Sonic the Hedgehog 3 marks a disappointing turn for the franchise, which had previously managed to stay relatively strong with its first two films. While the series began with promise, bringing Sonic’s spunky, animated antics to life in a real-world setting with a solid mix of humor and adventure, the third entry stumbles, struggling to balance character development, fan service, and humor in a way that feels more contrived than entertaining.
The film’s plot focuses on Sonic’s ongoing clash with the newly introduced Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves), who is as angsty as he is powerful. To stop the destruction of Earth, Sonic teams up with the villainous Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey), forcing an uneasy alliance between them. The premise could have been compelling, especially with such iconic characters coming together, but the film’s attempts at exploring deeper themes like identity and choices fall flat, making the emotional stakes feel forced and poorly executed.
The movie’s failure to utilize its supporting characters, such as Tails, Knuckles, and Shadow, is particularly glaring. Instead of focusing on their growth and contributions to the story, they are relegated to the sidelines, mere tools for set-piece choreography. The dynamic between the characters, which could have formed the heart of the film, gets lost amidst a string of exhausted meta-humor and unoriginal action sequences.
Jim Carrey’s portrayal of Dr. Robotnik has been a highlight of the series, but even his performance feels wasted in Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Instead of bringing his trademark eccentricity and sharp wit to the role, he’s bogged down by cheap gags and bizarre, out-of-place moments, such as a dance sequence in the middle of a heist. The film’s dialogue overall lacks the wit and youthful energy that made the first two installments stand out, with characters relying on tired catchphrases and forced quips that feel more like product placements than authentic expressions of personality.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ultimately suffers from a lack of direction. The film feels like a collection of recycled ideas rather than a continuation of a promising franchise. While there is still potential for future Sonic movies, this installment suggests that the series might need to rethink its approach if it hopes to capture the same magic it once did. The film’s clumsy attempts at emotional depth, mixed with its over-reliance on fan service, result in a film that’s less about Sonic’s growth and more about checking off boxes in a franchise formula. If the Sonic movies are to maintain their momentum, they’ll need to find a better balance between heart, humor, and spectacle in future installments.