Sonic Speeds And Shadow Looms In A Chaotic Adventure

Title: Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Director:  Jeff Fowler

Cast: Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey

Where: In theatres near you

Rating: 3 Stars

The third instalment of this franchise zips into the cinematic lane with all the frenetic energy one might expect from a video game adaptation that’s no longer content just chasing rings—it’s aiming for blockbuster status. This film knows its audience, leans unapologetically into absurdity, and offers a peculiar cocktail of high-speed antics, a pinch of heart, and Jim Carrey unleashed like never before.

Returning director Jeff Fowler seems to have mastered the art of controlled chaos, blending live-action and animation with a finesse that skirts sensory overload. Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is back, accompanied by his brightly coloured allies, Tails and Knuckles. Together, they face a new threat: Shadow, the brooding, revenge-driven hedgehog brought to life with surprising gravitas by Keanu Reeves. Reeves’ performance as Shadow is unexpectedly textured, his deep, resonant voice imbuing the character with layers of menace and vulnerability—a far cry from the one-dimensional antagonists we’ve grown accustomed to in such films.

But where Reeves adds subtlety, Jim Carrey barrels through with unrelenting exuberance, taking on dual roles as Dr. Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald. Carrey’s dual performance is a mixed bag; it’s undeniably entertaining to watch him play off himself in a series of over-the-top, meta-infused scenes, but it occasionally teeters on indulgence. Some jokes hit their mark, like the cheeky nods to geek culture, while others feel as dated as Gerald’s retro moustache.

The plot is a kaleidoscope of frenetic set pieces, from Tokyo to London, all rendered beautifully but leaving both cities worse for wear. Amidst this visual extravaganza, the storyline struggles to balance its numerous elements. Shadow’s tragic backstory is compelling but feels rushed in its resolution, while the Master Emerald, a supposedly pivotal plot device, is reduced to little more than a flashy MacGuffin.

For returning human characters like Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), their participation feels cursory—more like contractual obligations than genuine contributions to the narrative. Meanwhile, the introduction of Krysten Ritter’s G.U.N. officer is intriguing but disappointingly underutilized, leaving one to wonder if her character is merely a setup for future spin-offs.

Despite its clutter, the narrative succeeds where it counts: delivering unrelenting entertainment. Fowler’s direction captures the chaotic fun of a video game without losing sight of the movie’s tongue-in-cheek tone. The film reveals the grandiosity of superhero tropes, with self-aware nods that feel more like playful winks than heavy-handed satire.

Is it overstuffed? Absolutely. But for all its flaws, the film is a high-octane, unapologetically goofy romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It won’t win any awards for nuance, but it’s a film that embraces its preposterousness and runs with it—literally. Whether you’re a die-hard Sega fan or just along for the ride, there’s enough to keep you entertained, even if your optic nerves might beg for a breather.

Overall, it’s clear: this franchise, much like Sonic himself, shows no signs of slowing down.