Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Double the Hedgehogs, Double the Jim Carrey, Double the Adventure!

The Overview: The amplified attention on Sonic and his companions, along with a brilliant double act from Jim Carrey, makes Sonic 3 enjoyable for both families and enthusiasts.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

7 out of 10

PG, 1hr 50mins. Sci-Fi Family Action Adventure Comedy.

Directed by Jeff Fowler.

Featuring Ben Schwartz, Jim Carrey, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Idris Elba, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Keanu Reeves.

Currently Showing at Galaxy Cinemas in Sault Ste. Marie. 

Just when it appeared that everyone’s beloved speedy hedgehog could not elevate his film franchise any further, Sonic arrives with a high-energy Christmas surprise.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is more hilarious, quicker, and more fan-pleasing than its two predecessors. Surprisingly, it also emerges as the finest in the series, introducing a touch of weightiness and introspection that the earlier films merely joked about.

In the storyline of Sonic 3, Sonic (voiced with the infectious enthusiasm of Ben Schwartz) and his friends finally engage in a video game-style conflict against the renowned anti-hedgehog antagonist Shadow (voiced by the brooding and popular Keanu Reeves).

What truly counts, however, is how the narrative and emotions unfold, enriching the amusing, energized realm of Sonic and his allies for the younger audience on the big screen. This aspect enhances this sequel’s strength compared to 2022’s second installment.

Read further here: Sonic conjures vibrant chaos – Review

This is also where director Jeff Fowler (who has helmed all three Sonic films since 2020) has finally become more at ease with his vision, investing more time in the animated characters and less on the less engaging humans.

Sonic 3 maintains the quirky, geeky, and youthful charm of the first two films, complemented by an amusing and oftentimes intricate storyline.

However, this latest feature does not attempt to offset the absurdity with a family drama – Sonic 3 is a straightforward action comedy, and this renewed focus enhances its enjoyment.

Once again, stealing the spotlight is the iconic comedian Jim Carrey, whose reprisal as villain Dr. Ivo Robotnik is both captivating and humorous. In this film, he also gets the chance to play alongside himself as Ivo’s grandfather, Reginald Robotnik.

As if Ivo wasn’t mad enough, witnessing Carrey giving it his all in his metafictional and stylized role opposite himself on screen is an absolute joy. Somehow, he exudes even more boundless, frenetic energy and enthusiasm than Schwartz voicing Sonic himself.

If I have one critique of the new cast, Reeves is adeptly cast as Shadow, embodying a grim and wrathful tone. However, the script can at times feel clumsy, which makes it challenging to regard Shadow as a serious menace or a genuine counterpart to Sonic within the narrative.

Nevertheless, with such fast-paced excitement, Sonic shows no intentions of slowing down. A piece of advice for fans: stick around for the mid-credits scene, which upholds the tradition of suggesting which of Sonic’s allies will make an appearance in the certain next sequel.

Among the numerous family-friendly options at the theaters this Christmas, none stand out as extraordinary. However, if you seek some PG-rated fun during the holidays, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 receives my endorsement as the appealing choice.

And after all, isn’t Christmas the ideal occasion to celebrate those five golden rings?