Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review

I’ve seen Sonic and Sonic 2 a couple of times now, and I’m very comfortable with where they sit. Solidly entertaining family films containing mainly lore-accurate versions of characters I’ve grown up with. Realistically I don’t think I could ask for anything more. They know exactly what they need to be and overall keep hitting the mark.

So to once again get that same mixture of “I know that thing it’s really cool!” and Jim Carrey, alongside some lessons learnt from the previous two entries means we’re onto another winner. Who knew we’d get a solid trilogy of Sonic films when we initially saw all those teeth!

The second film was the peak of my franchise knowledge, with the introductions of Shadow, Gerald, Maria, and more GUN very much in my younger Sister’s territory. Fortunately I know my way around some of the songs (as does my daughter), and some of the lore, so we were both regularly gasping and turning to each other. It hits all the right beats. One of the best aspects of cinema can be its communal emotive nature, so to have that with my daughter is very special.

We might get double the Carrey this time – no bad thing – but overall there’s a lot less human action. Phew! My biggest issue with the second film has been identified and dealt with. Speaking of Carrey, he goes full Eggman! The suit and the stomach join the shaved head and goggles to give us the look many of have us have been familiar with since 1991. As much as the films do a strong job with Team Sonic, Carrey essentially carries it. I don’t think there would be three films without him.

Don’t go into this film expecting everything to make sense. You really need to just accept that these creatures arrive from various places, look awesome, and have cool powers. Don’t worry about it! These films are full of heart and some nice lessons on family. They’re well-meaning, with a lot of loving references. Manage those expectations and have yourself a good time.

I’ll quickly mention Keanu Reeves. This might be the most Keanu Reeves you’ll ever hear him. Take that however you like. Shadow adds some raw emotion and a slightly more adult nature to the film. Angst and broodiness as only an early noughties created character could. Hopefully the series can continue to grow with the kids (and bigger kids) following it.

I’ve mentioned her already so it was only fair that when my daughter asked what I was doing and if she could add to it, that I let her type her first review. I’ll keep it included as written by her, just with added quotation marks. So at age seven, this is her first written review!

“I love the film.”

Simple as that really. As long as they keep respecting the characters and lore with fun stories, amazingly consistent CGI, and strong voice acting, here’s to many more. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is exactly what it needs to be. Roll on number four!