In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, we are re-introduced to Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), who this time confront a formidable new adversary: Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). Shadow’s power proves overwhelming, necessitating an alliance with their long-time nemesis, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), and his devoted assistant, Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub). As the narrative unfolds, underlying complexities emerge, culminating in the appearance of Dr. Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald (also portrayed by Jim Carrey), escalating the stakes to unprecedented levels of global threat.
While I’ve historically struggled to engage with the Sonic game franchise, my expectations for the first Sonic the Hedgehog film, released during the pandemic, were modest. However, I was pleasantly surprised, largely due to director Jeff Fowler’s judicious incorporation of darker thematic elements to complement the film’s more lighthearted aspects. A sequel was virtually guaranteed, and two years later, Sonic returned to theaters. This installment introduced additional characters, coinciding with Jim Carrey’s announcement of a potential retirement.
Subsequently, Paramount’s offer enticed Carrey to return for a third film, this time in a dual role. Jim Carrey, an actor I’ve long admired, not only embodies two distinct characters but also imbues them with an unexpected depth, a bold move by the filmmakers. The core cast returns, and the dynamic between the three animated protagonists remains engaging and enjoyable. Keanu Reeves delivers a compelling performance as the troubled Shadow, contributing further to the franchise’s welcome exploration of darker themes.
Regrettably, the human characters Tom (James Marsden) and his wife Maddie (Tika Sumpter) receive limited screen time, relegated to supporting roles. The inclusion of the sister, Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), and her husband, Randall (Shemar Moore), feels similarly perfunctory, adding little to the overall narrative. The character Wade (Adam Pally), feels particularly forced, appearing almost solely for the sake of inclusion. While the third film possesses several strengths and provides entertainment with solid production values, the script could have benefited from further refinement prior to filming. The narrative incorporates numerous familiar tropes, and the plot twists are relatively predictable.
For optimal viewing of Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the 4K Ultra HD edition is highly recommended. The image is presented in a 2.39:1 aspect ratio with a robust bitrate of 51.40 Mbps utilizing the HEVC/H.265 codec. Featuring a 10-bit color depth with Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, the visuals are vibrant and rich in contrast, with deep blacks and vivid colors. The initial confrontation with Shadow exemplifies the image quality, showcasing the contrast between the dark cityscape, the brightly colored heroes, and the dynamic visual effects.
The film’s audio is delivered with Dolby Atmos and Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit), creating an encompassing soundscape where each explosion, ring collection, and line of dialogue is rendered with appropriate weight and precision. A film of this nature necessitates a high-resolution audio track to provide the necessary impact and dynamic range for the sound effects.
The inclusion of supplementary material is a welcome addition, providing insight into the film’s production, although perhaps not as comprehensive as some viewers might prefer.
In conclusion, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a commendable sequel that leverages the strengths of its predecessors while introducing new elements. Bolstered by strong performances, particularly from Carrey and Reeves, and a technically impressive 4K presentation, this film is a recommended viewing experience for both established fans and families. While the script and character development exhibit minor shortcomings, the overall entertainment value mitigates these issues. This fast-paced cinematic experience demonstrates Sonic’s continued relevance, with a fourth installment already in development.
SF-Studios provided review copies for this evaluation. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial independence; our reviews are conducted impartially with the reader and consumer as our primary focus.
