With the arrival of Sonic The Hedgehog 3, the character becomes one of the few video game icons to complete a movie adapted trilogy and does so in impeccable style to great success both critically and commercially. The first Sonic film was respectable, family fun; the second, a fantastic sequel that dialled up all you loved from that first movie and more. Now, with Sonic The Hedgehog 3, the series fires on all cylinders to surpass with a passion piece that tops both its predecessors with a great story that reaches emotional heights, stylistic action, and impactful performances across the board that help to ensure the film never loses its heart and fun amidst its new path of maturity.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 see’s Jeff Fowler return to the directing chair as Team Sonic must reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, they must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and saving the planet from total annihilation.
While beats of the story in the movie may feel familiar to other films, even ones within this trilogy, what sets it above the rest is its inclusion and intimate execution of Shadow’s touching backstory. Shadow and Maria’s storyline is delicately packed into the fairly short runtime, with their dynamic and relationship being a core strength of the film and the integrity of Shadow’s character, motivation and journey across it. Shadow and Maria exude the feeling of a real sibling dynamic, packed with whim, heart and love for each other, which allows for the story to reach emotional heights when that’s not only ripped from them, but the audience too. The authenticity of Shadow and Maria’s story offers the movie a plethora of both tender and heartbreaking moments where you don’t see Shadow, who Keanue Reeves menacingly yet tenderly brings to life, as a villain but a victim and one of the most well done characters of the year. Not to mention how rad he (everyone, for that matter) look’s throughout some of the coolest action sequences of the trilogy and an electrifying third act that takes you to all new heights and set pieces.
Jim Carrey rounds out the villainous league of the movie in not just one way, but two, acting as both Dr Eggman Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik, his grandfather in what is a (for the most part) whimsically great double tap performance. Lee Majoub also returns as the iconic Agent Stone alongside the crazed scientists and is given his most interesting character material in the series so far, of which he does a great and at times surprisingly moving job with as elements not only strongly add to his character, but Eggman’s too.
As for Team Sonic; the titular hedgehog, voiced once again by Ben Schwartz, is at his best portrayal yet here, he retains the goofy, loveable charm that the series has nailed thus far while never becoming too much to handle across a handful of humorous and heartwarming moments but also matures with the sense and scale of the plot and, notably, Shadow. With the two sharing a very familiar start on Earth with a strikingly different result at one point in their lives, the film superbly displays how that one different outcome is all that prevented the two from being nearly identical and its a powerful play put to the forefront of the movie’s explosively thrilling but character driven third act which is sure to make fans, new or old extremely satisfied with its conclusion.
Both Tails and Knuckles get their respective moments to thrive and shine. Knuckles is hilarious with the movie commenting directly on his fish out of water comedic chops and timing in a gag that marvelously refers to him as a ‘fist for brains’ though there’s a small yet notable moment where you see his maturity and growth from his first and quite rash mannered introduction on display which was great to see. Idirs Elba once again reminds you why he was the perfect choice for the character. Colleen O’Shaughnessey also delivers once more voicing Tails who’s adorable as ever but not shy to show off his intelligence and technical skills.
Wrapping up the cast of the movie are the human characters who for the large part take a noticeable backseat in this movie though even with that, James Marsden and Tika Sumpta are still great as our Donut Lord and Pretzel Lady. They provide a great sense of family and parent mentorship toward the furry gang.
Though the movie isn’t totally perfect; Not all the gags or jokes land as they’re intended too, the soundtrack, bar Shadow’s theme is dry and there’s characters in there, such as Rockwell (Though no blame of this lies on Krysten Ritter) who simply don’t have enough material or purpose to feel needed never-mind even remembered in the presence of the story. But regardless there’s simply too much to not only love but adore here so…
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 establishes itself as one of the greatest video game movies ever, with a thrilling foundation laid for the series to potentially become the next major and exciting franchise universe. It delivers a wildly entertaining, yet character-driven and maturely crafted action spectacle that speaks for itself and on behalf of the undoubtedly passionate talent behind it.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 releases in theaters on December 20.
