Sonic the Hedgehog 3 packs an emotional punch in the fun, highly energetic franchise. With Jeff Fowler’s kinetic directing, the third installment flies by with action set pieces in Japan, Space, and London to keep audiences, both young and old, having the best time in theaters this holiday season. 

As a new fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog films, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect with the third installment, but Jeff Fowler being at the helm for the entire franchise has kept an entertaining, thrilling cinematic language throughout each film to keep everyone having a good time. Sonic (voice by Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (voice by Idris Elba) and Tails (voice by Colleen O’Shaugnessey) are back alongside their human parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), but Sonic the Hedgehog 3 delivers double the Jim Carrey, who plays both Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his 110-year-old grandfather, Gerald, in many prosthetics. And what could bring the film to an even bigger level? Adding Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow, a highly anticipated casting by fans of the videogame and film franchise. While the film is definitely over the top in places, any scenes with both Carrey performances, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a blast for audiences of all ages and while it’s full of lore for fans of the video games, it’s easy even if you’re not familiar to watch along.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 starts as Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails are deep in bliss and enjoying time with their family, Maddie and Tom. Their wonderful, normal family time is interrupted as they’re called into action by G.U.N. to help with a crisis and save the world. Shadow has awoken after being put on ice for fifty years and is hellbent on revenge against G.U.N. Without knowing the full details, Team Sonic flies off to Japan to assist the corporation and help save the world, or so they think. To complete this mission, Sonic and his team must reluctantly join forces with Dr. Robotnik, who has lost his way and is no longer evil, seemingly. Until he meets his long-lost grandfather, Gerald, and he’s back in touch with his demented ways and they join forces with Shadow to take down G.U.N. and possibly…the world. 

The plot unfolds almost as like any over the top films, be it superheroes or action, with an over-the-top villains in the Robotnik’s and point ABC plot to destroy the world that could all be stopped with one item being obtained. While Carrey delivers energetic performances, it’s Reeves as Shadow and his backstory that add a depth to the story and ground it in a human reality. Shadow’s source for his drive for vengeance is pretty dark around a loss and grief he can’t cope with. Shadow was never provided a family or friends the way Sonic was to learn to love and process his grief. Reeves delivers a great voice performance injecting an emotional depth you wouldn’t suspect from the franchise. For all of the high-octane action and silly moments, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is genuinely an emotional examination of how circumstances and family shape you to have the proper tools to grow as a person. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 packs an emotional punch in the fun, highly energetic franchise. With Fowler’s kinetic directing, the third installment flies by with action set pieces in Japan, Space, and London to keep audiences, both young and old, having the best time in theaters this holiday season. 

Grade: B

Oscars Prospects:
Likely: None
Should be Considered: Best Sound

Release Date: December 20, 2024
Where to Watch: In Theaters