With Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sega’s iconic speedster is racing into a whole new chapter on the big screen. Over the years, these live-action adaptations have been on a quest to move away from a cookie-cutter “family film” feel and dive into the unpredictable, anime-inspired world that fans of the video game series cherish. And guess what? The latest installment nails it. Sonic 3 loosely draws from one of the franchise’s most beloved stories, offering some fresh spins but never shying away from the otherworldly drama and high-octane adventures that set Sonic apart in the early 2000s. While there are a few moments where the film feels like it panders with awkward jokes or cringeworthy segments, Sonic 3 shines the brightest by fully embracing the video game flair that made these characters icons in the first place.
One of the standout aspects of Sonic 3 is its commitment to the nonhuman characters, which it prioritizes over their human counterparts. After the Knuckles series left some fans wanting more from its mainly human-focused plot, Sonic 3 delivers by putting our beloved anthropomorphic aliens front and center, offering them some of their best narratives yet. Keanu Reeves as Shadow is particularly noteworthy, providing the core of the film. Though his backstory takes a slightly different route than in the games, the themes of grief and revenge still pulse through his story. While his performance in the Shadow Generations DLC left something to be desired, his portrayal in the movie carries the emotional gravity that has always defined Shadow’s darker tales.
Though some details are tweaked, Sonic 3 draws heavily from the dual narrative style of Sonic Adventure 2. The film smartly separates itself into dual tones, depending on which hedgehog is in the spotlight. Shadow’s scenes are reflective and deep, akin to his dramatic entrance in the Dreamcast game years ago. In contrast, Sonic’s parts are filled with hope and energy, with a dash of Shadow’s narrative complexity, as both characters grapple with their own forms of loss.
The crisp duality between Sonic and Shadow makes Sonic 3 feel more like a true video game adaptation than its predecessors. By not just featuring familiar faces and lore, but by skillfully mirroring the structural elements of Sonic Adventure 2, the film truly comes into its own. Although fans are left without Rouge the Bat’s anticipated debut, the contrast between Sonic and Shadow, equivalent in might and skill yet vastly different, shines through with a strong directorial vision. Gone are most of the cheesy distractions like Sonic 2’s matrimonial subplot or the pop culture buzzwords that plagued previous movies. Instead, Sonic 3 remains true to its roots, treating its audience, including the younger ones, with respect. This adaptation transcends years of treating Shadow like a secondary character to deliver one of the most profound examinations of Sonic and Shadow’s bittersweet rivalry, maintaining the authenticity of their darkest complexities.
Yet, despite the film’s strong points, Jim Carrey’s return as Doctor Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik left me less impressed. This time around, Carrey takes on a dual role, playing both Eggman and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Known for his haunting moments in the game series, Gerald’s humor-infused portrayal in the film trailers had me concerned. Although Gerald is surprisingly present in Sonic 3, offering Carrey the chance to interact with himself onscreen, the film’s weakest links surface during the Robotnik scenes. These segments are filled with tiresome gags and unnecessary musical interludes, contributing to the notion that they underestimate the audience’s ability to grasp more sophisticated content. It’s in these moments that Carrey’s talents seem squandered.
The overemphasis on human characters has consistently been a sore spot for the Sonic movies. Occasionally, even the strongest actors are left with the weakest dialogue, making some scenes drag unbearably. Though Sonic 3 isn’t fully excused in this regard, Krysten Ritter’s addition as GUN agent Director Rockwell serves as a brief and inconsequential hurdle that quickly fades away. Idris Elba’s Knuckles was barely featured in his series, despite it bearing his name. Carrey’s previous standout performances as Eggman seemed to be the exception to this trend, but with Sonic 3’s emphasis on Sonic and Shadow, his character ends up bearing the brunt of the script’s uninspired moments.
The most rewarding human interactions are those that enhance Sonic and Shadow’s narratives—like Alyla Browne’s portrayal of Shadow’s dear friend Maria, or the father-son dynamic between Sonic and James Marsden’s Tom, the small-town cop. Agent Stone, played by Lee Majdoub, also adds depth as he grapples with the complexities of working with Eggman. But much of the responsibility for keeping kids entertained with antics falls on Carrey, which detracts from the sharp wit and comedic timing he showcased in the initial films. While the set must have been a fun playground for him, he deserved more substantial material to work with.
Continuity deviations, like Gerald’s surprising storyline, may catch even casual fans’ eyes. Still, Sonic 3 manages to capture that early-2000s vibe with its raw, captivating drama and respect for its characters and audience. Watching Sonic and Shadow clash with an electrifying energy that surpasses the efforts of the first two films is exhilarating, with the final showdown being both emotionally intense and satisfying—a fitting payoff after the film series’ gradual development and the disappointment of a lackluster TV show.
As I look back on Sonic 3, the word “earned” keeps echoing in my mind. From the days when Paramount unveiled the infamous, nightmarish “Ugly Sonic” to now, these movies have evolved, embracing the quirks and charm that have kept Sonic and Shadow close to fans’ hearts, even as the franchise navigated hurdles that might have tripped up others. Flash back two decades, and I wouldn’t have imagined a live-action take on Sonic Adventure 2 gracing theaters—let alone being this good.
