There exists a curse that has plagued the movie industry for decades – that of video games, and how cinematic adaptations either fail at the box office or with critics.

While a precious few like “Detective Pikachu” and “Tomb Raider” have escaped such ignominy, others have become infamous for all the wrong reasons.

Lately, though, it seems the bane may have been lifted, and this year, a certain blue hedgehog could be evidence of this.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 2” has zipped upon Malaysian shores, two years after its predecessor was released. Based on the classic Sega franchise, the film follows the adventures of the titular hedgehog, who runs as fast as he throws random quips at his enemies.

This time around, Sonic has to deal with the return of his archnemesis, Doctor Robotnik, after the latter’s defeat in the previous movie.

Riding alongside the mad scientist is Knuckles, an echidna hellbent on revenge, as well as a two-tailed fox named… Tails. (Side note: do Malaysians know what an echidna is? Look it up.)

It’s quite the premise indeed – a blue hedgehog and yellow fox going up against a red echidna and one Jim Carrey – but if you expected a movie based on reality, you’re probably not the demographic “Sonic 2” was hoping to draw in.

As is to be expected, the bulk of the film is filled with high-speed chases and fiery explosions that would make Michael Bay blush. And while these alone justify the price of your ticket, it is the antagonists who truly make it worthwhile.

Carrey has not lost the energy and zest he displayed in such hits as “The Mask” and “Ace Ventura”. Now he is a literal moustache-twirling villain, and takes to the role like a duck to water, hamming it up spectacularly.

It is truly a shame Carrey has stated his intentions to retire from acting soon; his ability to be a living cartoon will truly be missed. Even the most stone-faced audience member will snicker as he rages away at the cobalt-coloured speedster for disrupting his plans for global domination.

Then there’s Knuckles, the echidna with the sensual voice of Idris Elba. There is some hilarity in hearing such a deep and (some have said) seductive voice coming out of a spiny, egg-laying mammal. But no complaints here! Furries will surely have a field day – and if you don’t know what a furry is, again, look it up.

Finally, the inclusion of Tails, who in the video game is Sonic’s sidekick of sorts, is also a welcome addition to the cast.

This is one of those films where the animated characters interact with their human counterparts, and viewers simply have to accept it.

Clearly it works much better when the cartoons consort with their own ilk – after all, they are often literally bouncing with energy, so it is only right they have a go at each other rather than bog themselves down with mundane humans.

When it comes to whatever plot this film has, there are some slow and serious moments to create character arcs, for better or for worse.

But, at the end of the day, “Sonic 2” doesn’t take itself seriously and never forgets to be silly. Case in point: the scene where Sonic and Tails end up in a dance-off with angry Siberians. No context provided.

So, is “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” a magnum opus of cinema? Most definitely not.

At this point, though, given how horrible video-game films have turned out, it’s safe to say it passes the benchmark of acceptable quality, and could even be considered good.

It’s quite a low bar, obviously, but the moviegoing world can breathe a collective sigh of relief it didn’t end up with another “Super Mario Bros”-type disaster on its hands.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’ is playing in cinemas nationwide.