Sonic the Hedgehog 3 propels the live-action adaptation of Sega’s iconic game character into a refreshing new phase. Over time, the Sonic film series has been shedding its typical “family movie” persona, striving for a more authentic representation of the adventurous, anime-inspired elements that have made Sonic such a beloved figure in gaming. With this third installment, they’ve truly hit their stride. Sonic 3 loosely adapts one of the franchise’s most cherished narratives from its 30-year history, making minor adjustments without losing the fantastical, high-octane drama that set Sonic apart from other platformers back in the early 2000s. It’s not without its slip-ups—some jokes miss the mark, and there are a few cringeworthy scenes—but overall, the film embraces the video game extravagance that has captivated fans for decades.
One of Sonic 3’s biggest triumphs is its focus on the nonhuman characters, allowing them to take the spotlight instead of being overshadowed by their human counterparts. Having been disheartened by the human-centric storyline of the recent Knuckles series, it’s a relief to see Sonic 3 giving proper attention to its anthropomorphic stars. Keanu Reeves breathes life into Shadow, a character central to the film. While his backstory isn’t a carbon copy of the game, the themes of grief and vengeance remain intact. Reeves had a shaky start with the Shadow Generations DLC, but his heartfelt portrayal in the film offers a deep dive into Shadow’s somber narrative—one of the darkest the films have tackled so far.
Drawing heavily on Sonic Adventure 2 for inspiration, Sonic 3 mirrors its dual-character focus. The movie oscillates between the styles of its two hedgehog protagonists, offering a rich tapestry of tones. Shadow’s segments are as reflective and gripping as his original Dreamcast debut, while Sonic’s scenes brim with optimism—though they aren’t immune to the emotional turbulence wrought by Shadow’s arc. Together, they offer a nuanced exploration of both characters’ battles with loss.
The interplay between Sonic and Shadow in Sonic 3 signals a more deliberate approach to video game adaptations than its predecessors. The film doesn’t just feature familiar faces and storylines; it actively mirrors the structural elements and tension of Sonic Adventure 2. Although Rouge the Bat is notably absent despite speculation, the distinct dynamic between Sonic and Shadow—each equally formidable—marks a shift towards the director’s crystallized vision. Gone are the cheesy distractions of prior films, such as pointless wedding plots or overdone pop culture nods. Sonic 3 aims to resonate with its source material, treating its audience with respect rather than condescension. The film is a poignant reflection on the contrasts between Sonic and Shadow, offering deeper insight into these iconic characters.
Despite my enjoyment of the Sonic vs. Shadow rivalry, Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Doctor Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik left a sour note. Carrey reprises his role as the mad scientist and also plays Eggman’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Known for his darker presence in the series, Gerald’s live appearance seemed risky, especially as trailers hinted at a comedic interpretation. Carrey often finds himself in scenes riddled with cliché pitfalls—like needless musical interludes and dance breaks—that suggest the filmmakers underestimated the sophistication of their audience. These bits squander Carrey’s talents, confining his characters to the pitfalls previous Sonic films have fallen prey to.
Paramount’s overemphasis on human characters has been a persistent flaw in the Sonic films. Talented actors portraying Sonic’s human friends were often hamstrung by weak scripts. Sonic 3 isn’t entirely guilty-free here; actors like Krysten Ritter, introduced as GUN agent Director Rockwell, are essentially just obstacles with little impact. Knuckles’ storyline was similarly underwhelming, barely featuring Idris Elba’s take on the beloved echidna. While Carrey’s performance as Eggman previously served to detract from these flaws, Sonic 3’s improved focus on hedgehog rivalry means those flaws are now more pronounced in his performance.
The strongest human interactions in the film are those rooted in the stories of Sonic and Shadow. Alyla Browne shines as Shadow’s best friend Maria, and James Marsden returns with warmth as Sonic’s father-like figure, Tom. Lee Majdoub brings sincerity as Agent Stone, grappling with his toxic ties to Eggman. Still, much of the film’s humor falls short under Carrey’s scenes, leaving him with little of the comedic grace he brought to the first two films. Despite probable fun on set, Carrey deserved better material than he received.
The departure from gaming canon, like resurrecting Gerald in this version, introduces notable differences long-time fans will spot. Nonetheless, Sonic 3 masterfully channels the early-2000s vibe of the series, delivering an engrossing, mostly respectful adaptation. Sonic and Shadow’s confrontations exude a new level of intensity, culminating in an emotionally charged showdown that feels well-deserved after the franchise’s steady progression through three films and a miscast TV series.
“Earned” is the word that sticks with me as I reflect on Sonic 3. This series has journeyed far since Paramount’s initial blunder with the infamous “Ugly Sonic.” Each new movie has embraced more of the endearing quirks that keep fans engaged, even as the franchise hit rough patches that could have sunk lesser series. If you’d told me two decades ago that a live-action Sonic Adventure 2 would hit theaters, I’d have been skeptical. If you’d said it would be this good, I probably wouldn’t have believed you at all.
