Sonic 3: Il film

GenX reporting in. Just got back from the first screening at our AMC with my 12 year old. We both agreed that this was the best sonic film, the closest to the games, with great action scenes, a ton of laughing... Jim Carey nails this once again, but even funnier with two of him on screen! A fantastic soundtrack including one of my all time favorite bands, The Travelling Wilburys! Fantastic visual effects that are very 3D in the 2D format. The perfect run time, isn't too short, and just as soon as you get tired it wraps up. Stay past the beginning credits for a scene that hints at part 4, which satisfied all the kids around us. We walked out smiling, this one had it all! Well done and recommended.

Let's be honest: You're seeing "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" because you're either a fan of the gaming franchise or the two films that came before it. I'm a fan of the latter, although they are not perfect. I knew, didn't think, but knew that this third installment would beat them both, and I was right.

Beginning with Keanu Reeves, breathtaking is putting it mildly. His performance and the overall character of Shadow the Hedgehog, coming from a guy who has never played the games, was jaw-dropping. Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles are great villains in the prior two installments. Shadow surpasses them by having an origin story that, while familiar to veteran players of the games, is more tragic than any of the other characters in the franchise, Sonic included. I'm a huge fan of Reeves; what more is there to say?

Even though Shadow steals the show, the returning characters are still strong. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are just as funny and charming as their appearances in the previous two entries, helped by Ben Schwartz, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, and Idris Elba's energetic performances. What surprised me the most was how they put all three in a shocking internal conflict, one which I refuse to spoil in any fashion. You need to see it for yourself!

I can't forget Jim Carrey as the two Robotniks. First of all, he came out of potential retirement for this. This review is written by a tremendous Carrey admirer, making it a big deal to me when they announced that he would reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik in this trilogy-capper. Of course, he recently said he returned because he needed the money, which is understandable, but this was no cash-grab role for Carrey. He brings some next-level comedic energy when playing both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik. Every time he's in a movie, he always makes me, and millions more, smile and laugh, and here is no different. Power-rest with pride and dignity, Carrey. Your work will continue to inspire generations to come.

I want to take a break to discuss the experience instead of the movie's contents. I saw it at a Dolby Fan Event, my second time with the format since "Wicked." Dolby enhanced both films for me, so be sure to see it that way. The theater I was in did something unexpected: skipped coming attractions. AMC usually allows audiences twenty minutes to go to the restroom or get popcorn by playing trailers for future releases, but not here. I feel bad for the people who came in late under the impression that it wouldn't start right when they arrived. Additionally, I reserve that time to go to the restroom quickly. However, the film began immediately, and I only focused on the movie rather than anything else, a testament to how excited I was and how extraordinary the following presentation was.

I'll resume talking about the movie itself now. The action was some of the best I've seen all year. The other Sonic films, admittedly, had incredible action, but this cranked the volume up to 11! If we're only covering action, you bet it's super fun!

What else makes the movie remarkably powerful is it's hilarious, the story outside of Shadow is compelling, the CGI remains beautiful, and the people in my theater were freaking out at the mid and post-credit scenes. Make sure to stay for that, Sonic fan or not!

If I were to give any semi-negatives, the comedy simultaneously surpasses and is consistent with the other two films. It's consistent in how it's sometimes juvenile to its detriment. I also found Krysten Ritter's Director Rockwell to be weak, but here's what's truly remarkable: I don't care. In a year in which I've perhaps become more of a critic than a film fan despite my personal beliefs that I haven't, I deserve and need to overlook the flaws because the rest of the film is unbelievably phenomenal!

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" blew my mind, and I didn't expect it to. I went in with high expectations, yet still accepted the possibility that it can't be as wonderful as the hype warrants. I was wrong.

Technically, the voice acting and performances from the humans (awkward way of saying it, apologies), the CGI, the well-used runtime, and the impactful narrative make the technical score a 9/10. Said 9 is because of some issues relating to the screenplay.

For the enjoyment score, I loved it! It's easily the best of the trilogy and one of the year's best films. I'm writing this before I watch the second film in the hopeful next Barbenheimer post-Glicked: "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and "Mufasa: The Lion King." Mufasa has no chance! My problems with some dialogue and Rockwell can't prevent the enjoyment score from being a 10/10. The flaws are not enough to hurt the experience, and I'm happy I can ignore them. This experience is a must-watch for any Sonic fan and enjoyer of the preceding two films, and I'm thrilled to see what this franchise offers next!

Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is easily the best of the trilogy.

Best writing, best characterisation, great humour and Keanu Reeves was absolute CLASS as Shadow.

This movie differs from the first 2, most evidently being in the tone of the movie, this movie is a soul adaptation of Sonic Adventure 2 and they handled it better than I would've ever thought.

Shadow's past is portrayed hauntingly beautiful, not to mention his immaculate CGI model, I was so impressed by how he looked.

Jim Carrey was humorous as usual, an absolute treat to have in our franchise, he was hilariously amazing as both Ivo & Gerald.

Ben Schwartz, Colleen & Idris all shined more than ever.

As a huge Sonic fan, this movie passed my expectations, what a feeling to be a Sonic fan!

This movie goes down as a rich part of Sonics history.

9/10.

This was a pleasant surprise. As a father who has spent days of my life sitting through the first two entries, I'm so relieved that the series shifted into a new gear.

The character development hit harder, the action was more exciting, and the humor hit new highs. The villains were three-dimensional and it was a joy spending the movie with the trio of Knuckles, Tails and Sonic operating with fully-formed friendship. It wasn't without nits to pick - I personally found the editing to be noticeably choppy at times - but the pros well outweigh the cons.

I can't stress enough that people familiar with the series will get a new and welcome take on how the series operates. Same chassis, new engine.

Wow, first impressions of the movie is that it definitely delivers on the hype. Somehow they managed to make this franchise even bigger than the previous.

This doesn't hold back on the fan service and Sonic fans like myself will definitely be pleased with how the story is handled, but also how they handle the characters, visuals, and even the music.

The human characters Tom and Maddie, are probably the only element in this movie I could have with or without. They don't really serve a big purpose other than to move the story along. But they're not horrible characters. I like them fine, they just don't have much screen time. But I'm also okay with that because we come to these movies to see Sonic and the gang.

Jim Carrey once again proves why he is the perfect casting for Doctor Eggman. And not only that but is pulling double duty in this movie. It's so much fun watching him play both characters and you can feel his energy in this role and how much he loves playing it. This is also his first role he's returned to for a 3rd time in his expansive career. It's nice to see he's still got it after all these years.

Keanu Reeves as the voice of Shadow is another amazing choice for this character. He really emulates Shadows complex character and tragic past. You can really feel the raw emotion from his performance. In all honesty, if Sega wanted to hire these voices to be in their next Sonic game, I wouldn't be disappointed. Not that their video game counterparts are bad, it's just how good the movie actors are in the roles.

The story in this movie is so well adapted and it really brings the emotion you want from the kind of story they're telling. Sonic in this movie is most like himself from the games than any other movie yet. This is great fun for any Sonic fan and/or for the family to go and see for the weekend.

The only complaint I really have is I wish the movie was a little longer so that it could really develop Shadow's story a little more and give it even more time to have even more weight to it. At times it felt a little rushed, but it overall was done really well. You still feel the emotional pull on the heart strings that they're trying to make the audience feel, I just wish there was more.