Sonic: The Hedgehog
review by Bobby Blakey
For years there have been many video games turned into feature films, but more often than not they just don’t work. For every Resident Evil there is a Super Mario Bros., but as technology has gotten so much better more properties are being offered to make the leap. The latest is the face of SEGA Sonic the Hedgehog starring James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Neal McDonough, Adam Pally and Jim Carrey. Could this take on the SEGA speedster bring the fast paced fun or will it fail to complete the level?
Sonic The Hedgehog follows the (mis)adventures of Sonic as he navigates the complexities of life on Earth with his newfound – human – best friend Tom Wachowski. Sonic and Tom join forces to try and stop the villainous Dr. Robotnik from capturing Sonic and using his immense powers for world domination. This film got so much bad response with its initial trailer, but as someone who isn’t a big fan outside of playing the original game back in the day I didn’t really care one way or another. The filmmakers listened and went back to alter Sonic’s look to more like the game and the result is a great time. In regards to that I think it sets a bad tone for filmmaking giving the audience too much power, but if you were one of the ones that complained then you damn well better be one of the ones at the theaters supporting it.
I honestly think it would have worked either way as the more realistic approach fit the overall tone, but while the more cartoony eyes do add more accuracy to the character there is a little bit to adjust to buy into the whole thing. Here is the thing about it though, going into this kind of movie you are already accepting a blue fast running hedgehog as the focal point so you got to let a lot go. The story does a good job at explaining away the way he looks to create a fun new universe for them to play in. Ben Schwartz does a great job in the role combining the silly fun, with and heart to make Sonic a loveable character that you want to see in action. The supporting cast do fine but outside of carry this is all about Sonic
and James Marsden. Their banter and journey is the heart of this film and it works way better than it had any right to.
In all honesty my only interest in this film was to see Jim Carrey. I have been a huge fan like a lot of people all the way back to In Living Color. This looked like it could be a return to the zany comedic stylings he was known for and he did not disappoint. Carrey is clearly having a blast in this movie and fully dives all in to bring the laughs. There were a ton of laugh out loud moments across the board but most came from Carrey for me. He is over the top in the best Carrey way and I loved it. Some might complain about his look fo the character but just stick with it and you won’t be disappointed.
I have to admit I walked into this film just hoping it would be ok and left loving it. It is filled with laughs, heart and over the top action giving fans everything they could want from the world of Sonic. Be sure to stick through the credits for a couple of other sequences that will no doubt have the hardcore fans cheering for the potential future of the franchise.
In addition to the film this release will offer up bonus content including commentary, deleted scenes, bloopers, and numerous featurettes taking you behind bringing the famed hedgehog to life. Put on your running shoes and catch Sonic The Hedgehog available now on Digital, 4K Ultra, Blu-ray and DVD from Paramount Home Entertainment.