faces" and both are the only form of communication that Dr. Eggman and Chuck Noland have. Furthermore, while Chuck is sad to lose Wilson near the finale of the film, Eggman callously uses "Stone" to attack invaders arriving on the Mushroom planet, illustrating the hilarious deviance from Cast Away.
Geri's Game
While Eggman is attempting to leave the Mushroom Planet, he attempts to play chess with himself– placing a mirror in front of him to face his reflection as an opponent. However, Eggman struggles with completing the games, as he is unable to complete a game without a real companion.
This is an homage to Pixar's animated short, Geri's Game, in which the main character, Geri, plays chess with himself by moving to opposite sides of the board. However, while Geri completes a game by himself, Eggman struggles to do so– illustrating the hilarious disconnect yet familiar homage to the original Pixar short.
The "Blue" Knight
When bank robbers attempt to flee Seattle, Sonic chases them down and defeats them. However, in classic Sonic fashion, he's extremely immature, as he poses like Batman in the night sky despite the immediate danger to the city's citizens. Furthermore, after he defeats the bank robbers, he scoffs at the destruction he caused, calling himself "Blue Justice".
This is a clear parody of Batman, as Sonic copies his superhero act after the famed character. Furthermore, his adoptive father, Tom, tells Sonic that "You're not Batman". While this is a hilarious homage to the iconic character, this meme also is utilized for character development. The film clearly illustrates that Sonic has much to learn before becoming an established hero like Batman.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2: Car Chase
During the Seattle bank robbery, Sonic struggles with capturing multiple sticks of dynamite and disposing of them, as he constantly trips and falls over the momentum of the bank robbers' truck. Furthermore, one of the sticks of dynamite is lodged in his hair, causing Sonic to throw it out, and burst the water pipes of Seattle.
This is a cheeky reference and meme of The Amazing Spider-Man 2's opening scene, which involved Spider-Man stopping an armored truck that stole explosive Oscorp plutonium. Spider-Man and Sonic move identically, and quip similarly– and both struggle with the final stick of dynamite/plutonium. This plays homage to fans of the Andrew Garfield Spidey films, while also showing Sonic's lacking skills as a hero, albeit in a hilarious fashion.
Dr. Strange's Sneaky Portals
When Tom and Maddie leave for Hawaii, Sonic throws a rave at their home, ecstatic at being "home alone". He utilizes his rings to create portals into grocery stores, taking snacks from aisles and leaving money in their place. However, he does so quietly, hoping to avoid any trouble from the store(s).
This is a clear reference and a meme of 2016's Dr. Strange– Strange used sling-ring portals to by Wong and take forbidden textbooks. While this is a clear homage to the scene and uses humor to showcase Sonic's innocence and immaturity with his abilities, it also shows Sonic's resourcefulness with them.
The Floss
After Knuckles the Echidna loses Tails and Sonic in a car chase, Eggman offers Knuckles his assistance in capturing Master Emerald and destroying Sonic once and for all. While attempting to make acquaintances with Knuckles, Eggman does the Tik-Tok "Floss" dance, hoping to seem less of a threat to the warrior.
While the scene uses a popular meme that has trended over the Internet for a couple of years now, it also shows that this film is made for children. While adults have fallen in love with this movie, children should be able to laugh and enjoy it as well. Furthermore, the Floss also shows Eggman's wacky and over-the-top characterization, which was faithfully adapted from the video game(s).
Fast and Furious Feud
When locating Master Emerald, Tails tells Sonic the history of the Echidna Tribe warring with the Longclaw Warriors over the fate of Master Emerald. Sonic makes a hilarious observation– "Just like Vin Diesel and The Rock!"
While the analogy pulls from pop culture and hilariously pokes fun at the public feud between The Rock and Vin Diesel, it also applies to the story. The Echidnas and the Longclaws participated in a bitter feud over the fate of Master Emerald– just like Vin Diesel and The Rock over Fast and Furious. This reference not only builds Sonic's character as an avid movie fan but also makes the audience laugh at its sheer audacity. Hopefully, the Rock and Vin Diesel laugh as well and make amends.
Professor X
When Eggman corners Sonic and Tails in Siberia, he appears in his classic "floating egg" device which is seen throughout the video games. Frustrated, Sonic tells Eggman that he's nothing more than a knock-off of "Professor X".
Not only does this build Sonic's character as a comic book fan, but this also hilariously pokes fun at the legendary X-Men figure. Both Eggman and Xavier are geniuses, though Xavier typically succeeds with his plans, and Eggman is typically defeated. Furthermore, both are bald, and both utilize a device to move around– though Xavier requires it for his disability, and Eggman is just lazy. However, before calling this joke ableist, it's important to note that this was just a fun poke towards pop culture, making fun of Eggman's lack of hair and planning.
Knuckles the "Winter Soldier"
When Knuckles chases Sonic down an avalanche (which is also a clear reference to Ice Cap from Sonic Adventure) Sonic gets frustrated, stating, "Oh great, the Winter Soldier". Furthermore, when Knuckles claims to have trained his entire life to defeat Sonic, Sonic claims, "I haven't trained at all and yet here I am, ahead of you. That's gotta be embarrassing!"
This is a "meme-ified" homage to Civil War. In Winter Soldier, Bucky Barnes was a menacing assassin that was manipulated by HYDRA, similarly to Eggman's manipulation of Knuckles– thus calling Knuckles the Winter Soldier a smart joke. Furthermore, when Sonic claimed superiority over Knuckles despite lack of training, this is a subtle reference to the meme that exploded on the internet when Spider-Man caught Bucky's hand easily in Civil War– thus making Marvel fans roar with laughter when watching the scene.
Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs
After Sonic utilizes the Chaos Emeralds to become Super Sonic and destroy Eggman's giant robot, he uses their power to rain down chili dogs as a celebration. In classic Sonic fashion, he cannot celebrate without them, and the utilization of chili dogs brings much-needed humor following the potential death of Sonic and his family.
This is a clear meme and reference to Shadow's is just as accurate and entertaining.
