Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a vibrant, pulsating ride akin to channeling your own imagination whilst maneuvering a video game. This is rare is a characteristic often lacking in video-game films, which generally appear more lavish and heavy. Sonic 3, however, reels you in with its hyperkinetic charm. Jeff Fowler, the mastermind behind all three Sonic films, displays a more refined and humorous approach in manipulating energy in this sequel compared to the maiden venture in 2020.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3, albeit a lively spectacle, creates an atmosphere reminiscent of the playful buffoonery from "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" and "Ralph Breaks the Internet." Underneath its nonchalant appearance, it serves as a comical parody to the grandeur that superhero films have evolved into; a humorous take on the Marvel phenomenon with its intermittent acknowledgement of its own absurdity.
The film playfully manoeuvres around its timeline, weaving a backstory that traces back to 50 years ago and draws the audience to Sonic, the charismatic speedster Sega mascot. Sonic becomes encircled by a myriad of competing lovable characters, keeping your affinities continuously rotating. Shadow, Sonic's revenge-seeking rival, is one notable character born from a covert government operation. Shadow might initially seem unlikeable but Keanu Reeves' compelling voiceover evokes empathy for the character’s predicament.
Jim Carrey, yet again, steals the show with his grandiose dual persona performance, surpassing his previous performances in the series. He portrays both the familiar villain Dr. Ivo Robotnik and Robotnik’s grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, a more hardened, craftier version of the former. This twin character portrayal, while a recurrent theme in films, suits Carrey perfectly, who seems to be in perpetual dialogue with himself. The friction between the two Robotniks provides a captivating dynamic, elevating the overall cinematic experience.
The plot incorporates the Master Emerald, a powerful gem introduced in the previous Sonic film, and Tails the fox (voiced by Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles the echidna (voiced by Idris Elba), who now form a part of Sonic's superhero creature squad. However, the main spotlight continues to illuminate Jeff Fowler’s transforming direction, adept enough to revel in and simultaneously satirize the concept of blockbuster excess.
