Anytime you’re adapting a movie from one medium – books, comic books, video games – there’s going to be some challenges. While some video game franchises, like Mortal Kombat, Mario Bros., and Halo have struggled, Sonic the Hedgehog has managed to do well enough for a third movie.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the newest in the franchise. This time around, we are following the trio of Sonic ( Ben Schwartz) Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessy) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) all enjoying their life on Earth in Green Hills until a new Hedgehog arrives named “Shadow” (Keanu Reeves) Together the team must come together to stop this new foe in their path.
The film is fantastic, but it does have its issues. The movie takes a lot of inspiration from Sonic games such as “Sonic Adventure 2” and “Shadow the Hedgehog.”
The positives of this film are the story and amount of easter eggs and references there are. The actors do an amazing job of making these characters feel real and get attached to their struggles. The main standout, I have to say is Shadow Jim Carrey also gives his most hilarious performance playing not one, but two Dr. Robotnik’s. Carrey is easily the best part of the franchise and he just steals the show in every scene he is in.
The other voice actors and actors -Ben Schwartz) Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey give their best voice performances so far. Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) play small roles in the film, but they add to the plot and our characters’ journey.
Negatives, the film is very silly and humorous. Even with a PG rating the storyline is much more for a younger audience to watch. For example, when Sonic and his friends first meet Shadow, there are many jokes just thrown at the audience and unfortunately, not all the jokes work. So the scene’s dialogue doesn’t feel as serious as others, like myself, would hope. There are many people who like these movies because of the funny and over-the-top humor. I feel it needs to have a balance of being funny and telling the story.
There are things with this movie that because of its fast-pace you’re jumping from action-scene to action-scene, joke to joke, and it also sometimes stops the movie just to do full-on skits and even winks to the audience. It breaks the tension from some of the cooler things in the film. Another example is in the scenes, when you start to learn about Shadow, you begin to understand why he is the way he is. The tension isn’t as heartfelt because of the consent jokes this movie throws at you. I hope the super silly moments do not become a problem later in future projects. Where they take away some of the serious and emotional moments these films are trying to showcase.
Visually, the film looks incredible. The CGI has gotten better for these movies and the fight scenes are amazing to look at. The whole film is very entertaining from beginning to end, but the best parts of this film were the final 30 minutes. If you are someone who just likes Sonic movies you’re gonna think, “Wow that looks awesome” If you are a Sonic fan and have played any kind of video game you’re going to jump up and down watching what happens in those final 30 minutes.
I have to say; Sonic The Hedgehog 3 was better than I anticipated and those two post-credit scenes got me very excited to see what else this franchise has to offer. Sonic 3 is a blast and, in my opinion, the best Sonic film so far and the best video game adaptation today. Overall, I give this film an 8/10. If you are a fan of these movies and Sonic, go watch this film.
