'Sonic The Hedgehog 3' Review: The Blue Blur's Best Movie Yet
You have to give it up to the Sonic the Hedgehog film team; they made something out of what little they had to work with regarding the first two installments. And who can blame them? They were based on the regular Sega Genesis games, which only had the basic concept of "Hedgehog, go fast, defeat dude who made robots." During Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s post-credits scene, they teased they were jumping ahead a few mainline games and adapting the Dreamcast (or GameCube if you preferred the Battle port) Sonic Adventure 2. I was like Leonardo DiCaprio in Django Unchained when he said, “Gentlemen, you had my curiosity, but now you have my attention.”
I am who I am, and that’s a big ol’ fan of Sonic Adventure 2. It was one of my first games on the GameCube and… well, it’s also the last GameCube game I have in my possession. I love the hell out of it – dated camera movement and all. It had a robust story, a large scope, iconic levels, Crush 40, and most importantly, Shadow the Hedgehog, the coolest edge lord in gaming who is as timely as a Hot Topic (a joke they also made in the movie). The team was fully prepared to adapt a well-developed Sonic narrative for the big screen. They delivered a superb adaptation of the source and the most refined Sonic film installment to date, but they also gave us a truly all-time great video game movie.
Image copyright (©) Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
PG: Action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language.
Runtime: 1 Hr and 49 Minutes
Production Companies: Sega Sammy Group, Original Film, Marza Animation Planet, Blur Studio
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Director: Jeff Fowler
Writers: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves
Release Date: December 20, 2024
When Shadow the Hedgehog, a G.U.N. military experiment in stasis for 50 years, breaks containment, G.U.N. enlists Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to retrieve him. But Shadow turns out to be too powerful even for the Sonic Heroes. With little options, they go to their sworn enemy, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), for assistance and intel. But that unlikely alliance is cut short as Robotnik is soon reunited with his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik (also Carrey), who, along with Shadow, has his own plans for vengeance against humanity.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is the Finest Sonic Film Yet
The Sonic movies are silly family fare, posing a challenge since Shadow's tragic background requires a mature mindset. Series screenwriters Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington don't sacrifice any thematic material from the source, keeping the right balance between dark sentimentality and the familiar silliness of the film predecessors.
In contrast to his other media appearances, the Sonic movies portray the blue blur as being highly empathetic, albeit hyperactive, exhibiting a mixture of Dominic Toretto and Steven Universe (which is funny, as I have been describing Fast & Furious as “Steven Universe with cars” for years considering how often Toretto befriends nearly every enemy).
The writers never lose sight of the series' throughline with loss, grief, and familial love, carried since the first installment at the core, between the speedy, high-octane action sequences. Reaching the heights of the series even beyond the source's madcap story, this one actually explores Sonic juxtaposing Shadow outside their similar appearance, sometimes challenging the "what ifs," if it weren't for his adoptive parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) taking him in. It's consistent and bears an intriguing arc for Sonic that leads to emotionally resonant, tear-inducing scenes.
Given that Sonic Adventure 2 gives them actual material to work with, the film team refines the frustrating, sometimes obnoxious shortcomings of the predecessors. This means unnecessary side characters like Wade (Adam Pally), Maddie's sister Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), and her beau Randall (Shemar Moore) – who famously took up much of Sonic 2's overlong 2-hour runtime – are barely integrated, and the pop culture references as a basis of its humor are at a minimal. Sonic 3 is not without corny references and brings back some cast members, but only for a short time. It’s more focused on its kid-natured Fast & Furious/Mission Impossible-styled heist story, like seeing the effects of someone finally taking Adderall for their ADHD.
Shadow the Hedgehog Is The Ultimate Addition To The Sonic Cinematic Universe
Jeff Fowler couldn't chaos contain himself from directing the hell out of Shadow's entry into the live-action space since one of his earliest jobs was animating on the Shadow the Hedgehog video game. The animation of the Sonic characters is consistently impressive, but with Shadow, Fowler and his VFX team demonstrate their full potential, showcasing him as an unstoppable and formidable threat in all the high-octane, well-constructed action sequences. They also flip the coin and portray him as a fluffy little guy. It's mainly resonant during the visual-driven flashback scenes involving Shadow and his best friend Maria (Alyla Browne). The animators grace the ultimate life form with potent emotions, rivaling Hollywood actors. That being said, Keanu Reeves is brilliant casting. His voice work fully complements the Shadow's darkness and the immense pain that gets under your skin. Frankly, it’s a perfect representation of the character.
Double the Carrey, Triple the Delight
One highlight of these Sonic movies has been Jim Carrey's performance as Ivo Robotnik. His line deliveries and physical comedy are just so much fun, operating as a silly force of nature and a menacing threat to a friggin' talking hedgehog. When it was announced that the biggest liberty Sonic 3 would take was keeping Gerald Robotnik, Ivo's grandfather, alive, I was hesitant. This was dispelled by Carrey's hilarious dual performance, once again encapsulating him as one of the best comedic talents in the business. The writers capitalize on Carrey as the prime source of humor, and as Gerald, he provides a similarly silly and even more sinister portrayal that elevates the film tenfold.
As a sequel, it continues the thread of Robotnik's relationship with the world and his right-hand Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub). Even when the movie stops in place and lets Carrey mug at the camera with makeup and all, I can't even be frustrated by it because he's so wickedly funny. This film is a major upgrade via attention to character, precision in its formula, and action scenes.
Final Thoughts
I would be lying if I said I didn't have a complete blast watching this film and think it’s the best the series has been to date. Even if I weren't an SA2 lover, this is still a fine family film that improves on the predecessors with a stronger story, tonal balance, animation, and Carrey. And while it's apparent that these movies have no end in sight, I’m excited for more. Sonic 3 is the most excited I've been for a franchise since the early days of the MCU or even F&F when they brought in Jason Statham for F7.
Rating: 4/5
