Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
- "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" delivers fun with laughs, action and nostalgia.
- Ben Schwartz and Jim Carrey shine, elevating the film with strong performances.
- The movie's pacing falters, but it's a family-friendly, entertaining ride for fans.
The blue blur is back!
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" races into theaters with a mix of laughs, action and nostalgia. While it's not a cinematic masterpiece, the film is undeniably fun and delivers what fans and kids like my nephew Parker want: Sonic being Sonic.
If you're expecting a tightly written plot or character development that rivals Pixar, you might leave disappointed. But if you are like Parker and want to see cool shoes, fast hedgehogs and some silly, energetic entertainment, then you're going to have a great time.
Here's what I thought about the latest chapter in the Sonic saga.
Ben Schwartz and the Sonic crew shine
Ben Schwartz continues to be the heart and soul of these movies. His voice performance as Sonic feels effortless, blending the character's cocky charm with a sense of fun and playfulness. Schwartz's delivery is sharp, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast elevates the movie. Watching Sonic banter with Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) is one of the highlights of the film. Their dynamic is genuinely funny, with Sonic's snarky quips, Tails' earnestness and Knuckles' deadpan delivery creating a trio that works surprisingly well.
Knuckles, in particular, continues to steal scenes with his overly literal interpretation of everything. Idris Elba plays him perfectly, leaning into the character's clueless but endearing personality. It's fun to watch these three characters interact, and their camaraderie helps cover up some of the film's weaker spots.
Jim Carrey: Dr. Robotnik in peak form
Jim Carrey's performance as Dr. Robotnik is another major draw. Carrey channels his iconic, over-the-top 1990s energy to create a villain that's equal parts ridiculous and entertaining.
Robotnik is pure cartoon chaos, with Carrey clearly relishing every scene he's in. His exaggerated expressions, manic line deliveries, and physical comedy make him one of the most enjoyable aspects of the movie.
It's refreshing to see Carrey having so much fun with the role, and it's hard not to smile as he throws himself into the character's absurdity. Robotnik may not be the most complex villain, but he doesn't need to be. Carrey's larger-than-life performance is more than enough to keep the audience entertained. It may be nostalgic for me to see Carrey so goofy, but it works and I'm here for it.
A dragging second act
While the movie's first act kicks off with high energy and plenty of laughs, the momentum slows down significantly in the second act. The story meanders as it tries to juggle too many subplots, and some scenes feel like they're just there to pad the runtime. The jokes also become a bit hit-or-miss during this section, and younger audiences might start to lose interest.
That said, the film picks up again in the third act with an action-packed finale that's sure to leave fans cheering. The climactic scenes are a whirlwind of CGI chaos, and while it might not make complete sense, it's undeniably fun to watch. The final battle gives each character a chance to shine, and the teamwork on display is satisfying for fans of the franchise.
Fun for fans and families
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" strikes a good balance between fan service and accessibility for newcomers. Longtime Sonic fans will appreciate the callbacks to the games, while kids and casual viewers will enjoy the humor and colorful action.
My 11-year-old son had a blast, laughing at Sonic's antics and getting caught up in the excitement of the story. If you're looking for a family-friendly movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, this is a solid choice.
Conclusion
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" is not without its flaws. The pacing stumbles in the middle, and it doesn't quite capture the charm of the first film. However, it's a step up from the second movie and offers plenty of laughs and entertainment. Ben Schwartz's Sonic remains a delight, Jim Carrey is in top comedic form, and the dynamic between Sonic, Tails and Knuckles is a highlight.
This movie isn't going to win any awards, but it's a fun ride for fans and a great option for a family outing. If you're willing to embrace the silliness and go along for the ride, you'll have a good time. After all, sometimes it's OK to learn a thing or two from Parker and just sit back, relax and let Sonic do what he does best: entertain.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" is rated PG for mild action and rude humor.
