Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: Hanging on the edge of tomorrow

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As a lifelong gamer and a fan of the Sonic franchise since its early days, I must admit that I was skeptical about this third installment of the live-action movies. However, after watching it, I can confidently say that Jeff Fowler and his team have delivered a film that not only honors the spirit of the games but also gives due respect to the community’s beloved characters – especially Shadow the Hedgehog.

It’s still surprising, in a pleasant way, to observe Sonic the Hedgehog being such a significant figure in our culture now, especially after spending so much time immersed in video games. Over the past five years, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles have risen to become bona fide Hollywood stars. Last night, I watched Sonic the Hedgehog 3, an event that resonated throughout our household. Despite expecting a fun outing for us as parents with a quirky kid, I was taken aback by the movie’s grandeur. The intensity emanating from the screen felt palpable, suggesting a strong emotional investment and a drive to make this seemingly absurd film a success on an elevated level. It suddenly struck me that the director, Jeff Fowler, had once been part of the team behind Shadow the Hedgehog video game, nearly two decades ago.

The Year of Shadow

In simpler terms, the character Shadow the Hedgehog has frequently been the subject of ridicule, serving as a symbol for “Sonic Cycle” memes that criticize the Sonic series for introducing too many characters, excessive lore, and straying from what made Sonic iconic in the ’90s. However, this is partly due to the creators of the Sonic games taking risks with Shadow, who, unlike most other Sonic characters, has a complex backstory and character development that unfolds across multiple games. This depth resonates with fans differently than Sonic and his companions, perhaps because they first experienced complex, real-life emotions through him during their childhood.

It’s possible that I’m over-interpreting, given my familiarity with Sonic games but not knowing Fowler or anyone else involved in this film personally. However, Sonic 3 sometimes felt like two distinct movies to me. Whenever Shadow appeared on screen, the movie seemed to make deliberate references to specific game moments, plotlines, and concepts that the last couple of films didn’t touch upon as much. This is particularly noticeable for those of us who played Sonic Adventure 2 on Dreamcast or GameCube in our millennial years. Additionally, Keanu Reeves’ earnest performance and a level of cinematic quality that seems unusual for this series thus far, suggest an effort to adapt the Shadow mythos in a way that engages with its controversial image.

 Double Impact

In the scenes where the cameras focus on Team Sonic, there are playful hints of Sonic Heroes scattered throughout the film, although nothing particularly significant (probably not substantial enough for those seeking a deeper connection). The movie then feels reminiscent of the initial two installments, brimming with child-friendly humor such as excessive jokes, cultural references, and an abundance of dancing. There’s an overwhelming amount of dance sequences!

In the story, family remains significant and serves as the primary focus for Robotnik’s character development. However, the movie unfortunately veers towards a more commercial Hollywood approach, which diminishes its overall quality. Initially, the film is entertaining with Jim Carrey portraying both Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, in a nod to Jean Claude Van Damme’s split-screen roles. While Gerald’s character mostly serves as comedic relief, complete with jokes about his weight, this deviation from the Shadow mythos is necessary yet questionable. Despite being an extension of Carrey’s eccentric portrayal of Eggman in the earlier movies, the humor here is amplified to an irritating extent that consumes too much screen time.

There are numerous instances where the duo’s emotional appeals (and a somewhat muted Agent Stone) come across as forced or poorly executed, seemingly due to hasty editing to accommodate dance numbers and a fight scene. These scenes, while popular among kids, veer towards a stereotypical depiction of video games that was hinted at in the first two films but is more pronounced here, resembling a punch to the gut for some viewers. While it’s understandable that children would enjoy this content, as they are the intended audience, these scenes detract from the narrative rather than enhancing it, which was the strength of Jim Carrey’s performance previously.

Live and Learn

The “two movies” feeling is strikingly evident in Sonic 3. While exploring Shadow’s past, the film demonstrates a remarkable level of cinematic skill, with thoughtfully choreographed camera movements and shots that convey a compelling narrative through imagery and evoke emotions from viewers. The dialogue takes a back seat, allowing room for reflection, and the story is coherently structured. In contrast, when Shadow is present in the current timeline, the action sequences are thrilling, featuring realistic dialogues, and maintaining a sense of continuity. However, during other scenes, the green screens take over, making the camera less active and introducing inconsistencies or awkward pacing issues that disrupted my immersion in the film and left me feeling perplexed about Krysten Ritter’s character’s actions. I found myself often confused, suspecting that some answers may have been discarded during editing. Although it wasn’t as chaotically edited as Moana 2 for a recent comparison, there were moments when it felt like a more polished movie struggling to break free, which was occasionally frustrating.

I’d like to clarify that I don’t dislike the humorous aspects or lighter moments in Sonic 3, and I don’t believe it should have been a serious, art-house film with Shadow the Hedgehog as the main character. Instead, I appreciate Idris Elba’s portrayal of Knuckles, and found the fish-out-of-water scenes particularly amusing. I also value these films for acknowledging the original voice actors, such as Colleen Ann O’Shaughnessey who plays Tails, and including them alongside the more high-profile casting choices.

Despite the occasional moments I might not want to re-experience in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, I can’t wait to revisit it. I’ve watched other movies multiple times due to kids’ tendency to repeatedly watch films, which leaves me feeling a bit envious and puzzled. However, these movies never sparked an urge within me to rewatch them myself, despite my enjoyment of them. Sonic 3, however, is an exceptionally well-made movie that demonstrates a clear effort and care in adapting a character who has a complex gaming legacy. Fowler’s portrayal of Shadow seems to validate the genuine reasons for his enduring popularity among fans for over two decades, despite negative reviews, memes, and other obstacles we don’t need to delve into. It appears that Fowler might be reflecting his personal connection with this story, but as an outside observer, it feels like a significant milestone – a chance that comes along infrequently and is challenging to capitalize on. If there is some truth to this assumption, then Fowler certainly didn’t miss the mark with this production.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is out now in theaters. A regular screening was attended for this review.

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2024-12-21 03:27