As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for the nostalgia-inducing charm of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, I have to say that “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” has certainly not disappointed. The blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments has kept me entertained from start to finish, and the addition of Keanu Reeves as Shadow added an extra layer of excitement.
The “Sonic the Hedgehog” series offers quality entertainment suitable for all ages. It boasts three good films, including this one, and an excellent TV show called “Knuckles,” featuring Idris Elba’s voice as the red echidna. What keeps this franchise going? The increasing number of alien creatures arriving on Earth, who are always eager to learn valuable lessons while dishing out plenty of action. Additionally, Jim Carrey lends his talent as Dr. Ivo Robotnik, the eccentric genius bent on world domination (or so it seems). This blend of humans, hedgehogs, echidnas, and foxes continues to captivate both children and adults, making it hard not to believe in their success.
In the game “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” we encounter Shadow, a different hedgehog portrayed by Keanu Reeves, who contrasts significantly with Sonic (Ben Schwartz). This Shadow is not only darker in appearance but also in demeanor. It’s revealed that he’s been imprisoned for 50 years in a hidden facility and yearns for solitude. However, the organization responsible for overseeing extraterrestrials (G.U.N.) refuses to let him be, sending Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to capture him after their agents were eliminated. Regrettably, they don’t succeed, and instead find themselves in a restaurant in Tokyo where Robotnik’s drones attempt to eliminate them. Interestingly, it’s revealed that Robotnik wasn’t the one who sent them, and he ends up joining forces with Sonic and his companions to identify who stole them.
The fragile truce among Robotnik, Sonic, and their companions crumbles when they uncover that Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, is the culprit. Ivo, who was previously an orphan, finds joy in learning he has a grandfather, potentially his first genuine parental figure. He becomes even more ecstatic as he leaves Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails behind to chase after his grandfather’s ambitious scheme to destroy G.U.N. headquarters. This objective also appeals to Shadow, as not only was he imprisoned by G.U.N., but they also lost Maria (Alyla Browne), his only friend. However, the plot thickens, alliances shift, and circumstances change throughout the story, ultimately leading to a resolution where justice is served, and viewers can depart with a heartwarming message (and an enticing post-credits sequence).
Funny moments abound for kids and adults
In the cast of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, almost everyone excels at quick-witted banter, but Jim Carrey truly shines by portraying not one, but two characters. He humorously acknowledges this dual role in a metaphorical moment. Remarkably, he maintains clear distinctions between Robotnik and his grandfather, a remarkable achievement, particularly in a family-friendly film where he also performs some over-the-top dance moves – not once, but twice! Carrey, who has been largely out of the spotlight, chose to return for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”, and his enthusiasm is evident. Despite lines that may cause adults to raise their eyebrows, there’s enough content to engage both children and adults, making his character(s) effective. Some of his best scenes involve him interacting with his assistant Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub), who delivers excellent reactions, further highlighting Carrey’s brilliance.
From another perspective, we find Keanu Reeves portraying the character of Shadow. Despite the fact that he is playing a hedgehog, he still manages to give him a somewhat somber demeanor; this isn’t just Duke Caboom from “Toy Story 4.” As Shadow, Reeves maintains a more serious tone, yet he doesn’t shy away from adding some humor, such as the running gag about “revenge guac,” a dip that seems to be best enjoyed cold. I recall when Keanu Reeves wasn’t as renowned a film star as he is today, and I believe he hasn’t fundamentally changed much. A combination of smart decisions and good fortune have greatly improved his reputation, and the fact that he chooses to take on roles like this only makes it more remarkable.
Krysten Ritter’s performance as Director Rockwell may be the film’s main weakness; she appears to either be underused or miscast in a role that doesn’t fully utilize her talent. It seems puzzling why such an accomplished actress was chosen for this relatively minor character, as the part is essentially one-dimensional and could potentially have been played by less experienced actors.
The action is better than it has any right to be
The action in this film is honestly better than anything in the recently released “Kraven the Hunter.” The sequences toward the beginning of the movie are particularly impressive. There’s one scene that features Sonic, Knuckles, Tails, and Shadow, which looks surprisingly realistic (or at least as realistic as anything involving two anthropomorphic hedgehogs can be). And there’s another sequence that features some impressive motorcycle work by Agent Stone, which makes him look cooler than I ever thought possible. These sequences are great additions that make the film feel more grown up (Shadow even gets a gun that he even briefly uses against Sonic) while still adhering to the franchise’s family sensibilities.
Over time, things become more and more absurd in the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies, especially towards the end where it gets tricky to understand the rules of space travel for Sonic and his pals compared to us humans. They seem to be able to move around anywhere, even the moon! However, the scenes are well-executed enough that you either suspend your disbelief or just accept them as they’re silly. That’s what makes these movies so charming. Despite knowing the premise is unrealistic, you simply roll with it and even cheer for these CGI characters. Director Jeff Fowler has mastered a successful recipe for these films. They serve as delightful comfort food that the entire family can enjoy, and here’s to many more!
“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” hits cineplexes on Friday, December 20.
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2024-12-18 17:30