Sonic the Hedgehog 2
Image: Paramount Pictures

While the critical reception to Sonic the Hedgehog 2 is clearly very mixed, it seems cinema-goers have shown up in droves to support the Paramount Pictures sequel. The film made its debut this past weekend in the United States, where it took $71 million at the box office. This is the biggest opening weekend for a movie based on a video game.

This figure also comfortably blasts past the first movie, with approximately 22 per cent more ticket sales than Sonic 1. Of course, it should be noted that the original arrived just as COVID-19 was becoming a major concern, meaning attendance at movie theatres was dwindling. Still, the sequel's initial performance is very impressive.

In comments to Deadline, Paramount's Chris Aronson called Sonic 2 "victory for Paramount and for the industry at large", commending the ability to grow the franchise. "The filmmakers did an amazing job of crafting a film that is both in service of Sonic’s legions of fans as well as the general and family audience," he says.

While it's not a perfect movie, we had a great time with it, especially all the Easter eggs and callbacks to the games. You can read our thoughts in our Sonic the Hedgehog 2 review.

Did you watch the film over the weekend? What did you make of it? Knuckle down in the comments section below.

[source deadline.com, via destructoid.com]