The following contains spoilers for Sonic the Hedgehog 2, now playing in theaters
Sonic the Hedgehog was a quick fan favorite, with the film proving to be a huge financial success despite a mixed critical reception. The one element even critics of the film celebrated was Jim Carrey's return to an over-the-top comedy character, a gleefully ridiculous performance from one of Hollywood's most iconic comedy stars. Well, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 brings back Carrey's demented take on the classic videogame villain Doctor Robotnik. However, considering the ending of this film and Carrey's own public statements about the future of his career, this could theoretically be the end of the character. But Carrey's Robotnik is too fun of a villain in the films to simply fade away and deserves another appearance.
The Sonic the Hedgehog films have largely been driven by a reimagining of the classic video game character. Played by Ben Schwartz and brought to life via modern digital effects, Sonic has gradually become a solid take on the classic character. But the real draw of the films -- both the previous one and the newly released sequel -- remains Carrey. Taking on the part of the villainous Doctor Robotnik, Carrey has infused the evil genius with a bizarre and playful energy that lends itself well to the largely cartoonish events happening around him.
While the character had been fairly manic in his cinematic debut, Carrey takes it to an entirely new level in the sequel. After having spent almost a year in isolation on the mushroom planet, Robotnik's efforts to escape draw the attention of Knuckles (Idris Elba). With his help, Robotnik is able to return to Earth and set about a new mission: to "help" Knuckles find the Master Emerald and take its power for himself. Throughout, Carrey gives Robotnik an even more demented edge, with his pop-culture references and strange insults being amplified by a quietly demented edge. Carrey plays Robotnik as a man whose few shreds of dignity and self-control have been shattered, and all that's left is a vindictive and frenzied inventor who's always looking for an advantage.
As with the first film, it's hard to imagine any other performer bringing the right level of energy, glee and genuine menace to the part. Carrey usually plays the part for laughs, mining comedy out of his bizarre line-readings and sudden bursts of campy energy. But it's after Robotnik claims the Master Emerald that the character takes on a new edge. Effectively transformed into a Doctor Manhattan-esque reality-warper, Carrey finds a uniquely detached line-reading for this portion of the film while still retaining enough of the character's distinct and specific hatred for Sonic to keep him grounded (or as grounded as you can be in a film like this). While it usually works well for comedy's sake, it's also an effective villain turn from Carrey, especially when his Master Emerald-empowered form gazes into nothing but seems to know everything.
Jim Carrey has been open about the possibility that he may retire -- or at least take a step back -- from acting following the release of Sonic the Hedgehog 2. The film ends with Robotnik MIA following his defeat at the hands of Sonic, easily allowing him to remain off-screen until it's time to return. But Carrey shouldn't necessarily retire the character just yet. And that's because his performance as Robotnik is not just the best part of the films, but it's also one of the more overtly over-the-top and enjoyable performances of the last few years.
To see Carrey's bizarre performance take center stage, check out Sonic the Hedgehog 2, now playing in theaters.