REVIEW: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 – Third installment in video-game adaptation is a blast
Written by Sam Clark on 17th December 2024
Nothing strikes more fear into the hearts and minds of m0vie or gaming fans than the words ‘video-game’. A history of embarrassing failures have plagued this genre, saved very briefly by the likes of this Sonic franchise and 2023’s Illumination animation The Super Mario Bros. Movie. However, the reputation of the genre is still in tatters as a few exceptions are not good enough in a series of awful films that span back to the 90s. And good lord, the upcoming Minecraft film looks like a car crash waiting to happen. Before that inevitable nightmare arrives, at least we can enjoy the third Sonic instalment, an absolute blast the whole family can enjoy.
In similar style to its protagonist, we start proceedings off to the races with very little exposition or backstory as you are expected to have seen the previous two; so, the homework is required on this one. A top secret government weapon code named ‘Project Shadow’ (voiced here by Keanu Reeves), breaks out of his fifty-year confinement and begins to wreak havoc upon the world. We reunite once more with Sonic (played once again by Ben Schwartz), Tails (returning Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (returning Idris Elba) who attempt to stop him.
They are defeated and in a moment of desperation, they turn to Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to try and put a stop to his plans. What a joy it is to return to this series as this latest film proves what a good time they are; Sonic the Hedgehog is a blast from start to finish. Jim Carrey has always been the most watchable aspect and the main attraction (they did very well in managing to get him). This time around, whilst he still does his usual schtick and was the best thing about the previous films, the whole thing in general is able to catch up with him as his performance is no longer the only saving grace.
The gag hit rate this time around is significantly sharper and some of it is surprisingly well done. It is far more aware and self-referential than in the past with references to other films that, whilst slightly on the nose and not entirely original, elicited a chuckle or two. In truth, I’m a little surprised it has taken them until the third part to have this sense of humour as I think it would have benefitted the others to do the same.

Photo credit: Paramount Pictures/ SEGA
It is very obvious that they have given him more of a prescence and more freedom to flex his comedic muscles which he does well as always and is funny. Something very surprising dawned on me that did not occur the first two times. In these films, Sonic is essentially just PG-13 Deadpool in that he has the sarcasm, the humour and self-referential nature. Speaking of Deadpool, there is a very well-done fourth wall break that works brilliantly in the moment and context it is in.
Given how successfully this re-imagining has proved to be, there is a lot more action and spectacle to be had this time around (4DX has never beckoned before as much as it does now). So much so, in fact, that this has for more in common with a superhero flick than it does the original source material. The film I would compare this most to would be Man of Steel, especially the fight sequences and final act. Given how the core demographic consists of the youngest of cinemagoers, Sonic 3 moves along at a grand and jolly old pace guaranteed to keep their attention. Usually I would be against films doing this, however it could not have been more on brand for who it is aimed at.
For those of you thinking you were lucky enough to get away with not watching one or two, you will be lost during this and can’t exactly just walk in. I was surprised at just how quickly you are thrown into things once again here, and I would be lying if I said I remembered a great deal of what has happened before. Things happen and my memory was slightly hazy as to who was who and what was what, thankfully it didn’t make too much difference.
The roles of James Marsden and Tika Sumpter (the characters who took Sonic in the first time around) are noticeable and significantly reduced to accommodate more of Carrey. Given how he has recently said that he is considering retiring from acting unless a great script came along, that is essentially what has happened here. Sonic 3 is not so much a great script but certainly a lot more material for him to do than what he had last time (and I imagine a significantly bigger cheque). The more material in question here is the two characters at once he gets to play.
Newcomer Keanu Reeves is as Zen and cool and relaxed as always and is a great addition. His villain is given some rather well-done depth and substance and is a good fit. Since the cast list now includes the likes of Jim Carrey, Idris Elba and now Reeves, it does show that the films seem to be working. Back when the first trailer for the first film came out, everyone will remember the utter horror, shock and outrage that came as a result of Sonic’s facial design and eyes.
So much so, in fact, that it went viral and changes were demanded by not only the fans, but everyone. If that had not of happened , these films would not have been what they are. I was unable to, but make sure you stick around until the end of the credits for some surprises. Solid enough fun.
3.5/5
In cinemas now