Wow. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this is the best Sonic movie to date, and it may be one of the few instances where a sequel outperforms the original. It’s quickly becoming one of my favorite video game-inspired movies. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is packed full of action, comedy, kitsch, and nostalgia. I want to say more, so let’s start with the basics. As always, I will keep it as spoiler-free as possible.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is directed by Jeff Fowler and produced by Paramount. The film follows Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his friends Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) as they adjust to life on Earth with their adoptive parents, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) Wachowski. All is not well when a specter from the global paramilitary organization G.U.N.’s (Guardian Units of Nations, and yeah, that is a bad name) past escapes from a secret facility. Shadow (Keanu Reeves), a black hedgehog with a strange past, wants revenge on G.U.N. for his confinement.
After being defeated by Shadow, Team Sonic turns to an unexpected ally: Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). While searching for Shadow, they encounter another surprise: Robotnik’s long-lost grandfather, Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Uh, oh!
The Sonic movies have not let me down so far, but I’m glad to say that this one just took it up a notch. Let’s not mention that other thing they made. Moving on. The production team made some great choices in this one. I was afraid that Shadow’s tale, practically ripped straight from the 2001 game Sonic Adventure 2, would have been a strange fit in the movie universe Paramount crafted. Boy, I’m glad I was wrong.
As the franchise’s and one of pop culture’s famous edge lords, I was afraid Shadow wouldn’t work too well, but they managed to make him work and he was definitely a highlight of the movie. Keanu truly did him justice. Of course, our protagonists give it their all with their performances, and that was no mean feat as the true show stealer was Jim Carrey’s portrayal of both doctors Ivo and Gerald Robotnik, grandson and grandfather respectively. It’s worth seeing it a second time just for that alone. Over all, they found a way to balance the screentime of the main characters, and true to form, they kept the colorful heroes and villains as the main focus of the story, with their human family and friends being excellent supporting cast.
If I was to really nit pick at this, the only thing that really sticks out for me is just some plot or characterization stuff. G.U.N., for example, is pretty dumb, but that’s been their brand for the franchise so far. Also, entrusting a world ending McGuffin to the village idiot was kind of a stretch and made me groan. But I guess it’s the last place one would look. Maybe. Other than these cringey jokes, for the most part the campy and sarcastic humor was great. There was a lot of laughter in the theater we were in. Of course, your mileage may vary.
Now, compared to the previous entries, they must have upped the budget for the animation and computer graphics of this one because I swear, the fur on each of the protagonists didn’t need the detail they got, but oh my goodness. You could tell the characters both live and robotic were lovingly rendered. The CG fights between the characters was a delight to watch, and the score that Sonic movie alumni Tom Holkenborg created called back to the 2001 game. Yes, if you’re a fan, you’ll hear some of your favorite tracks pop up. Oh, and Paramount, if Jim Carrey says he needs another paycheck for whatever he decides to buy so that you can convince him to do Sonic 4?
Just pay the man. I’m all for it.
At the end of it all, this movie was fun. Is it for kids? Absolutely, but there’s enough here for older fans like myself to have a great time. The movie never took itself super seriously, but just serious enough that it made the conflict between a blue hedgehog and a black hedgehog an enjoyable ride. What a great way to end my theater viewing for 2024. Definitely see this one. I’m definitely going to go see it a second time when I get the chance. Oh, and stay for those end credits.
8.5 rings out of 10! Highly recommended.
English (US) · 