Sonic the Hedgehog 3: Racing ahead, but tripping along the way

Sonic the Hedgehog has been a pop culture icon since the 90s, zipping his way into the hearts of gamers and meme enthusiasts alike. When the live-action film adaptation was first announced in 2019, fans were sceptical—and rightly so, after the infamous reveal of the original design for the titular speedster. Thankfully, the backlash led to a redesign that paved the way for a successful franchise, now three films strong, with a fourth on the way. So, how does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hold up? Let's take it for a spin.
After introducing Sonic's signature companions, Tails and Knuckles, in the previous instalment, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 dives into the story of Shadow, another speedy alien hedgehog who serves as Sonic's 'edgy' counterpart and moral foil. The new adversary is quickly seen teaming up with Sonic's arch-nemesis, Dr Ivo Robotnik, aka Eggman, alongside a surprise new villain: Eggman's long-lost grandfather, Dr Gerald Robotnik.
However, unlike the devious Robotniks, who only have evil in their hearts, Shadow's arc explores familiar territory: Will he seek vengeance for the injustices he has suffered, or will he join Sonic in embracing heroism? While predictable, this moral dilemma is handled with enough flair to keep it engaging as the main plot point during the film's runtime.
Jim Carrey steals the show once again, playing both Eggman and Gerald Robotnik with his trademark over-the-top energy. His performance is certainly a highlight, reminiscent of his iconic roles in The Mask and Ace Ventura. For fans of Carrey, this might be the best reason to watch this movie.
The animation is another standout. The seamless blend of CGI and live action feels better than the previous movies, and the action sequences also seem smoother and more immersive. While some fight scenes would undoubtedly shine brighter on a 4K screen than in a theatre, they still pack a punch.
The film's conclusion delivers a satisfying resolution to Shadow's arc, balancing the action with emotional weight. Fans of the original games will appreciate the nods to the lore, even if some of the deeper references might leave casual viewers scratching their heads.
However, despite being a 2024 release, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 feels oddly dated. Some of the dialogue lands firmly in the 'corny' territory, peppered with ham-fisted references that might've felt more at home in a 2013 internet forum. Sonic's signature trash-talking is on full display, but his brashness often teeters into unlikeability. His habit of rushing headfirst into action while sidelining his team—despite 'teamwork' being a central trope to the franchise's narrative—feels repetitive and uninspired after three movies.
The comedy, a cornerstone of the films, is another mixed bag. While there are moments that land, much of the humour relies on overused one-liners and slapstick gags that might elicit more groans than laughs.
Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a solid popcorn flick that delivers what fans have come to expect—quirky characters, fast-paced action, and nostalgic nods to the games. While the humour and repetitive tropes might wear thin, the strong performances, especially from Jim Carrey and the voice actors, as well as polished visuals, make the film worth a watch.
For fans of Sonic and animation, this is an entertaining ride. For everyone else, it's a fun, if somewhat forgettable, way to spend a couple of hours. Not quite supersonic, but still a fun spin.
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