Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Review
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 delivers high-speed action, nostalgia, and plenty of humour, my full review.
Watching Sonic the Hedgehog go from a 16-bit hero to a big-screen superstar has been quite a journey. The blue blur's transition from pixelated adventures to cinematic spectacles has been remarkable. In Sonic’s third film, the franchise has blasted to new heights, delivering high-octane action, quirky storytelling, and plenty of nostalgic charm. Directed by Jeff Fowler, this latest installment dials up the action and humour, bringing Sonic’s gaming adventures more in line with what’s on the silver screen.
"this latest installment dials up the action and humour, bringing Sonic’s gaming adventures more in line with what’s on the silver screen."
Sonic 3 not only honours the franchise's legacy but also propels it to new heights, delivering a film that will resonate with both veteran fans and newcomers alike. Let’s dive into my full review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 and explore what makes this third installment a must-see for fans of all ages.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Details
Release Date: December 20, 2024
Director: Jeff Fowler
Cast: Ben Schwartz, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter.
Run Time: 110 minutes
Genre: Action-Adventure, Comedy
Content Rating: Parental Guidance
A Story That Casts a Long Shadow
The film's narrative is engaging and hilarious from start to finish. It is clearly aimed at younger fans, but also weaves in plenty of references for the franchise’s faithful. Sonic, voiced with the infectious energy of Ben Schwartz, is thrust into a new adventure alongside his companions, Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). Their mission: to thwart the latest threat to Earth in Shadow the Hedgehog. Shadow is a complex character whose introduction adds depth and intrigue to the storyline. Keanu Reeves lends his voice to Shadow, giving the character a brooding intensity that contrasts sharply with Sonic's sunny disposition.
"The screenplay does a good job of connecting friendship, loyalty, and family themes into the main plot."
The screenplay does a good job of connecting friendship, loyalty, and family themes into the main plot. Even with all this, the story pacing is brisk yet deliberate; despite so many characters, each arc is given the limelight without dragging things out to a satisfying conclusion. I won’t spoil anything, but you definitely want to hang out for the post-credit’s scene.
Jim Carrey’s Robotnik Steals the Show
The cast of Sonic 3 delivers all-around good performances that are entertaining and delightfully over-the-top. The clear standout in the cast is Jim Carrey, who absolutely crushes his roles.
"The clear standout in the cast is Jim Carrey, who absolutely crushes his roles."
In his return as the diabolical Dr. Ivo "Eggman" Robotnik, Carrey ramps up the flamboyance that has become his signature in the role. In a delightful twist, he also portrays Gerald Robotnik, his eccentric grandfather, adding an extra layer of absurdity and depth to the character.
His dual performance infuses the film with a manic energy that is as captivating as it is hilarious. A particularly memorable extended dance number—perhaps a touch longer than necessary—is a riff on Mission Impossible that becomes a laser light show that is hard to look away from and got a few genuine laughs out of me as Carrey fully embraces the absurdity of the moment.
James Marsden and Tika Sumpter reprise their roles as Tom and Maddie, offering a grounded and relatable human presence in a film dominated by CGI chaos. Their chemistry with Sonic is the emotional anchor of the story, providing some groundedness amid the action-packed spectacle. Even as the plot escalates into increasingly fantastical territory, their connection with Sonic offers moments of levity and sincerity. The film does take unexpected turns in a few emotionally charged scenes that delve into themes of loss and sacrifice.
"The film does take unexpected turns in a few emotionally charged scenes that delve into themes of loss and sacrifice."
It adds layers to essential characters' backstories while, at the same time, given enough space not to clash with the film’s mainly comedic tone. While the balance between humour and emotion occasionally feels uneven, the performances and their heartfelt interactions with Sonic help make the story more than just a series of zany set pieces—they provide the heart and soul of the film.
Overall, it’s clear that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a character-driven adventure, and Carrey’s larger-than-life portrayal of two Robotnik is undeniably the highlight, stealing the show in every scene he’s in.
Sonic 3’s Standout “Blast Processed” Special Effects
Sonic 3, along with its fun cast, also dazzles with its stunning visual effects and kinetic speed. The VFX team has outdone themselves, especially when it comes to the massive set pieces; everything is bigger, better and faster. The early parts of the movie feature a gigantic fight scene in Tokyo packed with anime and kaiju-style references. Shadow even hits the iconic Akira motorcycle slide in a high-speed chase. Along with this, the integration of live-action sequences and CGI characters still manages to connect back to the aesthetic of the original games. The action sequences are choreographed well, capturing the speed that defines Sonic's character.
A Fitting Soundtrack
The music was another big highlight, and I didn’t expect it to be this good with a blend of nostalgia and modern songs, capturing the edgy essence of the games. The score did a great job mixing classic Sonic themes with new compositions that all fit really well.
"The music was another big highlight, and I didn’t expect it to be this good with a blend of nostalgia and modern songs, capturing the edgy essence of the games."
A standout track for me is "Live and Learn" by Junkie XL, bringing a classic Sonic anthem into the cinematic universe in a big way. Songs like "Galvanize" by The Chemical Brothers, The Prodigy's "Firestarter," and gaming classics like the “Green Hill Zone” theme blend to form a nostalgic but high-energy tracklist.
Final Thoughts on Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic 3 is a strong continuation of the series and, the best yet, offering a film that is both a nostalgic homage and a forward-thinking adventure. Its compelling narrative, fun performances, and eye candy make it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike.
"Its compelling narrative, fun performances, and eye candy make it a must-see for fans and newcomers alike."
Verdict: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a bigger, better, faster thrill ride I highly recommend. Whether you're a longtime fan of the Blue Blur or a casual moviegoer seeking an entertaining experience, this film delivers on all fronts.
Thanks to Paramount Pictures Canada for the early screening of Sonic 3.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!
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