'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' film review: Frenetic, kinetic, silly, heartfelt & fun ride kicks series into overdrive
The iconic blue blur returns to save the day against foes old and new in 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' (in theaters nationwide Dec. 20).
In short: Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow (Keanu Reeves). Jim Carrey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Krysten Ritter also star.
The concept of an 'anti-Sonic' is interesting - whereas Sonic was raised by a loving adopted family on Earth, Shadow was poked and prodded in captivity by human scientists. Keanu Reeves is well cast as the voice for the vengeful and misguided Shadow, a nemesis who doesn't just match Sonic's power or abilities - but also serves as a dark mirror, a sort of ghost of Christmas future. Whereas Schwartz revels playing the bigger-than-life, wise-cracking blue hedgehog, Reeves is quite grounded in his take on Shadow - a hedgehog fueled by anger and revenge. The appeal of Sonic in these movies isn't just in being a fast, funny hero - Sonic is just a kid. And kids get to see an imperfect, well-meaning and funny hero with superpowers try to save the day, while making mistakes along the way.
Casting Jim Carrey remains the best decision the 'Sonic' franchise ever made (unlike the initial character design for Sonic for the original movie). Now through three movies Carrey's evil Dr. Robotnik remains as gleefully villainous as ever - but now embittered after his many losses to Sonic. This third 'Sonic' flick leans big into this spot-on casting with Carrey not playing one, but two different characters this time around. And Robotnik's relationship with his long-suffering henchman Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) is delightfully silly - but disarmingly endearing without slipping into saccharine. Carrey as Robotnik is firmly a throwback to vintage rubber-faced, over-the-top Jim Carrey, but in a movie that kids can watch and in a performance that is unexpectedly layered this time around.
And for the adults dragged along to the theater, 'Sonic 3' is just silly enough to entertain adults without relying on unforgivably obnoxious gags aimed squarely at third graders. This fun adventure remembers that video games are supposed to be fun - and the best stories are ones with character and heart. 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' is neither high art nor some performative, cynical sequel for the sake of being a sequel - it's an entertaining, sometimes bittersweet and melancholy, story rooted in relationships. It is an exceedingly well-balanced game-based sequel that avoids the pitfalls of previous third entries in a franchise and a movie that's just simply filled with fun and gentle tugs at the heartstrings.
Final verdict: 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' is surprisingly heartfelt and personal, building on friendship, family and teamwork developed through three movies and new characters. The already solid ‘Sonic’ franchise hits a new high with this family-friendly winner.
Score: 4/5
'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' opens in theaters nationwide Dec. 20. The video game adventure has a runtime of 110 minutes and is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language.
