The Wasteland Reviewer

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024) Written Review

Who would have thought that we are living in the peak of video game adaptations in cinema? The Last of Us took streaming by storm over on HBO and Max with its haunting and dark tale. But on the big screen, everyone’s favorite blue hedgehog is taking the world by storm. For years, video game films were mostly trash but this franchise found the perfect way to be adapted. These films are fun and respectful to the source material and fanbase. They are not perfect films and sometimes a little too silly, but they are so endearingly fun. But this time, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is more emotional and takes things in a bit of a dark atmosphere. 

Does Sonic 3 achieve the darker tone and still deliver the fun? The weightier emotion comes from the connections between the otherworldly characters and their connections to humans. The Shadow/Maria story of the film is heartbreaking for sure. That tragedy is the whole motivation for Shadow and that brings a darker edge whenever he is on screen. This is reflected well with Sonic and his own connection to James Marsden’s Tom. This leads to an aggressive and violent confrontation at the climax of the film. The children in the theater were even getting upset by it. The stakes of the dual Robotnik’s plan are dark and emotionally charged as well. 

Is the film able to still capture the spirited fun of this series? It is important to realize that director Jeff Fowler is still about to find the humor even if the story is overall darker and powerful. This film is legitimately hilarious. Jim Carrey is pulling double duty and delivering so many laughs along the way. The physical humor and word play from Carrey is just impressive and few performers can sell it. The group dynamic of Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles delivers some great humor as well. Sonic is silly and charming, and Knuckles is so dense and aloof that they deliver laughs as well. But that dynamic also helps bring the emotional anchor to the climax of the film as well. 

But what are you really looking for in a Sonic the Hedgehog film? Action and adventure! There are a few inspired moments that utilize the creative technology of this franchise that makes things more fun and engaging. The Robotnik family has so many cool toys that make for some interesting action sequences as well. The music from Tom Holkenborg brings the energy and the effects work so well in capturing the speed of the characters and the powers of the emeralds for the characters. The climax of this film is a whole other level with an intense and hugely dynamic team up with some cool effects and elements that will get fans of the games cheering.

Does the story keep up with our speedy heroes? Not always. The first act is kind of clunky and stuffed to the gills in exposition. This film takes a while to get going but once it hits its stride, there is something special here. The human friends get a bit more of a back seat this time around but are still there for the emotional beats. The film must introduce a backstory for Shadow, history for the government, and a mysterious new Robotnik into the scenario. That is a lot to deal with. The film is anchored by two MacGuffins which is not the most interesting but there is enough emotion, laughs, and actions to wrap around it. 

Does the cast bring the charm yet again? Ben Schwartz is so perfect for Sonic. He is charming, funny, and when this film needs him too, he brings some good emotion and some elements of anger as well. Colleen O’Shaughnessy is the unsung hero and anchor to this crew as the lovable Tails. Idris Elba is just as much fun as Knuckles who is overly tough, dense, and honorable. Reeves is a great voice addition as Shadow as he imbues him with a darker and moodier edge. Marsden and Tika Sumpter make the most of their screen time. Lee Majdoub has flown under the radar in this franchise, but he is so funny, and he gets some emotional beats this time around as well. But the real star is Carrey who has insane chemistry with himself as both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik. They have some surprising emotional depth this time around but unsurprisingly they are downright hilarious. They have one dance together that is just silly and outrageous, but it works so well for this franchise. 

Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 yet another win for this fun video franchise in film? This just might be the best one yet. The beginning might get a slow start, but the rest of this film rises well above the bar for such a fun, exciting, and emotional ride. Carrey continues to be an all-star but the big addition of franchise favorites in Shadow and Reeves is a great voice to join the fun. There are good messages about family, friends, and grief as well. This is a charming and exciting new blockbuster on the big screen.