‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ Review: Keanu Reeves Speeds the Franchise to New Heights

The Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise has come a long way since the “Ugly Sonic” design shown in the first trailer of the 2020 movie. After much fan criticism, the team remodeled the titular character and the film was successful enough to garner a sequel. In just four years, the franchise has churned out three movies and a TV spin-off. While not as massive as the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Sonic property should be applauded for its turnaround rate and consistent output.

While the first film was more of a road trip story, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 took more inspiration from the source material and introduced notable characters like Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey). After the post-credits scene showed off Shadow (Keanu Reeves), fans couldn’t wait for Sonic the Hedgehog 3. The latest film in the franchise lives up to the hype and delivers high-speed action rarely seen in live-action video game films.

Director Jeff Fowler continues to honor these characters’ history while showing new fans why they should love them. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a perfect family flick to see in theaters during the holidays due to its heartwarming message about loved ones, but more importantly, the visually stunning fight scenes.

‘Sonic 3’ Zooms Past Expectations

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 wastes no time getting into action and setting up its story. The film packs a lot of fun jokes and intense action a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes, while also introducing Shadow and explaining his backstory. With Sonic 2 adapting a jaw-dropping moment with Super Sonic, fans can expect that level (if not higher) in Sonic 3. It’s clear the creative team loves the Sonic video games and wants to see their favorite moments brought to life in these films. The specific imagery and needle drops in Sonic 3 will have fans of the property cheering at the top of their lungs.

After the last few projects have been more lighthearted, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the darkest entry in the franchise. Those familiar with Shadow and Maria Robotnik’s (Alyla Browne) story in Sonic Adventure 2 already expect the somber retelling in Sonic 3. But Sonic (Ben Schwartz) also has a meaningful character arc that peels back his layers and shows he’s more than just a quippy speedster.

Sonic is well-known for his large roster of characters, but in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, he’s still adjusting to having a team. It’s enjoyable seeing the banter between Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails, but Sonic’s overconfidence and independence get the better of him and hinder the team’s success. Although the relationship between Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and Sonic was the heart of Sonic the Hedgehog, Tom takes a backseat in Sonic 3. While he and Maddie Wachowski (Tika Sumpter) help ground Team Sonic, there isn’t much for the human protagonists to do considering the film’s threats.

Keanu Reeves Casts a Big Shadow in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’

Since the reveal of Shadow at the end of Sonic the Hedgehog 2, audiences kept speculating who could be a great fit for the iconic character. Some considered Hayden Christensen after his return to the Star Wars franchise as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. But once Keanu Reeves was announced in the role, it made perfect sense after he spent years playing the stoic and hardened John Wick. Similar to that character, Reeves doesn’t get too many lines as Shadow. But when he does speak, it’s a perfect representation of the character whether it’s the darker or more emotional moments.

The dynamic between Shadow and Sonic is very reminiscent of Goku and Vegeta’s in Dragon Ball Z. The duos may be part of the same race, but their nature could not be more different. Regarding the Dragon Ball franchise, the action scenes in Sonic 3 should be considered Fowler’s proof of concept for a live-action Dragon Ball film; the fights are explosive and out-of-this-world. The bar is at an all-time high for the future of the Sonic film franchise when it comes to the fights and capturing the abilities of these characters.

Jim Carrey Delivers His Wildest Performance Yet

Before Sonic the Hedgehog 3 started production, Jim Carrey announced that he was retiring from acting. But after reading the script (and wanting extra money), he returned for another round as Dr. Ivo Robotnik. He does double duty as he also plays Ivo’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Mileage may vary regarding Carrey’s performances in these films, but if you’ve been a fan of it since the first movie, you’ll love it even more in Sonic 3. If not, you will roll your eyes at how much freedom Carrey has as the dual Robotniks. Regardless, Carrey is clearly having fun in the roles and delivers an outstanding performance that rivals his characters in The Mask and The Grinch in terms of goofiness.

Dr. Ivo’s trusty assistant, Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub), is given a surprisingly compelling little arc in Sonic 3. With Sonic learning to balance working alongside friends, Stone can’t help but question what his relationship with Dr. Ivo is, especially now that Gerald has entered Dr. Ivo’s life. Jessica Jones star Krysten Ritter joins the Sonic franchise as G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) Director Rockwell but is unfortunately given very little to do. The film already juggles Ivo, Gerald, and Shadow as the antagonists and there isn’t enough time to focus on any other human characters.

The Sonic the Hedgehog Franchise Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is the best project in the franchise. The darker storylines help give these characters much-needed development and showcase just how three-dimensional they are. The film doesn’t shy away from its source material and impressively adapts iconic moments in live-action that longtime Sonic fans will applaud. The two post-credits scenes only amplify the excitement for the future of this franchise.

With great performances from most of the leading cast and its heartwarming message about family and friends, Sonic 3 is a perfect film to see in theaters this holiday season with people of all ages. While the competition wasn’t tough this year, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 solidifies itself as the best live-action video game movie in 2024, as well as one of the all-time best.

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