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The blue blur is back, and this time he’s bringing the whole squad—and then some. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the kind of sequel that doesn’t just continue the story; it launches the franchise into even more ambitious, bizarre, and genuinely entertaining territory. It’s a colorful mix of chaotic action, heartfelt character moments, and some of the most gleefully unhinged performances you’ll see in a family film this year.
Director Jeff Fowler returns to the helm and shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, he leans into the series' weirdness even harder than before, delivering a film that feels like a sugar rush of nostalgia, 2000s-style action, and cartoonish energy—just with better CGI and more emotional weight.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: Jim Carrey once again steals the show. Not content with simply playing Dr. Ivo Robotnik, Carrey also steps into the role of the villain’s grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. The dual performance could have been a cheap gimmick, but Carrey brings so much manic energy, slapstick genius, and sheer joy to both roles that it becomes a highlight of the movie.
As Ivo, he’s even more deranged than before—whether he’s building world-ending machines or shouting nonsense while piloting a flying fortress, he’s clearly having the time of his life. As Gerald, Carrey dials it back just enough to create a sinister foil. The film even winks at the absurdity with a meta joke that’s among the funniest moments in the series so far.
Sonic’s world expands significantly with the introduction of Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced with brooding calm by Keanu Reeves. It’s a casting choice that shouldn’t work, but somehow fits perfectly. Reeves brings a stoic, almost mythic quality to Shadow, grounding the character’s tragic backstory in emotional reality. It gives the film surprising dramatic depth without derailing its family-friendly tone.
Shadow’s arrival kickstarts the central conflict, as he escapes from a decades-long imprisonment with revenge on his mind. His motivations are darker than anything we’ve seen in the series so far, but the film doesn’t shy away from exploring them. That emotional undercurrent gives the action more weight than you'd expect from a movie about a talking blue hedgehog.
Of course, Sonic (voiced again with quick wit by Ben Schwartz) remains the emotional core of the movie. Schwartz’s performance continues to be pitch-perfect—equal parts attitude, vulnerability, and rapid-fire jokes. The dynamic between Sonic, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) has evolved since the last installment. They now function as a real team, and their chemistry is one of the movie’s greatest strengths.
Tails is still the brainy optimist, while Knuckles leans into his role as the blunt, overly literal enforcer. Elba’s performance is both hilarious and surprisingly sweet, and his comedic timing helps balance the more intense scenes with Shadow. Together, the trio gives the film a solid emotional foundation amid the chaos.
The plot is admittedly overloaded—there’s a race for a mysterious power source, the return of both Robotniks, a revenge arc, and several globe-trotting set pieces—but it all moves so quickly and with such energy that it rarely feels overwhelming. There are motorcycle chases through neon-lit cities, aerial battles, stealth missions with laser traps, and even a climactic sequence that ventures into space. It's absurd, yes, but delightfully so.
The visual effects have taken another leap forward, with the CGI characters blending more naturally into their live-action surroundings. The action is cleanly choreographed, and cinematographer Brandon Trost keeps the palette bright and vivid. Whether it’s a quiet forest moment or an over-the-top dance-off in a nightclub, the film always looks great.
As in previous films, the human characters—Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter)—are present, but feel more like background players this time around. They’re fine, and they offer a few grounded moments, but this movie knows where the audience’s attention lies: with Sonic and his chaotic crew. Honestly, the shift in focus is for the best. The Sonic-centered scenes are where the film shines.
Composer Tom Holkenborg (Junkie XL) returns with another pulse-pounding score that matches the film’s frantic energy. His use of electronic beats and swelling orchestration gives even the silliest scenes a dramatic boost. Shadow’s theme in particular stands out—dark, atmospheric, and just the right amount of edgy.
For longtime fans of the Sonic games, this movie is packed with references, nods, and visual easter eggs—from subtle design details to big narrative callbacks. But unlike some adaptations, Sonic 3 doesn’t rely solely on nostalgia. The filmmakers use the source material as a jumping-off point rather than a crutch, ensuring that even newcomers can jump in and have a good time.
That said, if you are a fan of the games, especially the early 2000s era of Sonic storytelling, you’re in for a treat. Shadow’s origin is handled with far more care and emotion than you might expect from a movie like this. The movie doesn’t just want to entertain—it wants to pay homage to what made these characters iconic in the first place.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is fast, loud, heartfelt, and just the right amount of ridiculous. It knows exactly what it is and delivers on every level. While it occasionally bites off more than it can chew and rushes through a few emotional beats, the overall package is an exciting and surprisingly moving ride. With pitch-perfect casting, improved visuals, and a story that deepens the lore without losing the fun, this threequel doesn’t just keep pace—it speeds ahead of expectations.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 will be available to own on DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD on 4/15!