An excitable addition to the franchise.
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Everybody’s favourite blue anthropomorphic hedgehog is back! This time, he’s joined by Tails and Knuckles to face a new threat, Shadow the Hedgehog, who allies with the mad scientists Ivo and Gerald Robotnik in pursuit of revenge against humanity.
Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, and Idris Elba reprise their roles, with Krysten Ritter and Keanu Reeves joining the cast. Jeff Fowler, director of the previous Sonic films, also returns for Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
Back in the 70s, a meteorite containing Shadow the Hedgehog (Reeves) lands on Earth and is seized by the Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.). He is experimented on by the scientist Gerald Robotnik (Carrey). Shadow develops a close friendship with Gerald's granddaughter Maria. The trio try to escape the facility to prevent Shadow from being taken away but Maria is accidentally killed while Gerald and Shadow are captured.
Fifty years later, a G.U.N. prison facility holding a vengeful Shadow is hacked, unleashing a him to the streets of Japan whereas Sonic (Schwartz) along with Tails (O’Shaughnessey), Knuckles (Elba) and their adoptive parents Tom and Maddie Wachowski (Marsden and Sumpter) are celebrating the anniversary of Sonic's arrival on Earth. Their celebration is cut short when Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are recruited to stop Shadow. The latter easily subdues the trio, who are further subjected to a drone attack resembling Doctor Ivo Robotnik’s (Carrey again) drones. Ivo's assistant, Agent Stone (Majdoub), comes in to save them and reveal that Ivo did not send the drones. They are forced to form an alliance with Ivo and track the drones to the abandoned G.U.N. facility, learning Shadow’s history and Gerald being Ivo's estranged grandfather.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a bright and loud display of exhilirating action and comedy audiences of all ages can enjoy. Reeves’ stoic portrayal of Shadow perfectly balances Schwartz’s manic Sonic; with Tails’ wide-eyed innocence and gadget knowledge and Knuckles’ quick temper adding just the right amount of brains and brawn to Team Sonic. Elba’s Knuckles also makes the best unintentional comic relief with his blunt deliveries. He is only second to Carrey who does double duty portraying two generations of Robotniks. Fans of the animated actor would be pleased to see him doing what he does best with his comedic talents here.
In the midst of all the action, the film manages to stay grounded with its human connections through familial bond without losing any momentum. It’s the basis of Shadow’s character arc and the perfect showcase for Carrey’s talents but most of all – the bond of the Wachowskis and the strength of their growing family since Sonic the Hedgehog (2020).
These Sonic films are in a league of their own in a time of superhero film fatigue and unsuccesful video game films. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 proves no different – delivering the right amount of fan satisfaction and moviegoer experience without taking itself too seriously – making for a fun time at the cinemas. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down and as long as they keep churning out these punchy films, rest assured there will be an audience waiting.
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