26 Dec REVIEW – ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ is the best Sonic movie to date
When the internet rightfully sneered at the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog back in 2019, few could have predicted this would become a franchise that’s earned over $700 million at the worldwide box office. But this is a franchise that actually listened to its fans; a genuine rarity in Hollywood. It’s also a saga that’s only gotten better with each film; an even bigger rarity in cinema. That proves to be even truer in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 aka the best Sonic movie to date. Sustaining the charm and energy of its two predecessors, this threequel succeeds in keeping its high-speed adventure alive with a fantastic mix of action, comedy, and heartfelt character moments. In short, it’s a total blast.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 picks up where the previous film left off, with Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) completely at home with his human family, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), his trusty fox sidekick, Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and his foe-turned-friend echidna, Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba). His peaceful days are interrupted with the sudden emergence of Shadow (voiced with steely intensity by Keanu Reeves), a red-striped black hedgehog once part of a secret G.U.N. program that attempted to harness his powers in the 1970s.
After being imprisoned for 50 years in a facility off the coast of Japan, Shadow is busted out by forces unknown and immediately seeks to avenge the betrayal of his past, particularly a tragic incident that robbed him of the only human he truly cared for. After Sonic, Tails, and Knuckle fail in their first attempt to stop Shadow, they seemingly have no choice but to partner with their old adversary Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey), who appears to be the only one who holds the key to bringing Shadow down.
One of the film’s most notable strengths is its stellar voice and live-action cast. Schwartz continues to bring a snappy wit and earnest charm to Sonic, capturing the character’s blend of cockiness and heart. Elba’s Knuckles is hilariously deadpan, and O’Shaughnessey’s Tails remains the heart of the group. Together, the trio’s dynamic offers a satisfying mix of humour and camaraderie, creating a team you genuinely cheer for.
Reeves’ Shadow provides a brooding counterbalance to Schwartz’s Sonic, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative. Reeves is blessed with some surprisingly emotional beats you don’t expect from such a bombastic franchise. Shadow’s backstory is resonant and compelling, offering a villain with understandable motivation far deeper than just world domination. Reeves’ deep voice and intense delivery elevate the character beyond a mere antagonist, making him a standout addition to the franchise.
Then there’s Jim Carrey, who once again steals every scene he’s in. His Robotnik is over-the-top in the best way, exuding manic energy that feels like a throwback to Carrey’s comedic heyday. The comedian pulls double duty in also playing Ivo’s equally eccentric and entirely geriatric grandfather, Gerald. It’s nothing but a delight to watch one of cinema’s greatest comedians play against himself in two performances that consistently swing for the fences. If this is indeed his final outing in this series, he goes out with the biggest bang possible.
Visually, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a genuine triumph. The action sequences are kinetic and inventive, showcasing Sonic’s speed and Shadow’s power in dazzling ways. The climactic battle, in particular, is a spectacle of light, sound, and frenetic energy that will leave audiences breathless. The animation is polished, seamlessly blending with the live-action elements to create a vibrant and immersive world. That’s a miracle considering the blunders of this franchise’s early days. While the CGI work can occasionally tip into sensory overload territory. Some of the set pieces are so chaotic that they risk losing the audience in a blur of CGI. While the series has always leaned into its video game roots, a bit more restraint could have made the action more impactful.
At just under two hours, the film’s pacing is unwavering. While this keeps the energy high, it also means certain narrative threads feel rushed. The emotional beats between Sonic and his human family take a backseat to the action, which might disappoint fans who enjoyed the heartwarming moments of the earlier films. Those elements are more in Shadow’s corner this time, so it’s not a total loss.
The humour, a hallmark of the franchise, remains sharp and self-aware. From pop culture references to cheeky nods to the Sonic games, the script is packed with laughs. However, not all the jokes land, and a few feel recycled from the previous instalments. It’s a minor gripe, but one that prevents the film from feeling entirely fresh. Regardless, it’s a film that earns its comedy, especially when you have comedic actors like Carrey and Schwartz delivering zippy one-liners and slapstick physical comedy.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 succeeds in expanding the franchise while staying true to its roots. It’s a film that knows its audience and delivers the thrills, laughs, and heart they’ve come to expect. For younger viewers and die-hard Sonic fans, it’s a delight. It’s a film that is better than it has any right to be. With its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and character-driven storytelling, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 cements its place as a worthy addition to the Sonic cinematic universe. It’s not perfect, but it’s undeniably fun—a film that races ahead, even if it occasionally stumbles. I never thought I’d say this, but I cannot wait to see what this franchise offers next. Stay for the credits to see what they’ve got up their sleeve.
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Cast: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, Colleen O’Shaughnessey
Director: Jeff Fowler
Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno
Screenplay: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington
Production Design: Luke Freeborn
Costume Design: Eleanor Baker
Editor: Al LeVine
Music: Tom Holkenborg
Running Time: 110 minutes
Release Date: 26th December 2024 (Australia)