“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” Is Fast, Fun, and Sincere

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Jeff Fowler, 2024) 4 out of 5 stars

Full disclosure: I have been in the Sonic the Hedgehog fandom since I was thirteen years old, so much of this film is aimed directly at me. In the last thirty years, Sonic has gone from a successful Sega Genesis video game to one of the biggest media franchises on Earth. Ever since 2020, Sonic has made his way into one of the most difficult mediums for gaming: feature films. His first two installments were box-office hits. Plus, longtime fans praised their loyalty to the games’ lighthearted tone and humor. Now, franchise director Jeff Fowler goes for a hat trick with Sonic the Hedgehog 3, a film that doubles down on the fun audiences expect while also trying to tug on your heartstrings.

After befriending fellow aliens Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessy) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) in the previous film, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) is enjoying his newfound family when he’s summoned to protect the world from Shadow (Keanu Reeves, John Wick: Chapter 4), a fellow super-powered hedgehog on a quest for vengeance. The situation becomes so dire that Sonic and his friends are forced to ally themselves with former enemy Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). The group must embark on a globe-trotting journey to bring an end to Shadow’s plans.

Sonic 3 is as fast and frantic as any of the games are. It retains the high-speed platforming action the series is known for, with plenty of nods to Sonic’s history along the way. Schwartz has the character’s trademark fast-talking attitude, but he also leaves room for more serious moments about grief. Elba and O’Shaughnessy get plenty of time to shine as well, balancing out Sonic’s speed with their brawn and brains. Jim Carrey is a scene-stealer once again, giving a deranged double performance as both Ivo and his grandfather, Gerald. James Marsden and Tika Sumpter also return as the group’s adoptive parents Tom and Maddie in fun, supporting roles.

While the previous two films adapted storylines from Sonic’s Classic Era in the early 90s, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 adapts one game in particular from Sonic’s Modern Era: Sonic Adventure 2. Released in 1998, the game marked Shadow the Hedgehog’s first appearance and remains one of the most acclaimed titles in the series. Nonetheless, with its six playable characters, Sonic Adventure 2 has an incredibly convoluted narrative. Thankfully, Fowler streamlines it to keep the focus on Sonic and Shadow’s parallel arcs.

Unlike the first two films, Sonic 3 takes on a slightly darker tone. Characters get seriously injured and even die on screen. While the idea of a hedgehog seeking revenge may seem ridiculous at first, Fowler takes Shadow’s story seriously. Several flashbacks to his past spent on Earth illustrate his loneliness and tragedy, with Keanu Reeves playing the role completely straight. Fowler uses Shadow to expand on the previous films’ themes of family, exploring what happens when family is taken from you. Occasionally, characters will just say what the film’s about outright, but it doesn’t detract from the experience.

I had fun with Sonic the Hedgehog 3. There are moments that will make fans laugh, cry, and cheer with glee. Of all three installments, this one embraces being a video-game movie the most, all the way down to the music. It’s colorful, over-the-top, and filled with love for the characters that people grew up with. I’m glad I had the chance to see a film I would have loved when I was thirteen, and I hope that other viewers have that experience, as well.

George W. Campbell

George W. Campbell is a director/screenwriter/editor from Bowie, Maryland, whose films focus on themes of family and personal relationships. As a Nicaraguan-American filmmaker, he aims to highlight specific parts of his culture and personal experiences (songs, dances, foods, and language).