REVIEW: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Doesn’t Disappoint

Director Jeff Fowler returns for the next installment in the Sonic movie franchise, Sonic the Hedgehog 3. In the third film in the franchise, we find Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) enjoying time with his new found family of Tom (James Marsden), Maddie (Tika Sumpter), Tails (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba). That is until G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) shows up needing the help of Team Sonic to stop a new threat to the world. The threat comes in hedgehog form, but unlike the witty blue hedgehog who has saved the world twice, this one only has revenge on his mind. Named Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves), Shadow will do whatever it takes to hurt those who held him captive for 50 years. Teaming up with Professor Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey), Shadow sets out to rid the world of all who have done him wrong. As Team Sonic sets out to stop Shadow and Robotnik, Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails will have to figure out what it means to be a team if they intend to stop Shadow and save the world.

After being briefly introduced at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, the red-striped, black hedgehog, Shadow make his grand entrance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. A fan favorite in the video game, Fowler and his team don’t do as well explaining his backstory as they did with Tails and Knuckles. Fans who have played the game will have no problem filing in the blanks, but those who have never played the game may need to do some research when all is said and done. Portrayed as the complete opposite to Sonic, Shadow brings a more mellow tone to the movie. But don’t let that dissuade anyone from seeing the movie. Shadow’s broodiness is the perfect balance to Team Sonic optimistic attitudes. Sonic and Knuckles continue to bring the laughs in the threequel, including a couple of jabs that will remind the audience that these characters are supposed to really exist in our world.

The best thing about these films though is that they understand their audience. They know that the demographic is mostly family’s with little kids, and Fowler and his team do a wonderful job of balancing the film with things that will make the little ones laugh and keep their parents entertained. Not to mention, the fun Easter Eggs that will pull at the hearts of any ’90s SEGA fans, the film is has a little bit of something for everyone.

Carrey takes on two different roles in this movie, which works in his favor. Without giving too much away, Carrey finds the perfect scene partner in himself. My only gripe is there may be too much Carrey in the movie, Because of the dual role, more time is spent on his characters than our heroes. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles almost take a backseat to Carrey’s characters and Shadow. It’s a bit disappointing because some of the best moments from the past two films, came from the banter between the trio, Tom, and Maddie, so hopefully, if film four is greenlighted, we will get to see more of this.

Fowler and his team won’t win any awards with this movie, but audiences will be treated to an enjoyable movie from start to finish. Filled with Easter eggs and 90s’ nostalgia, if you are a fan of the first two movies, you will want to check this one out. There is a mid-credit scene, so make sure to stick around to see what comes next for a favorite blue hedgehog.

Grade: B-