The Greatest Installment in the Series So Far

In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the live-action series rooted in Sega’s iconic platformer takes a bold step forward. Straying from the formulaic family movie fare, it strives to honor the anime-inspired dynamics that define the Sonic franchise. The latest installment adapts one of the most cherished narratives from the series’ 30-year history, embracing the unique, high-energy drama that set Sonic apart back in the early 2000s. While it occasionally slips into joking that’s a bit too juvenile, Sonic 3 earns its place by diving into the over-the-top elements that make these characters so dear to fans.

Despite a few missteps, the film’s greatest achievement is focusing on its nonhuman characters, steering clear of overshadowing them with dull human stories. After the Knuckles series’ misfire with its human-centered plot, thankfully Sonic 3 shifts the spotlight back to the fascinating anthropomorphic heroes, offering them some of their richest material yet. Keanu Reeves’ portrayal of Shadow stands out as the film’s emotional core. Although his backstory diverges from the game, the familiar themes of grief and revenge remain central. Reeves’ performance, which was rocky in the Shadow Generations DLC, becomes deeply resonant here, capturing the weight Shadow carries in the darker tales the film explores.

Drawing inspiration from Sonic Adventure 2, Sonic 3 weaves in the game’s dual character perspectives effectively. It skillfully transitions between tones depending on which slick hedgehog is at the forefront. Shadow’s moments are moody and contemplative, reminiscent of his debut in the Dreamcast classic, while Sonic’s scenes burst with optimism. As the movie investigates how both characters process loss, Shadow’s darker story subtly permeates the otherwise light-hearted narration.

The deliberate dichotomy between Sonic and Shadow elevates Sonic 3 above its predecessors, making it a more intentional video game adaptation. By not only featuring beloved characters and lore but also tapping into the structure of Sonic Adventure 2, the film breaks new ground. While the absence of Rouge the Bat may disappoint some fans, the clear directorial vision shines through, downplaying the cheesy distractions of earlier films. Gone are the irrelevant subplots and cringeworthy pop culture gags; instead, the film commits to a narrative that respects the original material and treats its young audience with respect.

Even the portrayal of the rivalry between Sonic and Shadow offers fresh insights. Yet, surprisingly, Jim Carrey’s performance as Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik left a bit to be desired. Carrey takes on a dual role, reprising his familiar character while also playing Eggman’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Known for spine-chilling moments in the game series, Gerald’s character here leans too heavily into humor, lessening the impact of his presence. During scenes with the Robotniks, we encounter all the movie’s low points: predictable music, unnecessary dance breaks, and humor that misjudges its young audience’s intelligence. These moments squander Carrey’s immense talent and fail to do justice to his mad scientist role.

The tendency to overemphasize human characters has been a recurrent flaw in Sonic films, often relegating talented actors to subpar material. Sonic 3 is not entirely exempt from this flaw. Krysten Ritter, who joins as GUN agent Director Rockwell, seems more like a fleeting obstacle rather than an influential player. The Knuckles series was misnamed, given Idris Elba’s portrayal of the character was barely present. Carrey’s previously unshakeable performance is overshadowed by scenes that distract from the central conflict of Sonic and Shadow.

However, Sonic 3 finds successes in its more grounded human interactions. Alyla Browne as Shadow’s friend Maria and James Marsden’s portrayal of Sonic’s fatherly relationship with Tom bring the story back to its essence. Lee Majdoub’s take on Agent Stone’s conflicted loyalty adds depth. But often, Carrey is left to entertain children with over-the-top antics, detracting from the savvy humor he brought to previous films, leaving him shortchanged despite his evident enjoyment on set.

Perhaps some of this friction stems from significant plot choices, like resurrecting Gerald from a posthumous role. Yet, despite these divergences, Sonic 3 admirably captures the series’ early-2000s vibe, delivering an entertaining film that honors its characters and their story arcs. Watching Sonic and Shadow duke it out with intense flair surpasses anything from the first two outings. The climactic confrontation is raw, emotionally fulfilling, and justly rewarded after three films and a less-than-stellar TV series.

In reflecting on Sonic 3, “earned” sums it up well. The franchise has come a long way since Paramount’s initial, questionable trailer featuring the infamous Ugly Sonic. With each film, the series has embraced quirky elements that fans cherish, even through its ups and downs. Had someone predicted two decades ago that Sonic Adventure 2 would get a live-action adaptation—and a good one at that—it would’ve seemed far-fetched. Yet here it is, proving its merit on the big screen.