Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review by Alex

Sonic, Tails & Knuckles are summoned by G.U.N (Guardian Units of Nations) to intervene in Shadow’s plans for world destruction, however upon arriving it is apparent that they are all outmatched. So they turn to a familiar foe to have any chance of saving the planet, and appropriately wacky high jinks along with intense action occurs. We are eventually introduced to the Doctor’s Grandfather: Gerald Robotnik, Sonic and friends will find out where he stands on Shadow’s plans and whom the doctor’s (Ivo Robotnik) priorities lie with.

Upon the announcement that Keunu Reeves was playing Shadow, I was admittedly a bit skeptical. However upon seeing Shadow in action, I feel that Reeves was the right choice for the role. As the film goes on you gain an insight into Shadow’s past pain and backstory, as well as his motivation for vengeance against those who wronged him, Keunu absolutely smashed it and I feel that the line delivery and emotion of the character is just right. While I will always associate the voice of Shadow as either Jason Griffith’s or Kirk Thornton’s interpretation, I believe that Keunu was a solid choice for the film adaptation of Sonic.

Sonic fans who have played through the video games will enjoy the callbacks to previous games, as well as appreciate the film’s own adaptation of events. I enjoyed the humour throughout the film, while I am unsure about the longevity of the pop culture references and how they will hold up but they got a good chuckle out of me throughout. Lee Majdoub’s Agent Stone continues to be an interesting character throughout and compliments Carrey’s Doctor Robotnik, while the character of Agent Stone is an exclusive to the movie adaptation, I feel that the two characters are inseparable and both actors performances were excellent. However, I do feel that…

Jim Carrey’s role as Ivo & Gerald Robotnik takes the cake, the style of acting / humour reminded me of his previous works, and I feel he really leaned into the character of Robotnik. Carrey’s secondary role as Gerald was very entertaining, this was due to both of Carrey’s characters playing off each other and having shared screen time allowed for some very creative scenes. Specifically the dancing through the lasers was absolutely hilarious, and the witty dialogue between the two of them allowed for perfect chemistry between the characters. 

The Start of the film is a bit quick, straight into things but that’s what you expect for a modern children’s film. I would rather the transition into the action be a bit more gradual rather than a massive jolt, but it does work with the plot as no one in G.U.N was expecting Shadow escape containment so I see why it was chosen. Overall I don’t really have any substantial complaints, the ongoing character development fits with each of the characters, some develop more than others but I feel it was appropriate. 

At 1 hour and 50 minutes of runtime, it is on the longer side of family films but the plot justifies the length and does not drag at all. I’d say it is just right without it feeling rushed (minus the beginning but i’ve touched on that) or missing out on any key details.

In Cinemas 21/12/24 (PG) 4.2 Stars

Youth #Gottit View:

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a solid choice for family viewing, I highly encourage you to watch it in cinemas.  Hopefully he will return to the franchise, but if this is the send off for Jim Carrey, then frankly it’s a fantastic high to go out on and is entertaining for all ages.

KIDZCOOLIT/YOUTH #GOTTIT: Con, Bex & Alex at the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Screening Party CLICK HERE!!!

KIDZCOOLIT: Con meets the stars at the Sonic The Hedgehog 3 UK Premiere CLICK HERE!!!

YOUTH #GOTTIT: Con at the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 International Media Day CLICK HERE!!!

KIDZCOOLIT: Jakks Pacific – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Figures and Vehicles review by Con CLICK HERE!!!

KIDZCOOLIT: Jakks Pacific – Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Plush Toys review by Con CLICK HERE!!!

YOUTH #GOTTIT: Sonic X Shadow Generations review by Alex CLICK HERE!!! (Sonic 3 Movie pack DLC featuring Keanu Reeves now available)