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| Sonic the Hedgehog: Operation End Game[1] | |
|---|---|
 Logo for the Series | |
| Directed by | Ben Hurst Ken Penders |
| Produced by | Andy Heyward |
| Screenplay | Ben Hurst Ken Penders |
| Based on | Sonic the Hedgehog |
| Narrated by | Tony Jay (English) Kiyoshi Kobayashi (Japanese) |
| Starring | Jaleel White |
| Studio | DIC Entertainment Nickelodeon Movies Sega Spectrum Animation |
| Distributor | Daiei Film (Japan) Paramount Pictures (USA) |
| Release date(s) | July 19, 1997 (Japan) September 2, 1999 (USA) |
| Running time | 125 minutes (Daiei) 107 minutes (Paramount) |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Sonic the Hedgehog: Operation End Game (
Originally completed in 1996, the film was intended to be released in late late November. Penders, however, was able to convince Paramount and DIC to let him take over as director, claiming that Hurst had given him full permission to take over as director. The film was delayed and production continued for another two years while Penders reworked the film. The original cut of the film, however, would see release in Japan that year, where it became a modest hit for Daiei.
The revamped film was finally released in September 2, 1999, a week before the North American launch of Adventure. The film was widely panned by critics, divided fans, and barely broke even at the box office. This would result in DIC and Nickelodeon their plans for two spin-offs, tentatively titled Sonic: One Year Later, and Knuckles the Echidna.
The Film became outright controversial when, in 2000, Ben Hurst revealed the Penders had essentially stole control of the movie from out under him[3]. This revelation damaged the reputation of Penders, who wouldn't work on another high profile project until the 2008 game Sonic Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood[4]. The original English version of the "Original Cut", as it came to be known, saw the light of day in 2001, when it was broadcast on Nickelodeon under the name Sonic the Hedgehog: End Game Director's Cut.
Plot[]
Revised cut[]
The Film is preceded by a short summary of the events of the TV show.
All the Freedom Fighter groups gather to prepare for another raid on Robotropolis. Sally hopes that they can finally beat Robotnik once and for all. Drago, a member of the Wolf Pack, isn't so convinced. When Chuck arrives, Drago immediately accuses him of being a spy, which causes sonic to jump to his Uncle's defense. As the preparations are completed, Sally reflects on her last conversation with her father, where he warned her that a traitor was in their midst: Sonic the Hedgehog!
The next day, the raid begins. Sonic runs to the roof top, using a grappling hook, while carrying Sally. The wolf pack motions for everyone else to follow. After a brief discussion on Sally's mood, the pair split up. Sonic enters a ventilation shaft, while Sally climbs down the building dodging lasers. Rotor destroys the lasers with his guns, while Antione spots what appears to be Sonic approach Sally. Sally waves at him to help, only to watch in horror as he cuts the rope. She falls down the building, hitting the ground hard. Bunnie flies over to help her. Meanwhile, Robotnik laughs that he's finally killed Sally for good, while Snively smirks, saying that his time will be soon. Sonic enters the room and is briefly trapped, while Robotnik escapes saying that he's already too late. The Freedom Fighters retreat, while Drago runs off.
At his home, Drago laughs, confusing his girlfriend, Hershey. At Knothole, the Freedom Fighters anxiously await the Doctor's report. Dr. Quack enters, sighing. They all enter the room, where Sally's heartbeats slowly stop. Princess Sally Acorn is dead. Nicole and Tails cry, while Bunnie and Antoine hug each other. Elias clenches his fist, vowing vengeance. Sonic enters Knothole, wondering what's going on. Geoffrey, a member of the Provisional Acorn Security forces, barges in, declaring that Sonic is under arrest for treason and murder. Sonic is taken away, while Knuckles glares on, fully convinced that Sonic betrayed them. Sonic vows to prove his innocence, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Robotnik discusses things with the real traitor over a comm link. With Sally out of the way, they will be able to begin Phase II of Operation Endgame. The traitor asks for his end of the bargain, but Robotnik promises that it will happen once the tests are complete. Snively snickers to himself, unseen by his uncle.
Sonic is being transported to a prison when suddenly, Swatbots attack them, allowing Sonic to escape. A chase scene ensues between Geoffrey and Sonic, until the latter escapes by the help of an old friend, Dulcy. Dulcy explains that she believes, because of course she does. Sonic is confused. Meanwhile, Knuckles peruses, hoping to avenge Sally's death.
The Freedom Fighters are in a meeting with The King when suddenly, he announces that the Freedom Fighters have failed in their mission. He then announces that the warlord position will be restored, and that he has a perfect candidate. He opens the door, and everyone looks in horror: It's Robotnik, who reveals that Drago sold out the location of Knothole for easy cash. He then reveals another surprise: the King is dead, killed and replaced by a robot duplicate. He then orders the Swatbots to take everyone away.
Meanwhile, Drago admits to Hershey that he's the traitor, and that he got Sally killed... and she's responsible. It's revealed, through a flashback sequence, that he convinced Hershey to wear a Sonic suit with a special eyepiece that caused her to view anyone she looked at as Snively. Thinking she was doing the Freedom Fighters a favor, she unknowingly cut the rope, dooming the Princess. Hershey breaks down from this revelation. Then, in what is considered the darkest scene in the entire movie, Drago beats up his girlfriend, saying that she means nothing to him, and leaves her unconsciousness.
Sonic lands on Floating Island, where Knuckles catches up, after a brief brawl, Dulcy explains that Dragon can't tell lies, and they can sense the truth in everyone. Thus, she knows that Sonic hasn't killed Sally. They all then decide to take the fight to Robotnik, and finish things once and for all. The next day, the reaming free freedom fighters attack the occupied Knothole, trying to free everyone.
Sonic spots Drago, who admits to getting Sally killed. Sonic spin-dashes into him, sending him flying. Drago tries to hide from him, when suddenly, Hershey appears, acting surprisingly forgiving of her beating... only to then repay him for what he did in full once he's lured in. He tries to run away, but she knocks him out with a rock to the head. She apologies to Sonic, who simply says that she was just another victim. He then runs off to find Robotnik.
Sonic makes it the the control room of Robotnik's citadel. There, Robotnik gloats, stating that Sonic's too late, he's already finished the Ultimate Annihilator, a device capable of utterly erasing anything from existence, and launches it towards Knothole. It vanishes in the blast. Sonic, enraged, has once last brawl with Robotnik. The Annihilator starts cracking, and soon explodes, erasing the entire area. It reappears, but Robotnik is nowhere to be found, erased by his own super-weapon.
Soon Knothole reappears, as it turns out, Snively reprogrammed it to only target his uncle. He gloats, saying that Robotropolis is his. He orders the Robians to destroy Knothole, but they refuse. It is then that Snively discovers that the Robians had their free will restored, and none of the Swatbots are working. Snively gives up, and surrenders.
After a brief scene with the Robians reuniting with the Mobians, a funeral is held for Sally and the King, while the new king, Elias, watches on with Meghan. After all of the Freedom Fighters leave a flower, Sonic says the final words of the movie, "See ya later, Sal..."[5]
Original Cut[]
The Film is preceded by a short narration scene explaining that it's been a year since The King returned, and that new, previously unknown resistances had been merged into the existing Freedom Fighters seen in the series proper.
The combined forces gather to prepare for another raid on Robotropolis. Sally hopes that they can finally beat Robotnik once and for all. Drago, a member of the Wolf Pack, isn't so convinced, stating that the King will probably not live to see Mobotropils restored. When Chuck arrives, Drago gets aggressive, believing that he might be a spy, which causes Sonic to jump to his Uncle's defense. As the preparations are completed, Sally reflects on her last conversation with her father, where he warned her that Robotnik could be preparing to take everyone down, and to be vigilant.
The next day, the raid begins. Sonic runs to the roof top, using a grappling hook, while carrying Sally. The wolf pack motions for everyone else to follow. After a brief discussion on Sally's well being, the pair split up. Sonic enters a ventilation shaft, while Sally climbs down the building dodging lasers. Rotor destroys the lasers with his guns, while Antione spots what appears to be Sonic approach Sally. Sally waves at him to help, only to watch in horror as he cuts the rope. She falls down the building, hitting the ground hard. Bunnie flies over to help her. Meanwhile, Robotnik laughs that his evil scheme is complete, while Snively smirks, saying that his time will be soon. Sonic enters the room and is briefly trapped, while Robotnik escapes, saying that he's already too late. The Freedom Fighters retreat, while Drago runs off.
At his home, Drago angrily punches the wall, saying that everything had been ruined. He then laughs in frustration. Hershey, his girfriend, wonders what happened. At Knothole, the Freedom Fighters anxiously await the Doctor's report. Dr. Quck enters, sighing. He tries to say something, but the King appears and says it for him, Sally is dead. Nicole and Tails cry, while Bunnie and Antoine hug each other. Elias clenches his fist, vowing vengeance on Robotnik. Sonic enters Knothole, wondering what's going on. The King says that, as far as he knows, Sonic has just committed treason and murder, so he'll have to be taken away. A member of the Provisional Acorn Security forces barges in, putting Sonic in handcuffs. Sonic is taken away, while Knuckles glares on, not sure whether Sonic is guilty. Sonic swears he's innocent, but the Guard tells him to tell it to the judge.
Meanwhile, Robotnik discusses things with the real killer over a comm link. With Sally out of the way, they will be able to begin Phase II of Operation End Game. The killer asks if he can finish Sonic, to which Robotnik agrees, stating that his death is assured anyways. After closing the link, he then goes over to a giant super weapon, which he uses to erase a poor helpless Mobian. He then gloats that the Ultimate Annihilator won't just destroy Knothole, it'll utterly erase it from existence. Snively snickers to himself, to his uncle's concern. Unseen by either, a cloaked figure records them.
The next day, a funeral is held for Sally, with the Freedom Fighters, sans Sonic, in attendance. Elias asks why he couldn't see the body, and get into a fight with him, accusing his father of not caring about the death of his only heir, let alone his daughter. After Elias runs off, the King sighs, hoping that he'll live to explain himself.
Sonic is being transported to a prison when suddenly, the Fox tribe attacks them, allowing Sonic to escape. Sonic runs into the leader of the attack, Elias, who says that he believes him, and takes him to an open field. Sonic says that it's good to have allies, when suddenly, Elias attacks, revealing himself to be Metal Sonic. He then changes into Sonic's form before assuming his real form, explaining how he killed Sally and will now kill Sonic once and for all. After a fight, Metal is destroyed, not before saying that he son anyways, since Sonic can't prove he didn't kill Sally. Sonic then blows a whistle to summon an old friend, Dulcy. He asks her if she thinks he's innocent, to which she explains that of course she does, why wouldn't he be? Sonic asks if she knows what happened to Sally, confusing her. Sonic sighs, quipping that ignorance has saved him. Meanwhile, the cloaked figure watches on as Knuckles follows them.
The rest of the Freedom Fighters are in a meeting with The King. He answers their queries about his suspicious behavior by saying that he has a plan. He hopes that he'll be able to stop Robotnik once and for all with it. Suddenly, a knock is heard. The opens the door, and everyone looks in horror: It's Robotnik. Elias rushes to attack him, trying to avenge Sally's death and Sonic's "betrayal", but Robotnik swats him aside. He then point a laser at him, saying that all who attack him shall be destroyed. He fires, but the King jumps in the way, saving his son at the cost of his life. His last words are him trying to explain something about Sally, but he dies before he can finish. Elais, driven to despair, surrenders.
Drago has a talk with Hershey. Turns out, he just recently joined the wolf pack, they saved him from a raid on his hiding place. One of his friends betrayed them, and he wasn't able to fully trust everyone. Now, with the Princess dead, he wonders if there is anything left to fight for. Hershey gives an impassioned speech about how as long as Robotnik rules Mobius, they can never lose hope, or else he'll win. Drago, feeling empowerred, runs off to get the Wolf Pack, saying they have a job to do.
Sonic lands on Floating Island, where Knuckles catches up to him. They get into a conversation, in which Knuckles admits he's not sure if Sonic's guilty, but until he can provide proof, he'll have to act like he is After a brief brawl, Dulcy comes in with the cloaked figure, explaining that Sonic couldn't have killed Sally. The figure takes of their hood revealing a shocking figure... Sally Acorn. She explains that the the King faked her death with the knowledge that Robotnik would let his guard down if he thought she was dead, allowing her to figure out Robotnik's plan. She then adds that she discovered that Sonic was framed, and shows everyone the footage of the Ultimate Annihilator. She tells everyone that they have to defeat Robotnik now, because Robotnik will never rest until his rule is secured.
The next day, the remaning free freedom fighters meet up with the Wolf Pack. Drago get mad at Sonic's prescience, until he learns that he was innocent. Lupe then rallies the pack. They all attack the occupied Knothole, freeing everyone. Sonic runs off to confront Robotnik, while Antione, Nicole, Tails, and Bunnie follow, saying that they haven't done anything yet.
Sonic arrives in Robotnik's control room. The hedgehog brags that the mad Doctor's plan failed, Sally is still alive, and that this is the part where he beats him, once and for all. Robotnik gloats to Sonic, stating that he's too late, he's already finished the Ultimate Annihilator, and launches it towards Knothole. It vanishes in the blast. Sonic, enraged that everything, has once last brawl with Robotnik. The Annihilator starts collapsing, and soon implodes, erasing the entire area. It reappears, but Robotnik is nowhere to be found, erased by his own super-weapon.
Soon Knothole reappears. Antione, Bunnie, Tails, and Nicole appear, with Snively in tow, ashamed. As it turns out, Snively reprogrammed the Annihilator to target his uncle... but the four of them caught him, allowing Nicole to reprogram it to only target Robotnik. Antione and Bunnie then placed a bomb on it, ensuring it's destruction. Snively gloats, saying that even though Knothole is still around, Robotropolis is now his. He orders the Robians to destroy Knothole, but they refuse. It is then that Snively discovers that the Robians had their free will restored, and none of the Swatbots are working. Snively gives up, and surrenders.
The epilogue then begins. The Robians and Mobians meet up in Mobotropolis. Sonic is hugged by two hedgehog Robians, his parents? He thought they were dead! Turns out that his dad was the first Robian, and his mother soon followed, Chuck was so ashamed that he reused to mention it to Sonic, saying they dissapeared. Sonic is a bit hurt, but understands his Uncle's intentions. Sally is reunited with her brother, who explains that their father is dead. She's now the Queen of Acorn. Sally sighs, saying that she knew this day would come. She promises to live up to her father's legacy, and be the best queen she can be. Bunnie and Antione talk, wondering if they, after everything they've been through, are starting to fall in love, a call back to a subplot from the final season. They them simply shrug, promising to sort it all out later. Tails is sad. Robotnik's gone, but at what cost. Nicole replies that, given everything they've been through, that she's glad he never gave up hope, because it was what kept him going. Knuckles looks on noting he never got to find out what happened to his tribe. He wonders if he'll ever figure it out, but resolves to keep looking. Sally then asks Sonic, that since she's the queen now, if he wants to be the king. Sonic says that we'd love to, but that she'll have to wait. He then goes off to spend some time with his family, saying the last lines of the movie, "See you later Sal!"[6]
Production[]
Preproduction[]
Plans for a finale movie to SatAM began as soon as Nickelodeon picked up the series. In fact, this was a part of the contract with Nick, with the revival to consist of "two 13 episode seasons and a movie." The exact type of movie they were making was never specified, but it was initially planned to be a made for tv movie. Sega, however, convinced the production team to give it a theatrical release, to tie into the then upcoming Sonic X-treme.
Writing the Script[]
Production began on February 27, 1995, two days after the foundation of Nickelodeon Movies. Ben Hurst was put in charge of writing the screenplay. Ken Penders, a former writer for the Archie Comics, was selected as co-writer, after the executives were impressed with his work on the final two seasons. Together, they came up with the basic premise, Sonic being arrested for a crime he didn't commit. The writing of the screenplay was a bit more difficult, as Penders and Hurst argued over various details: Penders wanted to kill off Sally, while Hurst didn't want to kill her off. Penders wanted to introduce a new character, Geoffrey St. John, that hurst didn't think was all that important. Penders wanted a traitor storyline in the form of Drago, but Hurst wanted to follow up on an episode featuring Metal Sonic. Eventually, compromises were made. Sally's death was faked, Geoffrey's role was reduced, and Drago was now a red herring.
Animation[]
Editor Commentary[]
- ↑ This is something new I'm trying.
- ↑ The use of the Kanji for fight to the death is Gikun, a non-standard reading. Basically, it's telling the Japanese audience what "End Game" means.
- ↑ This was inspired by actual claims made by Hurst that Penders tried to swindle him out of a planned movie adaptation.
- ↑ I'll explain this on the page for that game if and when I get to it
- ↑ The plot is essentially the plot of the Archie Sonic arc "End Game", also written by Penders.
- ↑ And is that how Hurst would have written End Game? I don't know, but suspend your disbelief for me.