‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Review

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 continues to defy video game franchise expectations by being better in every way than the previous blockbuster installments, which were also pretty darn entertaining. Jim Carrey will have audiences roaring with laughter in an absolutely brilliant double performance that further cements his comedic genius. The film ramps up the blazing action scenes with just enough heart and intriguing story elements to never bog down the pacing. The only critical quibble is an extended climax that probably overreaches in its butt-kicking scope (and that extends all the way through the credits). Regardless, Sonic fans of all ages are going to be thrilled with a knockout third chapter.

On a G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) prison island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, two bored security guards in a top secret containment chamber complain about their dull job. Nothing has happened there in 50 years. That sentiment changes when the world’s most dangerous prisoner suddenly starts to flicker awake. Their systems have somehow been compromised. Red alert warnings blare as everyone grabs a weapon and prepares for the alien’s resurrection.

Shadow’s Fury Unleashed

Meanwhile, in the woods near Green Hills, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and their adoptive human parents, Tom (James Marsden) and his wife Maddie (Tika Sumpter), prepare a special celebration. The unique family has reached a milestone with their turbocharged brood. The festivities are interrupted by a G.U.N. helicopter. Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) needs the “aliens” for an emergency response in Tokyo.

Sonic, Miles, and Tails jump at the chance for some action. The best buds are sure they can easily handle any troublemaker. That sentiment quickly changes when they encounter an adversary far more powerful than imagined. Shadow (Keanu Reeves) is a hedgehog hellbent on revenge. Our supposedly unstoppable heroes need help to handle a threat of this magnitude…from a truly unlikely ally.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is shot out of a cannon in a banner first act. Shadow’s introduction raises the action bar for every scene to come. It’s that impressive. Reeves’ raging voiceover brings a Neo-esque CGI beatdown to anyone and everything in Shadow’s ferocious path. His whooping of Sonic and the gang is pure pulse-pounding excitement. Jeff Fowler, who also directed the first two installments, understands that viewers want to see something new. He doesn’t just go bigger and bolder. The action goes full superhero glory with the digital characters maximizing their amazing abilities in novel ways with an epic scope. There’s no rehashing or formulaic battles here.

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The crux of the narrative has been explored on screen before and makes sense in this context. Think of how Brightburn was a dark take on Superman. Sonic and Shadow were shaped by their upbringing. Sonic was lucky enough to meet a kind couple who loved and cared for him. He learns to use his powers for good. Shadow had a completely different experience as G.U.N.’s alien captive. The mystery behind his boiling anger is revealed through well-timed flashbacks. He’s thirsting for vengeance and willing to use every quill of his infused with chaos-energy for savage payback.

Jim Carrey’s Dual Greatness

Fowler and his returning screenwriters, Pat Casey and Josh Miller, play to Jim Carrey’s strengths for a fantastic lead performance. We’ve seen Dr. Robotnik’s zany villainy. It would have been easy for the filmmakers to allow endless improv and riffing, then splicing together his funniest bits together for cheap laughs. This isn’t Carrey recycling Ace Ventura’s mannerisms. No, this version of Dr. Robotnik has been defeated twice by a hated blue creature. He’s a bad guy in a hilariously different headspace.

Carrey, also portraying Gerald Robotnik, adds another outlet to his incredible versatility. The characters constantly interact with each other. Carrey, under a mountain of prosthetics and makeup, makes Gerald far from a carbon copy. The best analogy would be Eddie Murphy as his whole family in The Nutty Professor. Everyone is different, but the family traits are comically evident.

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Casey and Miller’s script does a slick job of proportioning just the right amount of screen time to a big ensemble. Carrey’s dual shenanigans could have stolen the thunder from everyone else. His dominant presence can undeniably hijack any narrative. Each piece of the puzzle needed its own standout moment to not just fizzle away in the background. There’s never a point where Knuckles, Tails, and the parents become obsolete. They all have an important part in the story, along with Lee Majdoub, who’s better than ever as Agent Stone, Dr. Robotnik’s lovable, loyal henchman.

A Big & Busy Finale

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 soars to great heights in an explosive finale that unfortunately becomes just too busy. Fowler’s success in escalating every aspect leaves a lot of threads to resolve. This means a frenzy of closure that runs the cinematic engine hot. It’s akin to a drag racer riding the brakes to slow down with fits and starts instead of a smooth stop. Not a big negative, given the film’s overall good qualities, but noticeable. Stick around during the credits — there’s a lot going on.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a production of Paramount Pictures, Sega Sammy Group, and Original Film et al. It will be released theatrically on December 20th from Paramount Pictures.