TLDR;
In this episode of Two Dudes Watch Cartoons, Evan and Alex review "Knuckles," the Sonic the Hedgehog spin-off series on Paramount+. They discuss the show's surprising quality, its humor, and its place within the broader Sonic franchise. They also touch on casting choices, the show's emotional depth, and its nostalgic feel. The conversation includes tangents about the Sonic movies, upcoming projects, and general news related to the entertainment industry.
- The "Knuckles" series on Paramount+ is surprisingly enjoyable and funny.
- The show balances humor and emotional depth effectively.
- Casting choices, including Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves, are strong and add to the franchise's appeal.
- The series evokes a sense of nostalgia and fun reminiscent of classic comedy movies.
Intro [0:08]
Evan and Alex introduce the episode, focusing on their review of "Knuckles," a spin-off series from the Sonic the Hedgehog movies. They express surprise at how much they enjoyed the show, considering they initially thought it would be too silly. The series, consisting of six 30-minute episodes, became Paramount Plus's most-watched original show during its opening weekend, with over 4 million hours viewed.
Sonic Movies Review [1:31]
The hosts discuss the Sonic movies, noting that while they are enjoyable, they don't quite reach the level of excellence seen in the Super Mario Brothers movie. Sonic 1 has a 64% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, while Sonic 2 has 69%. They share their opinions on the movies, with Alex admitting he fell asleep during Sonic 2. They also discuss the casting choices, particularly Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic and James Marsden as a lead actor.
Who Asked for This? [4:56]
Evan and Alex ponder the origins of the "Knuckles" series, questioning who requested it and how it got approved. They speculate on the decision to cast Idris Elba and Kid Cudi. The series is set after the second movie and leads up to the third, aligning with Knuckles' debut in the Sonic 3 video game. The plot revolves around Knuckles helping Wade Whipple win a bowling tournament to impress his estranged father, played by Cary Elwes.
Sonic Movie Overview [8:56]
The hosts describe the Sonic movies as live-action films with CGI Sonic characters, starring James Marsden. They discuss the premise of Sonic coming to Earth from another dimension using rings for interdimensional travel. Dr. Eggman is a recurring antagonist who tries to capture Sonic. They express excitement for the third movie and how the "Knuckles" series enhances the adaptation by focusing on the fun aspects of the Sonic universe.
Music and Creative Liberties [13:16]
The music in the "Knuckles" series receives high praise, with a 10/10 rating. The hosts are surprised by the creative liberties taken in the show. While the first episode may feel weak, the series improves as it progresses, especially once Knuckles and Wade Whipple embark on their road trip. The humor, particularly in the bowling scenes, is a highlight.
Wade Whipple's Character [14:31]
The character of Wade Whipple, played by Adam Pally, is discussed in detail. The hosts appreciate his comedic performance and the character's relatability. They note that Wade is not a typical handsome leading man, which adds to the show's charm. A scene involving Wade dueling a bodyguard with a motorcycle and a T-shirt is highlighted as particularly absurd and funny.
Dumb Comedy and Nostalgia [16:15]
The hosts reflect on how streaming has changed television and movies, lamenting the lack of dumb comedy. They appreciate "Knuckles" for embracing this type of humor. The series requires viewers to trust the roller coaster and enjoy the ride. They compare it to classic comedy movies like Grandma's Boy, noting that it's a fun, nostalgic experience.
Family and Action [21:46]
Episode three, which introduces Wade Whipple's family, is a highlight. The family dinner scene, where Knuckles enjoys matzah ball soup, is particularly funny. The episode also features action sequences, including a fight in the kitchen involving Knuckles and Wade's mom. Knuckles' powers, including gliding and speed, are discussed, emphasizing the video game-like nature of the Sonic universe.
Sonic Adventure 2 and Future Hopes [23:30]
The hosts reminisce about their first Sonic game experiences, particularly Sonic Adventure 2 on GameCube. They express hope that future Sonic projects will incorporate elements from the game, such as grinding on snowboards in the city. They also discuss the casting of Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog and speculate on future character introductions, such as Rouge the Bat.
Anomalies and CGI [25:50]
The "Knuckles" series is described as an anomaly, given the current state of the entertainment industry. The CGI in the show is praised, with Knuckles looking particularly impressive. The villain, voiced by the actor who played the Hound in Game of Thrones, adds to the show's appeal. The series has a 90s feel, committing to its concept without winking at the audience.
Height of the Season [28:11]
The rock opera episode is highlighted as a peak moment in the series. The episode explores Knuckles' origin story, including his battle with a echidna demon on his home planet. The hosts discuss the origins of Knuckles, his tribe, and their quest to retrieve the Chaos Emerald. They also touch on the open-world Sonic game and suggest a Mario Kart-style running game featuring Sonic characters.
Creative Liberty and Casting [33:09]
The hosts discuss the creative liberties taken in the "Knuckles" series and speculate that the show's success may have influenced Keanu Reeves' decision to join the franchise. They appreciate actors like Idris Elba and Keanu Reeves who are willing to poke fun at themselves. Shadow the Hedgehog's character biography is explored, noting his creation by Robotnik and his role in Sonic Adventure 2.
Favorite Characters and Dragon Ball [35:46]
The hosts discuss their favorite Sonic characters, with Shadow being a top pick. They compare the Sonic characters to Dragon Ball characters, using the latter as a framework for understanding their roles and relationships. They also touch on the middling quality of the Sonic game franchise but express investment in the movie franchise.
Fast and Furious and Dave & Busters [38:00]
The conversation veers into a discussion about the Fast and Furious franchise and the possibility of it adopting a Mario Kart-style format. They then discuss Dave & Busters' plan to allow gambling on video games, expressing initial skepticism followed by curiosity.
Closing Thoughts [41:12]
The hosts share their closing thoughts on the "Knuckles" series, recommending it to fans of comedy and those who enjoy the Sonic universe. They appreciate the show's fun, old-fashioned humor and its ability to take a simple concept and make it work. They give the series a 2.5 out of 5 rating, noting that while there are better options in the age of streaming, it's a worthwhile watch for those looking for something funny.
News [47:34]
The hosts transition into a news segment, discussing Sony Pictures' offer to buy Paramount. They also touch on Seth Rogan's Sausage Party: Foodtopia series, a live-action Scooby-Doo series in development at Netflix, and a survey about the ideal movie length. They also discuss the biggest box office losses of 2023, including The Marvels and The Flash.
Mufasa and Character Actors [56:31]
The trailer for Mufasa is discussed, with the hosts expressing skepticism about the need for another live-action Lion King movie. They praise the character actors in "Knuckles" and speculate on their backgrounds in improv groups.
Giancarlo Esposito in the MCU [59:18]
The hosts discuss Giancarlo Esposito's casting in the MCU, speculating on which role he might play. They rule out Professor X and Magneto, settling on Dr. Doom as a likely possibility. They also touch on the Josh Trank Fantastic Four movie and the upcoming Fantastic Four reboot.
Hopes for the Future [1:02:40]
The hosts share their hopes for the future of the Sonic franchise, including the introduction of Rouge the Bat and Metal Sonic. They also mention a new Fairly Odd Parents trailer. The episode concludes with a final question: Flash or Sonic? The hosts choose Sonic.