Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) Review

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)
Director: Jeff Fowler
Screenwriters: Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington
Starring: Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Keanu Reeves, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Krysten Ritter, Adam Pally, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore

SEGA Original Films was launched with the back-to-back successes of Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic the Hedgehog 2. Released just two years apart (2020 and 2022 respectively), and directed by rookie feature filmmaker Jeff Fowler, each film was surprisingly good. Fowler excelled in presenting a hearty, 90s-throwback-style family comedy, while the money men of the former juggernauts of video games didn’t put the cart before the horse by forcing every character and modern video game reference into the first film. Now, like clockwork, a third film arrives on the big screen just two years after the previous one. With it come more hearty themes and character introductions, more twists and universe expansion. It is by no means a potential classic, but it does prove that Sonic the Hedgehog is no longer just a video game icon, he’s a family film one too.

A rogue hedgehog known as Shadow (Keanu Reeves) breaks out of his stasis with the help of an unknown force and seeks vengeance on those who imprisoned him. Sonic (Ben Schwartz), now enjoying family life with Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles (Idris Elba), Maddie (Tika Sumpter), the Donut Lord Tom (James Marsden), and Ozzie the dog, is dragged into the conflict by the US government’s Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) and brought face-to-face with an old foe… Robotnik (Jim Carrey).

Much of the first act is typical universe-expanding exposition-heavy slop and product placement, with a few well-timed jokes to lift spirits. The following acts are more worthwhile, with the jokes also jumping in hits-per-minute. This isn’t exactly challenging material, not even for children, but its easy-to-predict morality tale is heightened in its impact by our journey with these characters to this point and all the good faith that the actors, the animators, the director, and so on, have earned across the first two films.

Fans of Sonic the Hedgehog 2 may be disappointed to find out that there is very little of Sonic’s aunt Rachel (Natasha Rothwell) in this sequel, especially after her scene-stealing performance at the outrageous wedding in the 2nd movie, while Adam Pally’s Wade is also barely featured. Each supporting character was used to add comedy to stories that were otherwise quite serious, whereas Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is more squarely focused on the central group and uses Jim Carrey’s Robotnik double-take as its comedic hinge. Around Carrey’s performance, the movie spins; it’s as close to peak Jim Carrey as we’ve been for decades.

Most of Sonic the Hedgehog 3’s character development surrounds Robotnik and Shadow, relegating Sonic and friends to the roles of supporting players. Their characters don’t really develop, beyond momentary Sonic changes, and Knuckles is reduced to a Drax the Destroyer-like imbecile with muscles. The film still hits emotionally where it aims to, and there’s plenty to enjoy from Sonic and company in lesser roles, but the blue hedgehog is in the title for a reason.

Young kids will probably find this film the funniest of the trilogy, while adults may find their patience tested a little more. Gone are the found-family allegory and the relatable coming-of-age themes, and in their place are more action beats and comedy cutaways. There is sure to be a wry smile from adults seeing Jim Carrey writhe around in a fat suit, but there’s no doubt that moments like his dance intermission are made particularly with children in mind.

There are some great visual gags, plenty of action inspired by Mission: Impossible, Bond and so on, a heap of movie reference jokes, and even a few moments of breaking the fourth wall to enjoy in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. So, while it may be far from the deep or meaningful cinema experience you could get elsewhere, and it may struggle to attain iconic status or prolonged box office relevance for that reason, this edition of the Sonic Saga is still worthwhile. Grab your popcorn, switch your brain off, take your dose of video game nostalgia, and laugh along with the kids in the audience; Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a nice time.

Score: 12/24