As a parent who’s seen more than a few Sonic the Hedgehog movies with my kids, I have to say that the latest installment, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, is chock-full of delightful surprises for the young ones and hidden gems for us adults. One such gem is the portrayal of G.U.N., a multi-national military organization that, at first glance, seems like just another cool tech-wielding group in a kids’ movie. But take a closer look, and you’ll find it subtly criticizes government overreach and corruption – something I can relate to all too well after dealing with my city council on the issue of potholes in our neighborhood.
Contains spoilers for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3”
It’s no secret that movies derived from video games aren’t usually highly regarded… and to be fair, many of the most poorly received films have been adaptations of video games. However, a recent unexpected development is the widespread acclaim for the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, a franchise that, despite its popularity in the mid-to-late ’90s, wasn’t exactly thriving before the first movie’s debut. What makes this even more surprising is the rocky promotional journey, which included the notorious “Ugly Sonic” trailer, criticized for its unsettling and off-putting design.
Surprisingly enough, the blend of live-action and CG in “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie proved to be a massive hit at the box office, raking in an impressive $300 million worldwide. Ben Schwartz lends his voice to the leading character, Sonic, while Jim Carrey plays the antagonist, Dr. Robotnik, in all his ’90s comedy flair.
2022 saw the release of “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” a sequel to the successful first movie, and I was thrilled to be part of its audience. It wasn’t just a bigger commercial hit than the original, but it also earned critical acclaim, making it one of the rare video game movies to receive a “certified fresh” rating. Plus, with both films doing well, we got “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” where Keanu Reeves voiced everyone’s favorite character, Shadow the Hedgehog, and Jim Carrey took on double roles as Robotnik and even his grandpa, Gerald!
But, despite being a children’s film, there are some elements that only adult fans would appreciate, such as double-entendres, references to old game cartridges, and more below!
Blowing on SEGA Genesis cartridge referenced
Just prior to the climax of the movie, Sonic asks his foster parents, Tom Wachowski (played by James Marsden) and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter), for assistance in breaching G.U.N.’s headquarters in London. Their goal is to halt the Robotniks’ and Shadow’s scheme of global devastation. To do so, they must first access the server room to deactivate a protective energy field that Sonic can’t penetrate himself. Upon entering, they are tasked with inserting a unique USB thumb drive into G.U.N.’s main server, provided by Tails, in order to grant Sonic control over the HQ’s security system. Unfortunately, the drive fails to function properly. In a moment of inspiration, Tom suggests blowing into the device, much to Tails’ irritation, as he insists there’s no way it will rectify the issue.
However, following Tom’s breath onto it, he slots the USB stick into the server, and Tails gains access. This allusion is reminiscent of the 16-bit gaming era from the ’90s, a time when gamers would often blow underneath cartridges to help them start if they weren’t booting properly, although there’s little scientific evidence to support this practice. Interestingly, this reference is quite apt given that Sonic, who made his debut on the 16-bit SEGA Genesis console in 1991, was mentioned by Maddie as she declared “the ’90s were the best decade” to Tom, seemingly emphasizing the connection.
As a gamer from this generation, I can tell you that things were quite different back then. We didn’t have the luxury of digital downloads or SD cards like the Nintendo Switch. Most games were on physical disks. The younger generations might not experience the joy and anticipation of waiting for a game to arrive in the mail and installing it themselves.
Dr. Robotnic makes a manscaping joke
In the final scenes of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” the action unfolds on a colossal space weapon named the “Eclipse Cannon.” Here, Shadow and Gerald Robotnik conspire to activate the device’s planet-destroying laser, aiming to annihilate Earth as retribution for Maria Robotnik’s death, which occurred fifty years prior and is believed to have fueled Shadow’s ongoing melancholy.
Initially, Dr. Ivo Robotnik strongly objects to the plan due to it being potentially fatal for Gerald and Shadow, as well as himself unknowingly. This disagreement escalates into a conflict between grandfather and grandson, where they engage in a battle using advanced inventions, vying for control of the space station and the world-threatening weapon.
In their battle, Gerald unexpectedly shows cybernetic scorpion limbs, and Ivo displays cybernetic mantis arms. Later, Ivo uses his mantis-like claws to chop off a part of Gerald’s iconic Robotnik mustache, jokingly saying he’s doing some “mantis trimming.” This joke is a play on words similar to the term “manscaping,” which refers to male grooming or shaving. However, it might be seen as slightly inappropriate for a children’s film, since manscaping can also refer to the removal of pubic hair, but the insect pun helps to keep this implication hidden.
Gerald Robotnik’s old-timey and outdated sexism
While Team Sonic and their human companions strive to sneak into G.U.N.’s main base, Ivo and Gerald Robotnik are also making an attempt to pilfer one of two crucial keys needed to activate their cataclysmic Eclipse Cannon. After a lengthy, arguably prolonged dance routine between the Robotnik duo, utilizing their custom-made black-and-red jumpsuits to dodge the potentially harmful laser security system, they eventually gain access to the secret G.U.N. vault containing the key card. However, their triumph is short-lived as they are ensnared in a room with shifting gravity, mirroring one of the later stages from 2001’s “Sonic Adventure 2” on the SEGA Dreamcast.
For the initial encounter, Director Rockwell (played by Krysten Ritter) appears in the movie earlier as a G.U.N. agent, known for her distrust towards Sonic and his furry extraterrestrial allies. This is the point where she crosses paths with the Robotniks, displaying a stern and intense demeanor, much like other G.U.N. agents, all of whom are dressed in black, tactical military attire.
In this scene, an elderly character named Gerald Robotnik, who appears to be 104 years old and sustained by draining energy from one of Shadow’s glowing quills, expresses surprise when he says “Really? Women in the military?” to Rockwell. Although this line is meant to elicit laughter, it’s clear that Gerald is the object of humor due to his antiquated views (made more pronounced by his long imprisonment for 50 years). This joke might be over the heads of children given the lengthy history of women serving in the military and their frequent portrayal in media.
Dr. Ivo Robotnik – refreshingly – acknowledges all genders
In the initial appearance of Dr. Ivo Robotnik in “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” he appears to be in a less than ideal state, having seemingly met his end when his massive Eggman robot detonated following a battle with “Super Sonic.” However, fortunately for us as viewers (due to more of Jim Carrey’s energetic performance), and unfortunately for Sonic, Dr. Robotnik managed to survive that defeat. Currently residing in an underwater robotic crab lair, he has been indulging in food to the point of becoming obese, finally resembling his chubby video game character more closely. Additionally, he has developed a newfound obsession with a steamy telenovela titled “La Ultima Pasión,” which features Ted Lasso’s Cristo Fernández and was first aired on the Paramount+ streaming series called “Knuckles.
In due course, Agent Stone guides Sonic and his companions to Robotnik’s underwater fortress because they had all experienced attacks from Robotnik’s robot drones. However, it was discovered that Robotnik himself wasn’t responsible for the attacks; instead, an impostor had been misusing his technology. Surprisingly, despite Sonic causing him numerous troubles in the past, Robotnik agrees to aid Sonic, as no one seems to want him around at this moment, regardless of their gender.
This statement suggesting “all genders” from Dr. Robotnik is surprisingly forward-thinking, hinting at both c) his inclusivity towards all sexual orientations (pansexuality), and d) his greater openness compared to numerous politicians in Washington D.C. However, due to the rapid delivery of the line, many children might not catch this underlying implication.
Agent Stone’s possible unrequited love with Dr. Robotnik
In the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movies, character Agent Stone, portrayed by Lee Majdoub, stands as Dr. Robotnik’s faithful (and seemingly sole) right-hand man. Despite his impressive combat skills, marksmanship, technical prowess, and even tailoring abilities, Stone remains mysteriously devoted to the emotionally abusive Dr. Robotnik. This devotion is all the more puzzling as Dr. Robotnik appears to offer little respect in return for most of the film. Interestingly, when character Gerald Robotnik enters the picture, Stone is promptly dismissed and cast out, leaving his employment status and potential compensation unclear.
As the story progresses, particularly in the third installment, it becomes clear that Stone’s allegiance goes beyond professional duty. In fact, signs of this were present even in the first movie, a detail swiftly grasped by fan fiction writers and enthusiasts. Interestingly, most henchmen in media are either brutish and easily manipulated like Bebop and Rocksteady from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” or clever and power-hungry like Starscream from “Transformers,” who view themselves as the rightful heir. However, it’s uncommon for henchmen to be both intelligent and cunning, unless they share a romantic bond, such as Joker and Harley Quinn in “Batman” or Destro and The Baroness in “G.I. Joe.
In the thrilling world of Sonic the Hedgehog movies, it’s not always spelled out, but as a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice some hidden depths that might slip past both kids and grown-ups alike.
The Beatles’ Abbey Road reference in London
Because the G.U.N.’s headquarters is based in London, Sonic and his crew need to sneak into this military compound to stop Shadow the Hedgehog and the Robotniks from threatening the world. This mission leads them directly to The Big Smoke, which is situated in Great Britain.
At a certain point, Maddie and Tom find themselves in trouble, forcing Sonic to accelerate and rush into the facility before a red barrier encloses the building, rendering it inaccessible for infiltration. Given that he’s in London and is none other than Sonic, the swift-as-blue-light hedgehog opts to incorporate some fun pop culture moments during his high-speed journey. These antics include snatching crowns and jewels from the palace, modifying the looks of the British royal guards, and staging a reenactment of The Beatles’ iconic “Abbey Road” album cover, using his incredible speed to produce four rapid images of himself in the roles of “George, Paul, John… and the fourth member.” Unfortunately, poor Ringo was left out.
It’s not that every child has never encountered The Beatles, given their immense cultural impact and the fact that many parents and grandparents still admire them. However, they are no longer as widely recognized as they once were. This is because popularity fades with time, and preferences tend to shift more dramatically as new generations emerge. Even children who might listen to The Beatles through their music platforms might not instantly recognize a reference to an old album cover, such as the iconic “Abbey Road” one.
Shadow’s flashbacks with Maria are set in the 1970s
50 years prior to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 in 2024, it is stated that Shadow the Hedgehog was jailed by G.U.N. and kept in a frozen state on an isolated prison island near Japan’s coastline. This implies his incarceration commenced roughly in 1974. This detail is further emphasized when we encounter Maria Robotnik, Gerald Robotnik’s granddaughter, aged 12, who befriends Shadow during his confinement at a G.U.N. military research facility while in our flashbacks.
As I saunter through the gaming realm, it’s clear that Maria hails from the groovy ’70s. Her distinctive style, with those vibrant knitted sweaters, flared jeans, and a penchant for roller skates, screams the era loud and clear. But it’s not just her fashion, no sir! The tunes she shares with Shadow, like that classic track “End of the Line” by The Traveling Wilburys, echo the ’70s vibe even more. And to top it all off, she’s got a record player and vinyl records – talk about vintage charm!
In simpler terms, these visual clues that indicate specific decades might be clear to adults who have lived through those times, but may not be as evident to children who lack this historical perspective. For instance, “That ’70s Show” is now almost three decades old. It’s unusual that the flashback scenes in this kids’ movie don’t have a title or caption clearly stating their date, which could potentially cause confusion for younger viewers.
Scientific issues with destroying the moon with a laser
At the climax of the movie, Gerald Robotnik comes close to launching the catastrophic laser from Eclipse Cannon towards Earth for its ultimate destruction. But just as the laser was about to strike, Sonic and Shadow, having transformed into their powerful “super” forms akin to Dragon Ball Z, intervened in space. Using sheer hand-to-hand combat, they tried to halt the laser’s trajectory. Regrettably, the laser’s intensity proved too much for them, even with the added strength conferred by the Chaos Emeralds. In desperation, Ivo Robotnik and Tails, who had managed to reach the space station, took control of the laser and diverted it away from Earth. Unfortunately, in doing so, the laser sliced through the moon like a blade, giving the appearance of splitting it in half.
The sequence is presented as a humorous scenario, but it suggests that Earth has been saved. In reality, if such an event occurred on the moon, it would be disastrous for us. We might witness chunks of lunar debris crashing onto Earth like destructive meteorites, leading to city devastation. Additionally, there could be tidal waves triggered and resulting in tsunamis and flooding, extreme weather changes causing mass extinctions, and so on.
Gerald Robotnik’s Eclipse Cannon might have spared Earth from an immediate destruction, but according to experts, the consequences of Sonic and Robotnik’s intervention could prove to be even more catastrophic. It’s probably best not to contemplate the potential outcomes, we suggest.
Family drama of fake soap opera parallels The Robotniks
Previously mentioned was an amusing and seemingly unrelated detail about Dr. Robotnik becoming engrossed in the Mexican telenovela “La Ultima Pasión.” However, it turns out that this reference is more profound than it appears. In the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” scenes from this soap opera are interspersed at various points, all revolving around two siblings, portrayed by Cristo Fernández, vying for the affection of a single woman. At one juncture, their rivalry escalates to a life-or-death duel to determine who she will ultimately choose.
This mirrors the familial betrayal at the heart of Ivo Robotnik and his genocidal grandfather Gerald. While their conflict doesn’t directly tie into fighting over a woman the way “La Ultima Pasión” does, their familial struggle still nonetheless concludes with a literal dual to the death. It’s eventually revealed during the climax that Gerald had betrayed his grandson, and was only using Ivo to steal his advanced tech in order for Gerald to fulfill his own vengeful desires against the world. The final fight between the two Robotniks then leads to Ivo killing Gerald by sending him into an energy field.
While they may find the exaggerated acting in the telenovela amusing and Ivo’s viewing of it peculiar, children likely won’t grasp the deeper meanings or subtle incestuous implications in the series’ complex three-way relationship.
G.U.N. as example of government overreach and corruption
In the “Sonic the Hedgehog” series, G.U.N., short for “Guardian Units of Nations,” is a multinational military group that made its debut in the game “Sonic Adventure 2” on the SEGA Dreamcast. This organization financed Gerald Robotnik’s research on Shadow the Hedgehog, with intentions to harness his power as an energy resource or weapon. Unfortunately for G.U.N., this scheme resulted in Maria Robotnik’s death, Gerald’s arrest, and the incarceration of Shadow the Hedgehog.
These circumstances raise several intriguing concerns about G.U.N.’s financing. Who exactly funds this organization? It appears to be primarily managed by U.S. military personnel, yet its headquarters are in London, England. Is it financed by the United Nations or NATO? Do citizens have a role in deciding how these funds are distributed? Could G.U.N. pass an audit given the sophisticated technology it employs and the research and development it requires? Moreover, is it privately funded? If so, would there be less regulatory oversight, yet taxpayers might still need to contribute to its funding?
In many fictional worlds, there’s an overemphasis on military technology as the solution to problems, which is something we see frequently in children’s entertainment. This pattern encourages kids to accept large military budgets for high-tech gadgets under the guise of ‘national interest’ or ‘community welfare’. These funds could be better allocated towards social services, education, and infrastructure instead.
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2024-12-22 21:01