Number 3 is fast and entertaining for you and me.
Reflecting on our earlier reactions to the first trailer for “Sonic the Hedgehog,” I’m sure we’re all appreciative that the franchise kept the Sega character’s appearance to its iconic format, and not the horrid appearance that would have doomed us all. Now that we have “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” we’re still delighted by the appearances of Sonic, the two tailed fox Tails, Knuckles the Echidna, the new hedgehog Shadow, and a secret familiar face at the mid credits scene.
One of the interesting aspects of this film is that it’s a bit more serious than the other two. Because it shows Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves) being poisoned by how the human scientists have taken away the one he loved, and how he’s even willing to help an evil scientist destroy the Earth.
Another is the way Jim Carrey (who just came out of his acting retirement) is given a dual role as the evil Robotnik and his 110-year-old grandfather Gerald Robotnik. Don’t ask me how he’s still alive and still versatile. Sometimes he can be comical, other times, it can be too weird to be funny, and other times, things take an emotional turn.
The returning cast also includes Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter as their human friends Tom and Maddie Wachoswki, Lee Majdoub as Robotnik’s assistant Agent Stone, Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Adam Pally as Tom’s sheriff friend Wade, Natasha Rothwell as Maddie’s sister, and Shemar Moore as her former intended who turned out to be an undercover agent in the last movie. And the film was, once again, directed by Jeff Fowler, who seems to know how to deliver a Sonic movie.
Parts of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” use echos from “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” as the heroes and villains must team up to stop someone worse, and even “Akira” in regards to a motorcycle chase in Tokyo. Before that, I like the way Shadow hijacks a motorcycle, holds a gun, and warns Sonic not to follow him.
I didn’t care for the last entry “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” for some of the family movie cliches it engaged itself in, but I appreciate “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” a lot more for the way it continues to please its fans with the original video game designs of the CGI creatures and for it handles its subject matter regarding loyalty and pain. How you’re supposed to handle your pathos can be a powerful thing, unless different choices can overcome it.
Schwartz, Elba, and O’Shaughnessey still provide their voices with energy and exuberance, and I like how Reeves tries different tones with his voice, instead of making him sound like John Wick or Neo. Even if silly effects do wear out their welcome, I still admire how Carrey adapts to his dual role. I’m told he came out of retirement because he needed the money, but I still think he delivers as he did so well the first time around. And I like the surprisingly emotional aspect placed in Majdoub, which allows him to excel as a villain’s henchman.
Obviously, this sequel is going to make a lot of money and another film should be on the way. Which means that kids are going to be restless in the audience, but it’s not the only kids movie out in theaters, as we also have “Mufasa: The Lion King” and “Moana 2.” So, why am I writing this review anyway? Because we all want to hear each other’s opinions, and my opinion for “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is positive. I was able to have fun with the energy level, and I was able to acknowledge its emotional weight. And I’m still jealous that they can teleport with those rings.