Review - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024)

        Alright guys, Chuck here, and this is my review of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the latest film in the Sonic the Hedgehog film series. This film sees the returns of Jim Carrey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Lee Majdoub, Tom Butler, Natasha Rothwell, and Shemar Moore, who are joined by the likes of Krysten Ritter and Alyla Browne. Also returning are Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, Colleen O'Shaughnessy as the voice of Tails, and Idris Elba as the voice of Knuckles, and they are joined by Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow. 

       So, this movie sees Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles coming face-to-face with Shadow the Hedgehog, a being that fell to Earth years before and was being used in a secret government project once overseen by Dr. Gerald Robotnik. Teaming up with their human allies, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles must confront Shadow and Gerald, along with Gerald's grandson Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who returns after his previous defeats at the hands Sonic and his friends.

        Okay, so this is easily one of the most fun movies I've seen all year. The action and humor is second to none, and still on point from the first two movies in the series. One thing that many fans have noted is that the human characters of Tom and Maddie, played by the returning James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, take a back seat for a majority of the movie, which gives fans more screentime with the game characters like Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, and both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik. Now, I saw this movie with a buddy of mine who is a massive Shadow the Hedgehog fan, and he thoroughly enjoyed Shadow's portrayal in this movie. And, I absolutely agree. Keanu Reeves plays the pain and anger of Shadow in this movie with a truly phenomenal performance. I like how they dove into his backstory of being experimented on by G.U.N. and Gerald Robotnik, as well as the close connection between Shadow and Gerald's granddaughter Maria. 

        Speaking of Robotnik, Jim Carrey is back, and as hilarious as he was in the first two Sonic movies. And, there is an absolutely hilarious fourth-wall break that acknowledges the fact that Jim Carrey is taking on a dual performance as both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik. And, of course, with the return of Robotnik comes the return of Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone, who is fantastic once again. The agency G.U.N. returns, as does Tom Butler as Commander Walters, who is really good for his limited screentime. The new main character from G.U.N. is Director Rockwell, played exceptionally well by Krysten Ritter. 

        And, of course, the main trio of Team Sonic is absolutely fantastic. Ben Schwartz as Sonic is as fun as he's ever been, and I loved the character arc Sonic has in this movie. Colleen O'Shaughnessy as Tails is always a treat, and Idris Elba as Knuckles is definitely better here than in the Knuckles streaming series from earlier this year. Now, much like the first two Sonic movies, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has a mid-credits scene that introduces two characters from the games that will, undoubtedly, have a key role in the forthcoming Sonic the Hedgehog 4, which is set for release in 2027. 

       Overall, of you're looking for a movie to take the family to over the Christmas holiday, definitely check out this movie. I'm giving Sonic the Hedgehog 3 a rating of 5/5. 

        Okay guys, this is Chuck signing off. Have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll see you guys later.