With Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the live-action adaptation of Sega’s iconic speedster, we see the franchise taking a bold leap forward. Each new installment has been stepping away from the usual “family” flick template, opting instead to embrace the anime-like complexity and dramatic flair that has captured fans of the game series for decades. This latest movie nails that transformation. Sonic 3 loosely adapts one of the franchise’s most cherished storylines from its 30-year history. Though it tweaks a few elements, it dives headlong into the fantastical and high-octane drama that set Sonic apart from other titles back in the early 2000s. While it occasionally falters with some simplistic jokes and cringe-inducing moments, this third installment finally taps into the over-the-top video game elements that made Sonic characters beloved from the get-go.
Even with some questionable choices here and there, Sonic 3 shines by focusing on its nonhuman characters, steering away from the less captivating human angles. The human-focused letdown in the Knuckles series made Sonic 3’s return to the stars of the franchise all the more refreshing. Keanu Reeves takes center stage as Shadow—a role that’s the emotional heartbeat of the movie. Although the movie alters his backstory a bit, the core themes of grief and vengeance remain intact. Reeves, who stumbled somewhat in the Shadow Generations tie-in DLC, finds resonance with Shadow’s burdens here, marking one of the most profound narratives the movies have ventured into.
Holding on to its roots, Sonic 3 draws heavily from the dual perspectives found in Sonic Adventure 2. It borrows key components from the game to split the film into two distinct moods, depending on which hedgehog is at the forefront. Shadow’s segments are reminiscent of the deep, reflective nature of his Dreamcast debut decades ago. Sonic’s scenes, meanwhile, are bright and hopeful, with the movie aptly juxtaposing his reaction to loss against Shadow’s darker tale.
The distinct contrast between Sonic and Shadow makes Sonic 3 a more deliberate video game adaptation than the previous films. Beyond merely introducing familiar faces and references, Sonic 3 effectively mirrors the structure and thematic symmetry of Sonic Adventure 2. Though Rouge the Bat’s absence might disappoint some, the film’s intentionality is evident, casting aside the cheesy distractions of earlier movies—like Sonic 2’s wedding subplot—and ditching the annoying pop culture gags. Thankfully, it respects its audience enough to not pander, allowing a poignant exploration of Sonic and Shadow’s differing natures. It gives them the treatment they deserve, particularly the protagonists.
As much as I thoroughly enjoyed the Sonic and Shadow rivalry, I found myself less impressed with Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Doctor Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik. In Sonic 3, Carrey takes on dual roles, reprising his mad scientist persona while also playing Eggman’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. Gerald, who looms large in the series’ lore, was oddly comical in the trailers, despite being known for some of the franchise’s most chilling moments. Carrey’s double duty provided him ample opportunity to riff, but these scenes highlight the movie’s worst inclinations. It’s during these moments the film falls back on tired clichés—unexpected dance breaks, outdated pop songs—like adults writing down to kids who they assume can’t handle anything more sophisticated. It feels like a missed opportunity, given Carrey’s capabilities and the potential depth of the characters.
The Sonic series has long suffered from a reliance on human characters, often leading to weak storytelling. Talented actors playing Sonic’s human friends have been saddled with poor material, diminishing even the briefest scenes. Sonic 3 isn’t entirely free from this problem, with Krysten Ritter’s role as GUN agent Director Rockwell being notably underdeveloped. Even the Knuckles series misused Idris Elba’s talents by keeping his character minimally involved. Previously, Carrey’s captivating Eggman seemed shielded from these flaws, but Sonic 3 wisely zeroes in on Sonic and Shadow, redirecting the distracting tendencies towards Carrey instead of sidelining the main plot.
The rare human interactions that work in Sonic 3 are those that tie back to the central hedgehogs, like Alyla Browne’s depiction of Shadow’s dear friend Maria, or the endearing father-son dynamic between Sonic and James Marsden’s Tom. Lee Majdoub also returns as Agent Stone, caught in a complicated bond with Robotnik. Unfortunately, Carrey’s scenes veer into the silly, detracting from his charm and wit. While it seems he enjoyed the process, the material didn’t always match his talent.
Changes from the source material, like Gerald being alive, might catch even casual fans by surprise. Yet Sonic 3 strives to retain the early-2000s’ angsty, music-video-like quality of the series. It’s an engaging ride, respectful of its heritage and audience, and perhaps the most faithful to Sonic’s true essence. Watching Sonic and Shadow clash with such vigorous energy is a thrill, culminating in a final showdown that’s both emotionally raw and deeply satisfying after three progressively better films and a disappointing TV series.
Sonic 3 earns its place in the franchise’s history. Reflecting on how far these movies have come since the fiasco of “Ugly Sonic” in early trailers, each film has leaned increasingly into the unique charm that fans adore. Given the series’ ups and downs, it’s amazing to think a live-action Sonic Adventure 2 could not only exist but be genuinely good. Twenty years ago, I wouldn’t have believed such an enjoyable adaptation was possible.
