‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Movie Review – Spotlight Report
Who could have imagined that after the first-ever teaser trailer for the Sonic movie back in 2019 — which showcased a bizarrely designed hedgehog with human-like teeth and sparked a massive online backlash — we would now be celebrating the release of the third film in the saga? The fan outcry led to a complete redesign of Sonic’s character, costing the studio millions and seemingly dooming the franchise before it even began. But sometimes, when executives listen to the fans, great things can happen, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a shining example of that.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 builds on the success of its predecessor with a sharper focus on the beloved video game characters and a standout performance from Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow. Shadow’s compelling backstory adds a new layer of action and drama, giving the film an emotional depth that’s been missing from the series until now. Reeves’s portrayal of the fan-favorite anti-hero is captivating, perfectly capturing Shadow’s intense and conflicted nature.
One of the film’s strongest moves is reducing the screen time of the human characters, allowing Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) to take center stage. Jim Carrey’s return as Dr. Ivo Robotnik is as entertaining as ever, with the added twist of him taking on two roles this time. Carrey’s signature energy, dancing skills and comedic timing continue to be a driving force for the series, and the shift toward focusing on the video game characters makes the film feel more authentic to its source material.
The humor is well-balanced, offering enough laughs for kids while also including moments that adults will appreciate. The action sequences are fast and engaging, with a grand finale that features intense, anime-inspired battles reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z. The fast-paced, high-energy action keeps the film moving at a thrilling speed, ensuring viewers stay hooked from start to finish. The superhero-style storytelling makes it feel like more than just a kids’ movie — it’s a full-fledged action-adventure.
Fans should definitely stick around for the two post-credit scenes, which hint at major developments for the future of the Sonic Cinematic Universe. Without giving too much away, these moments are sure to spark plenty of discussion and excitement. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a significant step forward for the franchise. With better storytelling, a focus on fan-favorite characters, and a strong cast of voice actors, it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish!
