Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise has come a long way since Sonic’s original design drew intense backlash from fans. Since then, the first film became a surprise hit, and the sequel was even better. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes the series to new heights, introducing the much-anticipated live-action debut of Shadow the Hedgehog. First introduced in the 2001 video game Sonic Adventure 2, Shadow has become one of the most iconic characters in the Sonic universe. However, does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 deserve similar praise?
Thankfully, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fun and entertaining ride for audiences of all ages. The film sees Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails teaming up to battle Shadow, a mysterious and potent rival with a tragic past. Shadow’s abilities outmatch theirs in every way, forcing the trio to seek an unlikely alliance to protect the planet. This storyline allows the film to explore themes of upbringing, redemption, and friendship while delivering the exhilarating action sequences fans have come to expect. Director Jeff Fowler knows what his audience wants, and he delivers. He smartly places the focus squarely on the beloved game characters, with humans, such as Tom and Maddie, taking a backseat to let Sonic and his friends grow and develop.
The cast delivers strong performances, with Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey bringing energy and charm to Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, respectively. Jim Carrey reprises his role as Dr. Robotnik (and the elder Robotnik), delivering his signature over-the-top hilarity. However, a few of his scenes feel forced and overly long. The standout addition is Keanu Reeves as Shadow. Reeves masterfully balances the character’s brooding nature with moments of vulnerability, making Shadow a compelling and sympathetic antagonist.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fun and entertaining ride for audiences of all ages and easily the best installment in the franchise.
Visually, the film is a treat. The CGI is polished and vibrant. Plus, the action sequences are a particular highlight, drawing heavy inspiration from anime. From Dragon Ball-style battles (Super Saiyan Sonic, for the win) to massive mechs reminiscent of Gundam, the film feels like a love letter to Japanese animation.
Despite its strengths, the movie isn’t without flaws. The pacing can be jarring, with frenetic action sequences suddenly slowing to a crawl for exposition-heavy moments. This inconsistency disrupts the film’s flow and may test the patience of some viewers—however, the engaging story and dynamic character interactions more than make up for these shortcomings.
Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is easily the best installment in the franchise. It appeals to die-hard fans of the games while remaining accessible to newcomers, showing just how far video game adaptations have come. For a franchise that once faced skepticism, Sonic has firmly established itself as one of the best video game movie series today. Whether you’re a fan of the Sonic games, anime-inspired action, or simply looking for a fun family film, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a must-watch.
Rating: 4/5 atoms
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters on December 20th.
