In early 2019, the initial trailer for the live-action adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog was met with significant criticism from fans. The character design of the beloved blue hedgehog, featuring an overly human-like form, was widely considered unappealing, with some describing the facial rendering as unsettling. In response, Paramount made a noteworthy decision (unlike, say, Cats): they halted production and redesigned Sonic’s appearance. The original trailer showcasing the initial design is included below. Viewers can assess for themselves the impact of the redesign. From my perspective, the change was absolutely necessary, even as someone who doesn’t consider themselves a die-hard Sonic devotee.
Following the design overhaul, Sonic the Hedgehog premiered in theaters on February 19, 2020, shortly before widespread cinema closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film achieved considerable commercial success within this limited theatrical window. Paramount subsequently released the film digitally, making it available on VOD platforms as early as Boxing Day.
Sonic (Ben Schwartz), who possesses extraordinary speed, finds himself ostracized on his home planet, making him a target. He is compelled to escape to another world, utilizing a collection of rings that function as interdimensional portals. He arrives on Earth and establishes a secluded life in the woods near a small American town. For a decade, he lives in secrecy, observing the local population. His closest, albeit unwitting, “friends” are the town’s police officer, Tom (James Marsden), and his girlfriend, Maddie (Tika Sumpter). Their unawareness ends when a surge of loneliness causes Sonic to inadvertently trigger a massive power outage, attracting the attention of the government. They dispatch the eccentric and brilliant Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to investigate, placing Sonic’s continued existence on Earth in jeopardy.
The adaptation of video games to film presents varying degrees of difficulty, and conceptually, Sonic should be relatively straightforward. However, challenges emerge upon closer examination. The original games lack a substantial narrative, primarily focusing on high-speed traversal through loop-filled environments. Subsequent TV series, comics, and other media have contributed to a more elaborate backstory. While I must admit my limited familiarity with the broader Sonic universe, preventing me from definitively assessing the film’s fidelity to existing lore, Sonic the Hedgehog essentially adheres to a simple plot structure: the protagonists must journey from point A to B while evading the antagonists. Interspersed are familiar themes of friendship and the development of mutual appreciation between initially disparate individuals. A fairly standard Hollywood formula. However, several elements distinguish this film from typical adaptations.
Foremost, and prominently featured in promotional materials, is Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Dr. Robotnik. The casting choice is particularly apt, as few actors could effectively embody this character. The challenge lies in creating a believable human interpretation of an inherently cartoonish villain. Jim Carrey, known for his own exaggerated comedic style, proves exceptionally well-suited to the role. After a period of relative absence from leading roles on the big screen, with his most recent prominent film being the poorly received sequel Dumb and Dumber To (2014) followed by the low-budget drama True Crimes (2016), Carrey experienced a partial resurgence with the HBO series Kidding (2018), in which he portrayed a children’s show host experiencing a mental breakdown. While I have not personally viewed the series, it has received positive reviews. His performance as Dr. Robotnik marks a significant return to form for Carrey, who appears perfectly at ease in his depiction of the deranged scientist.
Another strength of Sonic the Hedgehog lies in its effective equilibrium between fantastical elements and relatable situations. The film offers a generally lighthearted, fast-paced, and enjoyable experience for audiences of all ages, although parents should be mindful that some scenes may be too intense for very young viewers.
Unfortunately, I am unable to provide commentary on the film’s audio and visual quality due to receiving a screener copy from Paramount with a watermark displaying my name prominently superimposed THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE FILM. This significantly detracted from my viewing experience, precluding an accurate assessment of the release’s technical merits. Therefore, I must defer this aspect of the review.
In conclusion, while the core narrative of Sonic the Hedgehog may be relatively conventional, the film benefits from inspired casting, strong visual effects, and engaging humor. It warrants a recommendation, and for enthusiasts of Jim Carrey’s work, it is a definite must-see.
