Thanks to adaptations like The Last of Us, Fallout, and (frankly) the Sonic films, we’re well past the era where video game adaptations necessarily provoke low expectations (though, surely, the stream of high points is a recent trend). In addition to being an example of that trend, the latter has one further distinction: so far, both prior films in the franchise have been pretty consistently good. It sets a high bar, both because of the pressure inherent to being the third film in a solid trilogy and because it’s always possible to fumble a video game adaptation. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is another charming, action-packed outing from Jeff Fowler, maximizing Jim Carrey’s comedic genius, though it suffers slightly from the comparative weight of the adept entries that came before.

Sonic 3 sees our cast of characters, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) living a joyful life with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), before they’re called away to Tokyo. A powerful and mysterious figure, Shadow (Keanu Reeves), has escaped 50 years in a holding facility and has destroyed swaths of security. If the powerful new speedster isn’t dangerous enough, the trio face a wave of robots from Dr. Ivo Robotik (Jim Carrey); the heroes have to ally against a bevy of villains united in the most dangerous plan the heroes have faced.

Sonic Needs To Explore His Shadow Self

The trio of super-powered animal friends at the film’s center continue to excel in their roles, with Idris Elba’s Knuckles in particular skillfully finding humor in the character’s somewhat childish soldier-like character who apologizes to nuked s’mores and is afraid of nothing except ghosts. Keanu gives a strong, stoic performance as Shadow, a pained and powerful hedgehog who wants to burn the world because of the fate of a child, Maria (Alyla Browne), who became his only friend in the lab that experimented on him. The character isn’t written to have significant range (he’s spent 50 years in stasis, after all), but Keanu’s vocal performance gives it a solid depth.

Jim Carrey here does double duty as both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik, and it’s really a sight to behold. There’s a familial commonality between the grandson/grandpa duo, but there’s layers of distinctness between the two (in addition to an incredible makeup transformation for the latter). Carrey excels in finding the comedy in the situation, moving like real-life video game characters at times and boasting some of the film’s best scenes (think dancing through a laser grid). It’s not the first time Carrey’s been excellent in the series (far from it), but it’s perhaps the first time his comedic genius has been fully utilized in the films (or among many of his recent roles, in fact).

Sonic Will Keep Adding Super-Powered Animals Until Morale Improves

The film’s overall pacing sports some issues that dampen its effectiveness. There’s quite a lot going on, given the heroes face a trio of antagonists, as well as ambiguously aligned government forces and their own internal dynamics, and historical research facilities with surprising histories. Honing wouldn’t hurt, and it consequently takes a little time to get on strong footing; the plotting seems a little scattered until the villain’s team-up and final plan is the focus. The ride’s still enjoyable overall, but there’s so much going on that there’s minimal time for character arcs or Shadow’s emotion over a tragic backstory.

Knuckles, Sonic, and Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog 3.

Additionally, while the film’s humor works and is well scripted and adeptly performed, certain jokes outstay their welcome in the edit. A late film duel between Robotniks is memorable and lands, but it lasts a few beats too long. There are other longer comedic sketches that persist too far beyond the joke’s peak, when a tighter cut would have been ideal. The jokes work well in these instances, until they work less well and their impact is watered down over time.

Altogether, Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is a success. The new character additions excel: Shadow is a great addition to the cast, and the new Robotnik is extremely well utilized for both dangerous stakes and comedic purposes. The core cast still excels, and their interrelations are better developed than ever when the script allows them to just be. Overall, the film’s biggest issue is a mere matter of editing: hone some comedic sequences, eliminate some narrative variables, give characters room to breathe and interact for a little more heart, and allow Keanu’s haunted Shadow to have a little more space to grieve and it would reach new heights. In part, it suffers from the inevitable comparison against a set of exceptional adaptations, but it’s still a fine addition to the franchise that shows there’s still miles left in those fast red sneakers.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hits theaters December 20, 2024.

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