Movie Review: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

Opening in theaters on December 20th, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ marks the third outing for the popular movie franchise spawned by the video game character best known for super speed and collecting rings.

The former is on full display in this new film, which reunites much of the major players from the previous movies, while the idea of the portal rings largely takes a backseat (aside from a couple of key moments).

And this movie offers largely more of the same, albeit with a little more entertainment value from the occasionally stalled second entry.

Related Article: Jim Carrey Will be Back as Dr. Robotnik for ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

Will ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Run Away with Your Praise?

The ‘Sonic’ movies by this point are certainly a known quantity. You have Ben Schwartz providing chatty energy as the lead character. Solid support from the likes of Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as fellow video game-birthed characters Knuckles and Tails respectively (since this is a franchise that employs the strategy of hoovering up characters from previous installments and turning rivals into family). Lots of silly gags. Jim Carrey snacking on the scenery in pure pantomime fashion.

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ doesn’t break any of these rules, but it does deploy them effectively, while wrapping in much of the love-can-triumph-over-vengeance themes and making good choices concepts that parents might hope for (even if we’ve seen them many, many times before).

Script and Direction

The script from returning writing veterans Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington is also hewn from familiar rock. We’re re-introduced to Sonic and friends attempting to get in some downtime at a campsite (while also celebrating the anniversary of the spiky hero’s arrival on Earth), only for a powerful new threat (Keanu Reeves’ Shadow the Hedgehog) to put those plans on hold.

It’s full of what you expect from a ‘Sonic’ movie but put together with enough style and fun to make it worthwhile. The dynamics between the various characters are established and there are enough surprising new elements (more on that when we get to the “performances” section) to keep things moving at a decent clip.

While there are some expected, slightly mawkish emotional moments along the way, there’s also some welcome undercutting of such easily exploited tropes. The story is never really the most important element –– expect the usual world-threatening McGuffin and a new antagonist with emotional issues.

As director, Jeff Fowler is also well versed in bringing the ‘Sonic’ universe to life, and he’s still on the top of his game here. The human characters (aside from Carrey’s) are mostly shoved to the sidelines (though James Marsden and Tika Sumpter do get a few decent moments) and the focus is on our titular hero.

The effects are still up to a decent, slightly cartoony standard (the days of “ugly sonic” are long behind us) and the action moves along at a solid clip.

Cast and Performances

The central combination of Schwartz’s winning motormouth delivery as Sonic and Carrey’s try-anything zaniness can eclipse all else, but there is a solid antagonist this time around.

Ben Schwartz as Sonic

Schwartz has really leaned into the fun as Sonic, and even though he’s only ever in a recording booth for the role, his contribution is clear. You can imagine the sheer number of alternate line-readings for each moment, and the actor delivers both the laughs and the emotional moments effectively.

Jim Carrey as Ivo Robotnik/Gerald Robotnik

If you’ve seen the trailer, you know that the third ‘Sonic’ features double the Jim Carrey. Reports of Ivo Robotnik’s death at the end of the second movie are naturally exaggerated and he’s back. This time, Carrey not only gets to play a new side of the not-so-good Doctor, who we first meet here as a lazy slob binge-watching telenovelas.

But we’re also introduced to his grandfather Gerald, whose story is tied in with Shadow’s, and has some emotional resonance. The gusto with which he throws himself into the dual role is something to watch, and if this is what an actor does when they’re just picking up a paycheck (as he himself recently admitted, then other performers take note!

Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog

The main casting coup this time is playing the man who was Neo as the new “villain”, though with the actor’s soulful turns, he’s more than that. Reeves commits to the role of the bitter, vengeful character and works well against Schwartz’s excited energy.

Idris Elba as Knuckles

While Elba is typically low-key, he’s found a good gear as the echidna warrior, who is always ready for a fight, but is slowly coming to realize that being around Sonic and the rest is good for him.

Supporting Cast

As mentioned, human co-stars James Marsden and Tika Sumpter are certainly moved slightly to the side (though they both have roles to play in the finale). Colleen O’Shaughnessey is an effervescent Tails and there’s a welcome emotional growth even for the likes of Lee Majdoub’s Agent Stone, Robotnik’s loyal sidekick, who here sees some competition in the grandfather character.

Final Thoughts

While it certainly doesn’t re-invent the wheel when it comes to a ‘Sonic’ adventure, it has enough laughs to keep the family engaged.

And, of course, you’re encouraged to stay through the credits for the contractual tease of what might be to come in the future (yes, ‘Sonic 4’ was announced just before the release of this one.)

‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’receives 6.5 out of 10 stars.