Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be speeding to UK cinemas on December 21st. Book your tickets now and prepare for chaos.
Synopsis
Sonic the Hedgehog returns to the big screen this holiday season in his most thrilling adventure yet. Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
Review
The Sonic the Hedghog is a funny entity, just like Sonic himself. When you consider sequels in general, the normal consensus is that they usually get worse, right? Well, not for Sonic. The second movie really opened up the world with the introduction of Knuckles and Tails, as well as the beautiful and mighty Chaos Emeralds, but Sonic 3 just improves on absolutely everything. In full confidence, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the best Sonic yet, and it’s even one of the best video game adaptations to date. It’s a bold statement to make, but it’s a green hill we’re willing to lose rings on.
This is the biggest Sonic movie yet, and it isn’t afraid to let you know in various ways. The stakes feel much, much bigger especially with the inclusion of two Robotniks and Shadow the Hedgehog. The stakes are also global and severely personal which actually adds a really surprising element into the mix. Sonic and the gang are learning to become a team and Shadow’s arrival tests Sonic in ways that we never anticipated. It causes a rift which elevates the drama and allows us to see a more serious side to Sonic. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop the blue blur, and Sonic 3 really goes for it. While there is still plenty of fun to be had with an array of brilliant gags, fourth wall breaks, and bewildering dance numbers, Sonic 3 is a much darker endeavour into the mythology and it balances everything beautifully. Redemption, loss, sacrifice, love, family, and revenge. The undertones and themes are drastically different compared to the previous two movies, but it all fits perfectly.
On a visual level, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is superior in every way. This film looks absolutely magnificent. The scope is huge for this third bout and director Jeff Fowler didn’t pull any punches. The most impressive addition to the franchise is obviously Keanu Reeve’s Shadow the Hedgehog. Not only do they adapt his story with the utmost care, but they also nailed his essence. It truly is a seamless transition from one medium to another, and when you see Shadow… You’ll feel the same instantly. The details are immaculate, and the visuals are utterly insane for this one hedgehog. They really do show off and the visuals help heighten everything this movie strives to do. Without the visually compelling characters, you lose that emotional and heartfelt bond between Shadow and Maria, or Sonic and his family. Without the creative and playful action sequences, the abilities and powers possessed by these iconic characters diminishes in a flash. The visuals don’t just help the film look good, it enhances the entire experience altogether.
To put it really simply, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is just a great movie. That’s it. It’s that easy. Within the opening scene, you can feel the love and thought that was poured into it. This was a film made for fans by fans, and while that was obvious from the very first movie (obviously after Sonic’s makeover), the adoration for this franchise shines and glistens exponentially in this sequel. There’s so much fun to be had thanks to return of Jim Carrey who is at his best. Reeves’ Shadow grounds the fun and packs an emotional punch that flourishes wonderfully. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has it all. It’s a delicious feast for children and adults alike, die-hard fans and newbies. This film celebrates everything that makes Sonic great, while also presenting it in a way that entices new audiences and honours the legacy of our favourite little hedgehog.
Verdict
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the best Sonic yet! It’s also one of the best video game adaptations to date. With electrifying action, truly touching moments that propels this third movie up, and Jim Carrey doing what he does best, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 marks a wonderfully chaotic end to the year.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Director Jeff Fowler returns along with our all-star cast including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, newcomers Alyla Browne and Krysten Ritter, with Keanu Reeves joining the franchise as Shadow the Hedgehog.
When will you be watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check out more Sonic goodness right here.
