“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” kicks off with explosive action and dazzling visuals, but its attempts at humor often miss the mark. Despite stunning CGI and action-packed scenes, the film is bogged down by cringeworthy humor. Sonic’s relentless one-liners quickly become grating, and while the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog brings some much-needed depth, the remaining characters lack charm and fail to leave a lasting impression.
The film picks up right where “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” left off, following Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, as he enjoys his safe, suburban life with his adoptive parents, Tom, played by James Marsden, and Maddie, played by Tika Sumpter. However, Sonic’s peace is disrupted by Shadow, voiced by Keanu Reeves, after he awakens from a 50-year stasis induced by the US military. Sonic and his friends Knuckles and Tails embark on a mission to defeat Shadow. This premise immediately sets up a high-stakes adventure, though it is soon muddled by the film’s inconsistent tone.
I found myself physically cringing at Sonic’s overreliance on atrocious one-liners. During one of their confrontations, Shadow angrily snaps, “The more you talk the harder I want to hit you,” a sentiment I completely agree with. Sonic’s humor seems to aim for a Ryan Reynolds-esque wit but lacks the charm to pull it off. It felt as if the film was trying to entertain adults while babysitting a room full of eight-year-olds. These tonal missteps make it difficult for the film to fully resonate with either audience.
Although the humor fell flat, the plot itself was surprisingly solid. The story delivers a mix of high-stakes action and heartfelt moments that appeal to both kids and adults. The conflict between Sonic and Shadow is tense and the layers of Shadow’s tragic backstory make his motives compelling without feeling heavy-handed. The balance of emotion and action kept me invested in the story.
The fast-paced action scenes, particularly the climactic fight between Super Sonic and Super Shadow that spanned continents, are mesmerizing. The seamless integration of Sonic, Knuckles, Tails and Shadow into their surroundings is a far cry from the infamous 2019 design that left fans horrified.
Another standout element is Jim Carrey’s dual performance as both Dr. Robotnik and his eccentric grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Carrey’s comedic timing and energy steal the show, making his scenes far more enjoyable than those featuring Sonic’s forced humor. The dance routine involving the Robotniks was expertly choreographed and will not soon be forgotten, it added a layer of charm that the rest of the film struggles to achieve.
While “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” may not be remembered as a masterpiece, it offers enough standout moments to satisfy fans of the franchise and younger viewers. With its stunning visuals and engaging conflict between Sonic and Shadow, the film succeeds in delivering excitement, even if it falls short in humor and character depth. These strengths, combined with the potential hinted at in its best scenes, create an entertaining movie, if imperfect, in addition to the series.
