Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Starring Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba
Directed by Jeff Fowler
Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are living a great life with their adopted parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter) when they're called to action - Shadow (Keanu Reeves), an alien hedgehog that landed on earth fifty years ago, has been freed from his prison. Sonic finds himself out of his league as Shadow makes quick work of the trio, and reluctantly calls on his old nemesis Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) for help.
"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" manages to pull off a feat impossible for a long-running franchise: be the best of the bunch. What sets it apart from the other two is its serious approach to the storytelling, the darker nature of it, and the deeper philosophical meanings involving family, vengeance, and the "what ifs" of life. While it appeals to children, it also applies to adults and serves as pure enjoyment for children of all ages with its fantastic animation, intense action, silly humor, heart, and story.
While the first two films had more comedic villains in Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles, "Sonic 3" has a darker villain in Shadow, who is every part Sonic's opposite. Both are alien hedgehogs that find their way to earth, but find very different families in the process, pointing to the nature versus nurture argument. While Sonic found family with Tom and Maddie, Shadow found himself as a weapon for the government, and who's only connection is with a young girl named Maria. When the unthinkable happens, Shadow seeks only revenge, turning himself into a dark force of evil that could easily destroy the world. Keanu Reeves is tailor-made to voice Shadow, as he gives Shadow both a foreboding sense of dread but also a deep sadness that fuels his rampage, and makes him a multi-dimensional character.
He also serves as a perfect opposite to Ben Schwartz, who voices Sonic with a youthful innocence and glee as he enjoys every moment of life with his family. These two are perfect enemies, and their fight scenes are nothing short of epic, especially their fight in Tokyo and the final battle. They're intense, filled with action, and dizzying effects that make them all the more palpable.
The film also brings back Jim Carrey, who announced his retirement after "Sonic 2," to play not one but two roles - as Dr. Robotnik, and his grandfather, Professor Gerald Robotnik. Carrey is best known for transforming himself for his roles, and this is no different - he's also no stranger to playing duel roles, and while I feel there's a bit too much time spent on these characters, he manages to pull both roles off very well. To me, this is the film's only downside (apart from a strange plot hole involving a certain new character who appears and then disappears for no real reason), as I wanted more time spent on Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and Shadow - but that's still a small gripe compared to the greatness of the overall product.
The film doesn't shy away from darker themes, as Shadow's quest for vengeance is fueled by Maria's passing, and Sonic is equally fueled by his family coming under attack. It's not something you normally see in a kid's movie, but they manage to pull it off without making it too melancholy but also giving it the emotional heft it deserves. The comedy rules over everything, and while some jokes fall flat, others hit extreme highs (such as one joke that the Robotniks tell that was probably one of the best I've heard in a long time). It's got the heart, it's got the action, it's got the suspense and it's got the comedy, and really rallies itself to being the best of the franchise thus far, leaving room open for a long-running franchise thanks to the bullying of Internet fans.
The Score: A
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