With Christmas mere days away, there’s just about time for one last movie review before I close out 2024. And the review can go to nothing else but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (because it’s what Santa would want).
Directed by Jeff Fowler, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an action-adventure sequel which stars Jim Carrey, James Marsden, and Tika Sumpter, and features the voice talents of Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, and Keanu Reeves. The movie opened in US cinemas yesterday, is playing in UK cinemas from today, and this time around sees Sonic pitted against a new villain in the shape of Shadow!
In the movie, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are celebrating the anniversary of Sonic’s arrival on Earth when they are approached by Director Rockwell. A new threat has emerged in the shape of the mysterious Shadow (the Hedgehog), and Rockwell believes only Sonic and Co. can stop him.
But when Shadow proves too much for the combined might of Sonic and his pals, it seems the trio will need additional assistance. This assistance comes from an unlikely ally – former foe, Dr. Ivo Robotnik!
For those not keeping track, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the third movie in the live-action Sonic film series, which began with 2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog, continued with 2022’s Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and includes the 2024 miniseries, Knuckles. So far, both movies and the TV show have been well received, so the big question is, does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 follow suit?
*Pause for dramatic tension*
Yep, it does!
If you’re a fan of everything that has come before, you’ll be a fan of this latest instalment. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fun, likeable, adventure picture, with heart, humour, and heroism.
As with its predecessors, the film focuses its story on friendship and family. This thematic plot thread runs throughout the film, covering the relationship between multiple characters, including Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, as well as Shadow and Robotnik.
Both Shadow and Robotnik also get some very interesting material to work with. For Shadow it is a lost friend, which drives his villain arch and tugs at the heartstrings, while for Robotnik it is the introduction of a long-lost family member.
This family member allows for actor Jim Carrey to pull double duties on screen, reprising his role as Ivo Robotnik and taking on the new part of his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. This gives Carrey the opportunity to have plenty of fun on screen, playing against himself as the two unhinged bad guys, and this all results in one hilarious dance sequence.
Robotniks aside, the real highlight of the film is the continued dynamic between the three central heroes, which fills this picture with plenty of action-packed energy. Sure, these are CGI characters, but they are well-rounded pixel players, and it’s not difficult to get caught up in their quest.
The same can be said for new character, Shadow, who makes for a great addition to the film series. Keanu Reeves takes on vocal duties for Shadow, is excellent in the role, and will hopefully return for more in the inevitable follow-up.
And let’s just be clear: There will be more from Sonic and Co. Not only does a mid-credit scene suggest as much, but also I expect this film will do rather well over the Christmas period.
If you are debating whether to take the younger members of your family to see this or Mufasa: The Lion King, opt for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It’s more engaging, and far more enjoyable.
Is it Shakespeare? Nope it’s Sonic the frickin’ Hedgehog 3.
You want Shakespeare, go rent a Shakespeare adaptation. With Sonic the Hedgehog 3 you get more of the same from the Sonic series and if this is your vibe, then fill your boots.
If you’re after a simple to watch film over the festive season, which is suitable for the whole family, but particularly enjoyable for younger audiences, then Sonic the Hedgehog 3 should do you right. It’s not perfect, at times it does descend into a CGI-fest, but its heart is always in the right place.
More importantly, it’s fun and it maintains the tone and consistency of the previous instalments. If you consider yourself a fan, this is for you.
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Thank you for taking the time to read this review on It’s A Stampede!. For more reviews, check out the recommended reads below.
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