Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Rating 6/10

The most challenging part of writing reviews for movies based on video games is trying to coalesce the plot into a succinct but understandable summary of what I just watched. So here goes. I’ll do my best.

Making his debut in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves) emerges as a formidable new antagonist. On Prison Island in Japan, he is awakened from stasis after 50 years. Shadow wants revenge. He’s mad at the military organization tasked with protecting Earth from threats called the Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.) and pretty much all of humanity. He holds them responsible for the accidental death of his only friend, Maria (Alyla Browne).

Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) of the G.U.N. agency recruits our fearless crew of Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) to help stop Shadow, who is now wreaking havoc on the world. Team Sonic’s journey leads them to an uneasy alliance with Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his earnest assistant, Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub). They all work together to stop a looming threat and unravel Shadow’s connection to the mysterious Gerald Robotnik (also Jim Carrey), who happens to be Ivo Robotnik’s grandfather.

Let me testify to the success of the third installment in this series. I have never played these video games, yet I was diverted by this manic amalgamation of action, humor, and CGI wizardry. Shadow’s backstory delves into themes of vengeance, redemption, and his search for identity. The attempt strives to add emotional depth to the narrative. Honestly, I found it hard to give a care, but die-hard fans might click more with these efforts to enrich the character.

Overall, the picture is fine. There’s nothing even remotely groundbreaking here, but the account offers one exceptional high point. Jim Carrey is the MVP of the production. His dual performances steal the show. The contrast between the loud and chaotic Dr. Robotnik and the quieter, sinister Gerald, who uses cutting remarks and icy sarcasm, is a charming dynamic that elicits many laughs. Their interactions create comedic tension, like bickering over who has the superior mustache or whose evil scheme is more ingenious. A needle drop to “Galvanize” by The Chemical Brothers, accompanied by an unexpected but well-choreographed dance break, is the kind of display that will either repel or delight viewers—for me, it was an absolute howler. He brings lighthearted fun and liveliness to this family-friendly sequel.

I was drawn in by the clever zaniness. It might sound like an oxymoron, but there’s a surprising amount of thought and wit behind the madness. It kept me entertained throughout. I probably will never think about this movie again, but it was time well spent in the moment.

12-26-24