Sonic The Hedgehog 3
review by Bobby Blakey
In 2020, the face of SEGA, Sonic the Hedgehog hit the big screen for his first live action adventure to much success that not only spawned a sequel in Sonic the Hedgehog 2, but also a TV series focusing on Knuckles. Now the series is back on the big screen with the aptly titled Sonic the Hedgehog 3 starring Ben Schwartz once again returning as the voice of Sonic along with James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaghnessey and Jim Carrey all returning and Keanu Reeves joining the cast as Shadow. Can this latest entry continue the winning streak of the franchise, or will it finally hit the final boss?
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3 follows Sonic, Knuckles, and who reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
I had zero interest in the first film and walking away from it not only became a fan, but excited for all things in the Sonic Cinematic Universe. This latest entry looked to be stepping its game up even more, but there is also the concern if it can keep its momentum without losing speed. I am so happy to say that this film knocked it out of the park once again, taking it to the next level in numerous ways, but not without its minor issues.
​The opening of the film was cool and took us right into where we had left off with the revelation of Shadow, but then it limped a bit with some filler showcasing what everyone is up to before getting back to the meat of the story. It’s these opening elements that had me initially concerned as they came off kind of cheesy and out of place initially in execution, but they are short lived. Once Carrey rejoins the action and we get back to focusing on the mission at
hand it is fast forward high-octane fun until the explosive ending.
The shining light for me is always Jim Carrey in these movies as he is channeling the old school Carrey fans fell in love with and looks to be having a blast. Each film has found a creative way to bring Robotnik back and this time around we got double the fun. The dueling Carrey’s was hilarious and over the top just like I had hoped. Of course, if you are not a fan or annoyed by his antics then you might go into a mental overload.
The trio of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are front and center with them all getting in on the action throughout. I love that despite it being a Sonic film they don’t sideline the other fan favorite characters and somehow have found a way to have so many populating the film without it feeling overwhelming and too much. Instead, they mesh well to flesh out their stories and needs in the adventure and relationships.
The latest addition of Shadow is a welcome injection bringing a deeper character to the bunch with Reeves bringing the perfect voice. The character has a full-on back story and arc as opposed to just being another villain that you sympathize with even when he is causing chaos to those you love. Shadow is on a different level and one you think might not be able to be stopped as opposed to just waiting for Sonic to get the upper hand even though we know how these kinds of films will no doubt play out.
The effects are well executed and on a bigger scale really taking things in new directions with plenty of familiar things that we loved from the previous films. As with the previous film there is another mid-credit scene further expanding the Sonic-verse that will no doubt have hardcore fans smiling ear to ear and I am ready for the next entry to see where it is all headed.
Decide for yourself and race into theaters to check out Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in theaters now from Paramount.
