What started off as a potential disaster with the first look at the blue hedgehog in live action. Thankfully, has fully turned things around to a respectful and fun franchise that many people enjoy. Sonic 3 is another win in the Sonic franchise and further proves that this universe won’t go away anytime soon.
Knuckles, Sonic, & Tails from Sonic 3
Many are saying already that Sonic 3 is the best one yet, and it’s hard to argue with that. The story, the characters, and just the overall fun of this film can’t be overlooked. Each film seems to push the limits, and I still can’t believe what they pulled off here. Each act builds up the momentum and not once did I feel bored in the theater. Watching this with an audience I think also improved the viewing experience. Visuals once again stand out in particular moments. I love just seeing all the fantastical moves from each character on screen. The ending of the film will leave fans screaming for the fourth film, which thankfully is confirmed to be coming. I don’t see an end in sight with these characters, and with how fast the studio announced the 4th film. It sounds like the studio doesn’t either.
The trio do get some great moments throughout the film, and it feels like an actual team working together, well for the most part. I loved the dynamic between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. There is fun banter and crazy moments as to be expected from them. Idris Elba gets some great moments as Knuckles that just reminds me of why I liked him so much in his first appearance in Sonic 2. The voice cast overall do a great job performing as their respective characters. I never once feel pulled out of the film by any of them. They are playing their roles to the degree they need to be.
Shadow From Sonic 3
The 2 highlights are Shadow and Jim Carrey pulling double duty here. Keanu Reeves as Shadow is just perfect casting. His voice works so well with Shadow, and I loved how they handled his character. Shadow’s backstory is handled as expected and he is a menace to our heroes. Some of the best moments of the film involve Shadow, and I’m not surprised by that. I don’t have any complaints with him at all. Carrey playing two roles here was surprising at first, but actually not. He is always up for some crazy stuff and he delivers excellent performances. Him playing off another character he plays felt seamless. He found a way to make both villains feel similar and also different.
The third act is spectacular and earned. I wondered how do you top what the first 2 films accomplished? The creatives figured it out and it is bonkers. If you know the Sonic history then you know pretty much where it’s heading. If not, sit back and enjoy the insane spectacle you are about to witness. There are some moments in the film that maybe doesn’t hit as they want to, but it’s easily overlooked by what works in the film. The human characters outside of Carrey are what you expect. However you feel about them in the first 2 installments, that will carry over to here. They are needed to help balance out our CG characters, so I understand the need for them in the story.
Jim Carrey as Ivo & Gerald in Sonic 3
Sonic 3 delivers on the fun, humor and spectacle. The story progresses well, and maybe after another viewing I could point out something that could be changed. I walked away having a great time, and enjoying the ride. The turn around of video game to movie adaptation should be applauded. Movies based on video games almost always failed a few years ago. Now we are seeing a turn around, and the Sonic franchise deserves praise and recognition for it. As mentioned in the intro, the first look at Sonic in the first trailer years ago made the fan base revolt. Now look where we are today. We have 3 Sonic films, a 4th on the way and a spinoff show. Thankfully they listened to the fan response.
So many films nowadays aren’t worth the trip to the theater at this point, this one is worth the trip. Now if you are someone who didn’t like the first 2, then this might fall in the same category. Sonic 3 builds on what worked before, and continues forward. Sure, they may do some small tweaks, but the formula is working, so no reason to change it now. They found a winning formula, so they know they can’t do too many changes. Don’t hesitate, you will regret not seeing this in theaters.
Sonic 3 is in theaters now!