Carl Roberts 
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is yet again a superb family film. Blue Justice returns for a third adventure full of comedy, action, drama, and sheer family fun!
Blue Justice is back for a third adventure in Sonic The Hedgehog 3. The lovable hedgehog, once again voiced by Ben Schwartz continues where he left off after his second adventure. And it doesn’t take long for him and his friends to once again find themselves up their necks in trouble. This time, the threat comes in the form of Shadow The Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves) and Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey playing a dual role this time). But as can be expected, there is a mountain of backstory behind their actions. But the question is, can Sonic continue to speedily entertain us or has he run out of road this time around?
PREMISE
At the request of the military organization G.U.N., Sonic, Tails and Knuckles are tasked with stopping a powerful and mysterious new adversary, Shadow the Hedgehog. Unable to defeat him by themselves, the trio forms an unlikely alliance with Dr. Robotnik in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet. However, the matter is complicated when Robotnik is reunited with his long-lost grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who has his own sinister plans.
THOUGHTS
Sonic fans need not worry. While the film isn’t quite as good as the second outing, it remains a highly entertaining, hilarious and heartfelt family film that will charm everyone. While at times the story feels a bit tired and stretched out, it gets a reinvigorating shot of energy within a few minutes. It will have the youngsters hooked on what they see on the screen while some of the humour will sail over their heads but will tickle the adults in the audience. There is even a knowing wink to the audience at one point in the film that will have the audience roaring out loud. While a certain scene will have tears coming to your eyes, not in sadness but in sheer hilarity. To say it will make your sides hurt is an understatement. I was in pain after the scene ended, that’s how hard I was laughing.
THE VOCAL CAST
The vocal cast all easily slip into their roles. Ben Schwartz as Sonic once again voices our favourite hedgehog to perfection. There’s just something about the voice Schwartz gives Sonic that fits him like a glove. When he’s in his usual fun and cocky mood, Sonic has us smiling at every turn. When he’s mad or in a bad mood, we sit up and take notice. Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails also is perfect. Again, there’s just something about the way she voices the character. As she has been doing for a number of years that makes us feel all warm and comfortable and at ease. While Idris Elba as Knuckles once again gets to have some of the best lines in the whole film. Bringing the echidna to life once more and having us laughing as well as cheering him on.
KEANU REEVES
But there’s no mistaking the tones of Keanu Reeves as Shadow. From the moment he first speaks, we know that Sonic, Tails and Knuckles have a fight on their hands. Shadow has his own axe to grind, one that is slowly revealed as the film goes along. Reeves instils the character with a quiet but threatening voice. But despite this and his actions, we are never afraid of him, for him or find him an unsympathetic character. Quite the opposite in fact. We strangely find ourselves feeling sorry for him, wanting to pick him up and hug him. Whisper to him that everything is alright and will always be alright. That we know what he’s feeling and the anger that lies behind his eyes. Reeves is a welcome addition to the vocal cast.
THE SUPPORTING CAST
For a film that focuses mainly on the CGI characters, we find ourselves feeling a bit let down by the distinct lack of screen time many of the human cast get. James Marsden as Tom Wachowski. Tika Sumpter as Maddie Wachowski. Natasha Rothwell as Rachel. Shemar Moore as Randall. Tom Butler as Commander Walters, and Adam Pally as Wade Whipple are all criminally underused. Of them all, It’s James Marsden and Tika Sumpter who get the most screen time. But even then, they vanish from the film for a long period of time, only to turn up at a convenient moment.
As for Krysten Ritter as Director Rockwell, I have no idea what they were thinking. Krysten Ritter is a great actress and one who deserves a bigger role in the film. Sadly, she is reduced to an extended cameo in effect. Only really setting up her character for the inevitable Sonic The Hedgehog 4. And that is a shame as her character could have and should have been that much more involved.
LEE MAJDOUB
Lee Majdoub gets his biggest role to date in the franchise as Agent Stone. Instead of mainly being the comic foil for Ivo Robotnik, he actually gets to have his own story this time around. And the film is that much better for it. The actor plays the role brilliantly but we finally get to see more of the character this time and discover more about him. And that makes the film rise even higher than it already is.
Of all of the human cast in the film, it is Lee Majdoub who finally manages to get his time in the spotlight, bringing the character of Stone out from the corner he has been in for the past two films and, at times, thrusting him front and centre. And I defy anyone to not feel sorry for him and feel for him when he makes his exit from the film near the end.
JIM CARREY
But, and everyone could guess this, it is Jim Carrey who steals the spotlight from everyone in the film. Playing the dual roles of Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik (Pap Pap), Carrey should be arrested for theft. He steals the film out from under everyone else in a comedic genius of a performance. From the minute he appears as Ivo, Carrey has us crying and howling with laughter. Ivo is a riot in himself but when Carrey also appears as Gerald, the comedy suddenly ramps up and off the chain. The audience will need to take plenty of tissues with them to wipe up the tears of laughter they will shed during the film.
There are no two ways about it, this is Carrey’s film from the very start. The title may be Sonic The Hedgehog 3 but they could have slapped on a subtitle proclaiming the two Robotniks to it and it would be more than apt. Carrey delivers nothing short of a masterclass here, not only in comedic genius but also he shows his more personable and dramatic side. To say this is a surprise is an understatement but for those watching the film, it demonstrates that the actor can handle anything that’s asked of him. If this is to be Carrey’s swansong from not only the franchise but also from acting in general, he will leave a gaping hole that is almost impossible to fill.
VERDICT
Director Jeff Fowler has hit the nail on the head once again with this cracking sequel. With the screenplay by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, based on a story by Casey and Miller, the film hits almost every mark it aims for. The comedy is refreshing, the story is fun and the effects are again top-notch. A highlight of this is seeing Sonic speeding through the streets of London, poking fun at things he sees in the town and the people he runs past. Rather than be offensive, it is a lighthearted, genuinely rib-tickling poke at the English and London itself. One we find ourselves laughing alongside. Although the film can’t quite match the second film, it remains a brilliant piece of family entertainment, one that will have us coming back for more.
STINGERS
As we can expect, don’t leave the cinema until after the end credits as there are two stingers. While the final one doesn’t come as much of a surprise, the one in the middle of the end credits is. Of course, I’m not going to spoil it for you but the crowd I saw the film with were cheering and applauding when it appeared. It will be interesting to see where the franchise goes from this point. There is still so much road left to take and so much more gas in the tank, so much more mileage that it’s going to be fun. Paramount Pictures and Sega Entertainment have delivered us a nice early Christmas present with the film. Take my advice, get your running shoes on and sprint to your local cinema as soon as the film opens. Or else you’ll miss a truly gift-wrapped treat.
Sonic The Hedgehog 3 will be released this weekend, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
