By Penny Theodorakopoulou,
The last few years have been a dream come true for Sonic fanatics like me. From the first film’s vivid franchise revival to the sequel’s heart-pounding battle, the blue blur has never been more vibrant. And now that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is here, the action is quicker, the stakes are larger, and the cast? Let’s just say that the choice to have Keanu Reeves voice Shadow the Hedgehog may be the best one since chili dogs.
Let’s refresh our recollections with the first two films before we go into the most recent one:
In Sonic the Hedgehog (2020), we meet Sonic, who escaped from his home world and landed on Earth, hiding in Green Hills, Montana, which was originally shown in the first film. Sonic and his human companion Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) collaborated to outsmart Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) after he unintentionally caused a power spike that caught his attention. The villain was eventually exiled to the Mushroom Planet.
In the sequel, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022), Sonic and his new ally, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), embarked on a mission to safeguard the Master Emerald after Robotnik returned with Knuckles the Echidna (voiced by Idris Elba). Robotnik appeared to die in a pivotal battle, Sonic found a family in his pals, and Knuckles turned into an ally.
Now, onto the pièce de resistance: Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (2024 in the U.S.). This film elevates the saga rather than merely carrying it on. Shadow the Hedgehog was hinted at in Sonic the Hedgehog 2‘s post-credits scene, and fans have been talking about it ever since. The elephant in the room, or perhaps I should say the hedgehog in the room, needs to be addressed. Shadow, voiced by Keanu Reeves, is everything you could have imagined and more.
The backstory of Shadow plays a major role in the movie. Dr. Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, created Shadow as the “Ultimate Lifeform” through a combination of scientific ambition and alien DNA. The film transports us to the Ark, where Shadow’s horrific past takes place. His mistrust of people and his early hostility of Sonic are shaped by his dearest friend Maria and her tragic passing.
Before the Guardian Units of Nations, or G.U.N., step in, Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are enjoying a brief period of calm at the beginning of the story. Shadow has been found, and mayhem results from his escape from stasis. The mission of Shadow? Take revenge on people. The highlight, however, is his confrontations with Sonic —two speedsters with radically different ideologies clashing in explosive ways.
Jim Carrey: The return of Robotnik
Despite having less screen time than in previous Sonic the Hedgehog films, Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Dr. Robotnik is just as quirky and captivating. Carrey’s frantic energy wonderfully counterbalances the film’s darker tone, offering much-needed comic relief without lowering the tension. His ability to move between ludicrous humor and scary villain keeps Robotnik as unpredictable as ever, even as his subplot takes a backseat to Shadow’s storyline. If this indeed is Carrey’s final outing as Robotnik, he exits the role on a high note, reminding fans why his portrayal of the famous villain is so revered.
Keanu Reeves as Shadow: A casting masterstroke
Shadow gets the necessary edge and gravitas from Keanu’s composed, melancholic voice. He gives the role a depth of feeling that is consistent with Shadow’s beginnings in Sonic Adventure 2. Particularly, in scenes that examine Shadow’s relationship with Maria and his eventual awareness that seeking revenge isn’t the solution, Reeves masterfully strikes a balance between Shadow’s menace and his fragility. I got chills when I heard Keanu say famous phrases like “I am the Ultimate Lifeform”.
Faithful to the franchise? Mostly.
As a devoted Sonic fan, I can state with confidence that the film does a good job of capturing Shadow’s storyline, maintaining the games’ authenticity while adding a few small changes to fit the film’s setting. Some artistic licenses were utilized, though. For a younger audience, several aspects of Gerald Robotnik’s experiments are toned down, and the destruction of the Ark is portrayed as a more significant event. It felt a little forced to include a subplot about Dr. Robotnik’s “mysterious return”, even though it had much less screen time than previously. Overall, though, the main plot was unaffected by these modifications.
High-speed action and heart
The action scenes in the film are amazing. The images are a visual feast, ranging from a high stakes chase through the Ark’s disintegrating passageways to a conflict on Earth that defies gravity. However, the movie’s more subdued scenes are its best parts. Sonic’s attempts to connect with Shadow by comparing their feelings of loneliness give their rivalry more nuance. Tails and Knuckles remind us why this trio is so effective together by offering humorous relief and companionship.
The ending: A New Era Dawns —perhaps time for Sonic the Hedgehog 4?
For fans, the climax is the best part. Shadow and Sonic’s final battle is a test of speed and philosophy. Without giving away too much, the film concludes with Shadow discovering a new purpose. But the scene at the end of the credits? To put it mildly, it alludes to a Sonic the Hedgehog 4 that might surpass all we’ve seen thus far and teases Metal Sonic.
Sonic the Hedgehog 4 might examine issues of identity and artificial intelligence if Sonic 3 is about understanding and atonement. We’re probably in for a narrative where Sonic faces off against a mechanical version of himself because Metal Sonic is involved. Additionally, Amy Rose, who fans have been demanding to see on the big screen, can be added. What about Sonic Adventure‘s Chaos? There are countless options.
An overall review
For fans, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a love letter. For devoted fans of the franchise, it is full of Easter eggs, emotionally stirring, and action-packed. The most notable character is Shadow, played by Keanu Reeves, who revitalizes one of Sonic’s most recognizable adversaries. The film captures the essence of what makes Sonic such a timeless character, despite a few small issues.
I’m ecstatic to see the franchise moving forward at full speed as a die-hard Sonic fan. What are you waiting for if you haven’t already seen Sonic the Hedgehog 3? And if you have, let’s all make wild guesses regarding Sonic 4. It’s definitely a fantastic moment to be a Sonic fan.
P.S.: If you haven’t played the game Shadow the Hedgehog, do yourselves a favor and play it. It’s a way to understand the film better, and it has banger songs like “I Am… All Of Me”, “All Hail Shadow”, and “Never Turn Back”.
References
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Review – A Delightful Change-up, gamespot.com, Available here
- Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review – Jim Carrey supplies laughs and energy for hedgehog threequel, theguardian.com, Available here
- ‘Sonic The Hedgehog 3’ Review: The Blue Blur’s Best Movie Yet, rendyrevies.com, Available here
- Sonic The Hedgehog 3 review: Gotta go see it again, gamingbible.com, Available here
- ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ review: Two times the Jim Carrey in this third movie, mashable.com, Available here
