Latest news with #Sonic2
Tom's Guide
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix is losing 'Sonic 2' in just a few days — here's your last day to stream this fast-paced family action movie
Netflix is about to lose a great family action-adventure movie, as "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" is scheduled to leave the streaming service in just a few days' time. After Sonic's silver-screen debut defied everyone's expectations, racing to box office success and winning approval from fans, the video game adaptation's sequel arrived — fittingly, in rather speedy fashion — just two years later in 2022. It was a bigger, wilder affair, and one that brought more of Sonic's pals to the big screen. If you and the family were planning to stream his second adventure on Netflix, you'd better do it soon, as "Sonic 2" is leaving Netflix on July 28. That means your last day to stream "Sonic 2" on Netflix is Sunday, July 27. If that news has you considering whether to push "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" to the top of your watchlist or not, here's a little bit more info about the Blue Blur's second big-screen outing to help you make up your mind. Having kicked Dr. Robotnik's (Jim Carrey) butt and banished him to a mushroom planet in the first movie, "Sonic 2" sees Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) determined to prove he has the stuff to be a true hero. After Tom and Maddie (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter) leave him in charge of the house to go away for a wedding, Sonic's chance arrives: Robotnik is back with a vengeance, with Knuckles the Echidna (Idris Elba) in tow. The pair seek the Master Emerald, and, with the help of Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessy), the Blue Blur and his sidekick set out to find the emerald before it falls into the wrong hands. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. In addition to the above names, "Sonic 2" also stars Lee Majdoub, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, and more. I'm a firm fan of the entire "Sonic" trilogy. All three movies are solid, fast-paced watches that boast action and laughs fit for the whole family. "Sonic 2," specifically, was what a sequel to the "Sonic" movie needed to be: an improvement on what had come before, boasting bigger action and more daft antics befitting Sega's speedster, and Jim Carrey's elastic turn as Sonic's nemesis proved to be dream casting once more. And, as incongruous as it may be to hear Idris Elba's voice coming out of Knuckles the Echidna's mouth, he proved a winning addition, and getting to see Schwartz's speedster racing around with him and his best pal Miles "Tails" Power was a blast. It won't be the best movie you'll ever stream, but if you're looking for fun, high-octane family entertainment (and you liked Sonic's first feature outing), "Sonic" 2 should fit the bill. Critics, to be clear, didn't love "Sonic" 2. At the time of writing, the movie's sitting at 69% (from over 180 reviews) on the review aggregate site, Rotten Tomatoes, with a consensus that reads: "It isn't as much fun as the little blue guy's greatest games, but if you enjoyed the first film, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" serves as a generally acceptable sequel." The Guardian's Leslie Felperin gave "Sonic 2" 3 stars and said: "There's not very much to say about it, other than it's mildly amusing and reasonably competently assembled." THR's Justin Lowe, meanwhile, called the movie "frantic fun," writing: "Overstuffed with frantic action and framed by Sonic's wisecracking commentary, "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" will appeal to family audiences seeking holiday distractions." Reviewing at Variety, Peter Debruge found it fun, but queried the runtime: "At two hours and change, 'Sonic 2' wears out its welcome well before it turns into yet another phone-it-in franchise entry — the kind where storms gather, a column of fluorescent light shoots up to the sky and everything becomes apocalyptic." Nevertheless, fans definitely rate the movie way higher (we're talking 96% on the Popcornmeter levels of approval), and absolutely agree that yes, the second trip to Green Hills was absolutely worth taking. So, yes, you should stream "Sonic the Hedgehog 2" on Netflix before it leaves the streamer on July 27. Still not convinced? We can still help you find something new to stream. Check out our guide to the best family movies on Netflix and our overall round-up of the best Netflix movies for tons more streaming recommendations. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible'
'I tried adult toys from a woman-centred brand and they're incredible' When shopping writer Lauren Codling came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - she knew it was time to explore further Smile Makers create products they hope customers will proudly display on their bedside table rather than feeling compelled to hide under the bed (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Ever since I purchased my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18, I've been a strong advocate for sexual wellness. What began as a curiosity has evolved into something far more empowering, and I now view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I discovered Smile Makers Collection - a brand that promotes female pleasure and is renowned for its colourful, approachable range of toys - I knew it was time to delve deeper. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had caught my attention for some time, and it seemed like the ideal moment to enhance my toy collection, reports the Mirror. Read on to find out how I fared with my new bedtime companions. And if you're tempted to make a purchase, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% reduction. READ MORE: 'I tried protein shakes for women and lost weight while getting more energy' READ MORE: Hand luggage bag that's the 'perfect fit for Ryanair' now has a massive 45% off My thoughts on Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to choose my preferred toys, and Smile Makers makes this process incredibly straightforward, particularly for novices. The website features a quick and friendly quiz that inquires about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. Shop the range Prices vary Smile Makers Collection Buy Now on Smile Makers Collection Product Description Use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. I was matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, coincidentally, a friend had already praised. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my basket - essentials for anyone assembling a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in vibrant packaging, perfectly complementing the aesthetic of each toy. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone, and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only downside was that both needed to be charged before use. Once powered up, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds ingenious, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. Lauren tried two toys (The Poet and The Tennis Pro), as well as a toy wash and lubricant (Image: Lauren Codling ) As for the results? Let's just say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to bear in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£59.99) - it's been a reliable favourite for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro boasts four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's potent, offering a delightful deep rumble rather than a light tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it an exciting toy to explore. The Tennis Pro has an angled head and flexible neck to hit the right spot every time (Image: Smile Makers Collection ) Article continues below It's a fantastic gadget for solo sessions but also a welcome addition to partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is quiet, which means no uncomfortable morning after discussions with my flatmate about strange sounds. A combination of discretion and pleasure is always a winning formula. So, if you're on the hunt for toys that feel contemporary, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers deserves your consideration - whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro. I'll certainly be returning for more.
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'I tested the adult toys from a woman-centred wellness brand'
These fun and friendly adult toys are seriously worth the hype I've been a big advocate for sexual wellness ever since I bought my first glittery toy from Ann Summers at 18. What started as a curiosity has since grown into something much more empowering, and I view self-pleasure not just as fun but also as a form of self-care. When I came across Smile Makers Collection - a brand that champions female pleasure and is known for its colourful, approachable lineup of toys - I knew it was time to explore further. The playful packaging and inclusive messaging had been on my radar for a while and it felt like the perfect time to upgrade my toy box. So, how would I get on with my new bedtime besties? If you're tempted to shop, use the discount code SELFCARE20 for a 20% discount. What I thought of Smile Maker toys Firstly, I had to select my chosen toys, and Smile Makers makes the process incredibly easy, especially for beginners. The site features a quick and friendly quiz that asks about everything from toy experience to pleasure preferences. I matched with The Poet (£79.95), a toy that, incidentally, a friend had already raved about. I also added The Tennis Pro (£49.95), a sleek vibrator, a bottle of toy cleaner, and a lubricant to my cart - essentials for anyone building a thoughtful kit. The toys arrived in colourful boxes, perfectly matching each toy's aesthetic. They feel soft to the touch, thanks to the body-safe silicone and I could tell they were high-quality products. The only buzzkill (no pun intended) was they both needed to be charged before use. Once charged, I reached for The Poet first. It comes with three interchangeable 'mouths' to fit your body properly - something I've never seen from other toys. It also has five pulsation modes. Each one delivered beautifully. There are also squeeze sensors that adjust the intensity, which sounds genius, but I found them tricky to use - especially when trying to maintain a good angle. I find Lelo's Sonic 2 massager easier to use, although it's more expensive at £129. As for the results? Let's say my friend wasn't exaggerating. The Poet is genuinely one of the best toys I've ever tried. However, while it's marketed as 'whisper-quiet', it's more chatty than silent when not pressed against the skin - something to keep in mind if you're sharing walls. Then, it was time to explore The Tennis Pro. With its rounded, angled head, it's designed to target all the right areas - saving me the cost (and clutter) of buying two more toys. If you'd prefer to introduce an external toy, though, I highly recommend Love Not War's Koi Wand (£109.99) - it's been a go-to for a couple of years now and never lets me down. The Tennis Pro has four speeds and pulsation patterns. It's powerful, delivering a lovely deep rumble rather than a buzzy tickle, and the variety of speeds makes it fun to try. It's an excellent toy for solo sessions but an equally welcome guest in partnered play. Unlike The Poet, The Tennis Pro is actually quiet, which means no awkward morning-after chats with my housemate about mysterious noises. Discretion plus pleasure is always a win-win. So, if you're looking for toys that feel modern, body-positive and thoughtfully designed, Smile Makers is worth your attention - whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro. I'll definitely be going back for more.
