Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has raced into theaters and we’re here to share why it is definitely worth checking out.
*warning: minor spoilers below for Sonic the Hedgehog 3
If anyone had told me five years ago that in 2024 we would be on the third installment of a Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise, I’d have said they were crazy. And yet, here we are, it’s the end of 2024 and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is in theaters and it is easily the best entry in the series yet.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 takes place sometime after the second film, where Sonic, Tails and Knuckles have formed a family with Tom and Maddie Wachowski. Their lives are upended though, when the superpowered trio are summoned to deal with an escaped super-powered being: Shadow the Hedgehog! When Shadow proves to be far too much for Sonic, Tails, and even Knuckles to handle, the trio are forced to join forces with the last person imaginable: Dr. Robotnik!
Everything about this story is incredible! I admit to knowing nothing about Shadow the Hedgehog’s lore going in to this film, but the writers did an excellent job weaving together the story to present Shadow in such a way that you don’t have to have seen any of the games featuring him to understand what happened to him. Keanu Reeves was the perfect choice for Shadow, his voice lends a certain gravitas to the character that helps to further set him apart from the happy-go-lucky personality of Sonic.
The story itself is actually quite straightforward and wastes little time in getting to the action. This is one area where the Sonic films have really improved over time. My biggest gripe with the first film was that it took too long to kick into gear. Now in the third film, it seems the filmmakers have gotten the pacing for a good Sonic story worked out. It just goes to show that sometimes it pays to give a film a sequel because it gives the filmmakers a chance to improve and refine their work in a new installment.
As much as this film has improved over the previous installments, Jim Carrey is still the highlight in his role as Dr. Ivo Robotnik. Only now, Carrey’s also playing Robotnik’s grandfather Dr. Gerald Robotnik. His performance as both is so brilliant that if you didn’t know it was a dual role, you might not think Carrey was playing both parts, despite a hilarious comedy bit in the film where the fourth wall is somewhat broken to state that’s exactly what’s happening.
Somehow Jim Carrey’s performance has gotten even more over the top and insane, and I think it partly comes from having his own performance as Gerald Robotnik to work off of. The dynamic between those two characters is fascinating to watch. In a film series that isn’t known for being particularly deep, whatever’s happening between Robotnik and his grandfather is deep.
I also like how the film recognizes the focus needs to be on Sonic and his friends, as the human characters, with the exception of the Robotniks, are very much in a supporting role. This is as it should be, and I hope the filmmakers remember this going forward.
Also, I was slightly surprised at how touched I was by the conclusion of the arc between Agent Stone and Dr. Robotnik. It’s been largely played for laughs for two films prior to this one but in the last act of the film it takes a semi-serious turn and I found I was actually emotionally invested in it. I really hope Stone returns in the next installment, even if Jim Carrey doesn’t, his character is one of my favorites to watch outside of the animated characters.
On a final note, be sure to stick around in theaters after the credits roll, there is a mid-credits scene and a post-credits scene that you do not want to miss. Trust me on this.
In conclusion, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 proves that the film series is only getting better as time goes on. The introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog has taken the story to a whole different level and fans of all ages are sure to enjoy this story. Be sure to see it on the biggest screen possible.
