Sonic the Hedgehog 3

By: Jamie Steinberg

Zoom! Sonic is off on another adventure in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. This time our spiked pal battles the recently broken out of prison Shadow who is looking for revenge. In order to tackle this bad guy, the furry space creature and former nemeses must team up with his friends to take down this formidable foe. Add in twice the shenanigans of Dr. Robotnik and you’ve got yourself a film! While we all come for the quips of star Ben Schwartz and the nostalgia of seeing a video game legend on the big screen, things get a little corny; however, kids and adults alike will enjoy the pop culture references and adolescent insults of this latest Sonic installment.

Shadow (Keanu Reeves) has broken out of prison and is looking to get his revenge on Sonic (Ben Schwartz). Currently living the quiet life in Green Hills, Montana, Sonic, Knuckles (Idris Elba), Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) are stunned when adversary Shadow reappears. With powers unlike any they have seen before, Sonic realizes he must team up with the Robotniks (double the Jim Carrey) in order to take this bad guy down. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes the stakes to a whole new level as our hero and his friends must travel to Tokyo, London and even outer space to save the planet.

Certainly, there is an emphasis on speed, but the heart of these movies is also the notion of family. Carrey shines in dual roles as Doctor Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Remaining a standout to this franchise, Carrey’s wild faces and outstanding comedic delivery bring the giggles. Yes, Schwartz is affable as Sonic, but Carrey is the one that brings the gut busters. Reeves is another epic new addition. His acting intensity is palpable with Shadow and can be felt in the character’s desire to avenge the death of a fallen friend. However, what is missing from the movie are the humans! As we get less Tom and Maddie screen time this go round, we can only imagine that Sonic 4 will possibly skip the adoptive hedgehog parents altogether.

Director Jeff Fowler continues to bring the energy and genuine heart with Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Carrey comes in with a stellar double whammy performance with his talents for physical comedy. Add in that trademark Keanu smolder that you have come to love with this new character Shadow and some standout action scenes, and you have got yourself a fun film.