Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Review

Sonic the Hedgehog is back, racing onto the big screen for his third cinematic outing, and this time he’s brought some new faces and familiar friends along for the ride. As a lifelong Sonic fan who grew up playing the games on my Sega Genesis, I was eager to see how this installment would stack up. Here’s my spoiler-free review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

The Gang’s All Here

Director Jeff Fowler returns to helm this sequel, bringing back the energy and charm that fans have come to expect from the Sonic franchise. The voice cast remains stellar, with Ben Schwartz as the ever-optimistic Sonic, Idris Elba as the punch-first-ask-questions-later Knuckles, and Colleen O’Shaughnessey as the inventive Tails. Joining the lineup is Keanu Reeves as the brooding and formidable Shadow the Hedgehog, a long-anticipated addition to the series. On the live-action side, Jim Carrey reprises his role as Dr. Robotnik—and this time, he’s doubling up by also playing Robotnik’s grandfather.

Each character gets their moment to shine, and the chemistry within Team Sonic is one of the film’s highlights. Sonic’s boundless optimism contrasts beautifully with Knuckles’s lovable bluntness, and Tails’s ingenuity rounds out the group. Shadow’s menacing presence adds a darker tone to the story, and Reeves’s voice work captures the character’s angst and power perfectly.

What Works

The film is a blast to watch, especially for fans of the franchise. The visuals are vibrant and exciting, particularly during the action sequences where each character’s abilities are on full display. The design of Shadow stands out—from his iconic shoes to his sleek color palette, everything about him screams cool.

Jim Carrey’s performance deserves a special mention. Playing both Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather, Carrey delivers his signature over-the-top humor and physical comedy, making every scene he’s in a delight. His portrayal adds a unique layer to the film, and the costume designs for both versions of Robotnik are memorable and fun.

The movie also leans heavily into nostalgia, with callbacks to the classic Sonic games and nods to the era they were released in. For fans who grew up with Sonic, these touches are a treat. Additionally, the film’s themes of grief and anger are handled with surprising depth, giving the story more emotional weight than you might expect.

What Could Be Better

While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is undeniably fun, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of some other animated films like Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse or The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Outside of its connection to the Sonic IP, the story isn’t particularly unique or groundbreaking.

The heavy use of green screen for the human characters is another drawback. While the animation for the Sonic crew is excellent, the live-action scenes often feel disjointed, and the reliance on green screen is distracting at times.

Finally, while the film is perfect for families and younger audiences, it may not hold as much appeal for viewers without kids or a deep love for Sonic.

Final Thoughts

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a solid addition to the franchise that’s sure to please fans and families alike. Between the dynamic team interactions, stunning visuals, and Jim Carrey’s hilarious performance, there’s plenty to enjoy. However, it’s not without its flaws, and those expecting something groundbreaking may come away slightly underwhelmed.

I’m giving this film a 7/10 for families with kids and a 6/10 for general audiences. If you’re a Sonic fan, this one’s worth checking out—especially for the mid- and post-credit scenes that tease some exciting possibilities for the future.

Have you seen Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for more reviews on Heroic Review!

Rating

Good

7