Story: When a mysterious and vengeful figure, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), emerges, threatening to destroy everything, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) must rally his friends and face his toughest battle yet. Will Sonic be able to save the world and protect the ones he loves?
Review: ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ starts with a promising premise as Sonic, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) team up once again to confront the returning Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and the enigmatic Shadow. Shadow’s tragic backstory and his internal struggle add emotional weight, but the film doesn’t dive deep enough to make it truly impactful. As Sonic takes center stage in this Jeff Fowler directorial, the focus on action over narrative leaves the story feeling slightly hollow, especially when compared to the charm of the original.
While the movie aims to cater to both kids and adults, its humor is surprisingly sparse. Gone are the laugh-out-loud moments that defined the first film, replaced by a handful of mild chuckles that fail to land consistently. The screenplay occasionally drags, with overly complex tech jargon that might alienate younger viewers. These moments sap some of the energy from what could have been a fast-paced, engaging adventure.
That said, the film does redeem itself with its spectacular visuals. The action sequences are peppered throughout the runtime, showcasing a stunning blend of light, color, and cutting-edge computer graphics. From the high-stakes Tokyo fight to the epic showdown between Sonic and Shadow, the dazzling animation is undeniably one of the movie’s strongest assets. The climactic battle between Super Sonic and Super Shadow is a visual treat, highlighting the sheer power of these iconic characters.
Despite an incredibly talented cast, the script doesn’t give them much room to shine. Jim Carrey remains a standout in a whacky double role of Dr. Robotnik and his eccentric grandfather Gerald. He excels in both the characters, blending his signature humor and manic energy into a memorable performance. Keanu Reeves, as Shadow, brings gravitas and intensity but could have been better utilized with a more compelling script. Similarly, the sidelining of Tails and Knuckles in key moments feels like a missed opportunity to fully leverage their potential.
While ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ has its moments of brilliance, it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of the first installment. The humor, pacing, and storytelling leave much to be desired, but the spectacular visuals and well-choreographed action make it a decent watch for fans of the franchise.