Sonic the Hedgehog 3

This was a pleasant surprise. As a father who has spent days of my life sitting through the first two entries, I'm so relieved that the series shifted into a new gear.

The character development hit harder, the action was more exciting, and the humor hit new highs. The villains were three-dimensional and it was a joy spending the movie with the trio of Knuckles, Tails and Sonic operating with fully-formed friendship. It wasn't without nits to pick - I personally found the editing to be noticeably choppy at times - but the pros well outweigh the cons.

I can't stress enough that people familiar with the series will get a new and welcome take on how the series operates. Same chassis, new engine.

Easily the best one, which coincidentally contains the majority of actual Sonic moments in this entire trilogy. Keanu Reeves absolutely steals the show as Shadow, he portrays the ruthlessness and immense emotional pain of his character incredibly well. Also Jim Carrey pulls off acting as the dual Dr Robotniks with incredible comedic timing, especially with each himself, as it really feels like these are two separate characters.

The human subplots are as mediocre as usual but are infinitely more tolerable here as they tie into the main story much more naturally. Also, while they do adapt the Sonic Adventure 2 storyline as best as they could in the universe they've established, I feel like they could have gone deeper in exploring the bond between Shadow and Maria.

Let's be honest: You're seeing "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" because you're either a fan of the gaming franchise or the two films that came before it. I'm a fan of the latter, although they are not perfect. I knew, didn't think, but knew that this third installment would beat them both, and I was right.

Beginning with Keanu Reeves, breathtaking is putting it mildly. His performance and the overall character of Shadow the Hedgehog, coming from a guy who has never played the games, was jaw-dropping. Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles are great villains in the prior two installments. Shadow surpasses them by having an origin story that, while familiar to veteran players of the games, is more tragic than any of the other characters in the franchise, Sonic included. I'm a huge fan of Reeves; what more is there to say?

Even though Shadow steals the show, the returning characters are still strong. Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are just as funny and charming as their appearances in the previous two entries, helped by Ben Schwartz, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, and Idris Elba's energetic performances. What surprised me the most was how they put all three in a shocking internal conflict, one which I refuse to spoil in any fashion. You need to see it for yourself!

I can't forget Jim Carrey as the two Robotniks. First of all, he came out of potential retirement for this. This review is written by a tremendous Carrey admirer, making it a big deal to me when they announced that he would reprise his role as Dr. Robotnik in this trilogy-capper. Of course, he recently said he returned because he needed the money, which is understandable, but this was no cash-grab role for Carrey. He brings some next-level comedic energy when playing both Ivo and Gerald Robotnik. Every time he's in a movie, he always makes me, and millions more, smile and laugh, and here is no different. Power-rest with pride and dignity, Carrey. Your work will continue to inspire generations to come.

I want to take a break to discuss the experience instead of the movie's contents. I saw it at a Dolby Fan Event, my second time with the format since "Wicked." Dolby enhanced both films for me, so be sure to see it that way. The theater I was in did something unexpected: skipped coming attractions. AMC usually allows audiences twenty minutes to go to the restroom or get popcorn by playing trailers for future releases, but not here. I feel bad for the people who came in late under the impression that it wouldn't start right when they arrived. Additionally, I reserve that time to go to the restroom quickly. However, the film began immediately, and I only focused on the movie rather than anything else, a testament to how excited I was and how extraordinary the following presentation was.

I'll resume talking about the movie itself now. The action was some of the best I've seen all year. The other Sonic films, admittedly, had incredible action, but this cranked the volume up to 11! If we're only covering action, you bet it's super fun!

What else makes the movie remarkably powerful is it's hilarious, the story outside of Shadow is compelling, the CGI remains beautiful, and the people in my theater were freaking out at the mid and post-credit scenes. Make sure to stay for that, Sonic fan or not!

If I were to give any semi-negatives, the comedy simultaneously surpasses and is consistent with the other two films. It's consistent in how it's sometimes juvenile to its detriment. I also found Krysten Ritter's Director Rockwell to be weak, but here's what's truly remarkable: I don't care. In a year in which I've perhaps become more of a critic than a film fan despite my personal beliefs that I haven't, I deserve and need to overlook the flaws because the rest of the film is unbelievably phenomenal!

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3" blew my mind, and I didn't expect it to. I went in with high expectations, yet still accepted the possibility that it can't be as wonderful as the hype warrants. I was wrong.

Technically, the voice acting and performances from the humans (awkward way of saying it, apologies), the CGI, the well-used runtime, and the impactful narrative make the technical score a 9/10. Said 9 is because of some issues relating to the screenplay.

For the enjoyment score, I loved it! It's easily the best of the trilogy and one of the year's best films. I'm writing this before I watch the second film in the hopeful next Barbenheimer post-Glicked: "Sonic the Hedgehog 3" and "Mufasa: The Lion King." Mufasa has no chance! My problems with some dialogue and Rockwell can't prevent the enjoyment score from being a 10/10. The flaws are not enough to hurt the experience, and I'm happy I can ignore them. This experience is a must-watch for any Sonic fan and enjoyer of the preceding two films, and I'm thrilled to see what this franchise offers next!

It was really good. They didn't waste a lot of time and went straight into the stuff we care about. They handled Shadow excellently. I don't want to give too much away, but this was definitely a love letter to the fans. Eggman(s) stole the movie again. Jim Carrey is the perfect Eggman.

I was hoping for one thing to be here, but it wasn't. That's ok though. There was obviously a lot of references to Sonic Adventure 2 and it was cool to see those moments on the big screen

This movie was a blast and I had a lot of fun watching it.

I'd give it a 8/10. Also, stay for the mid credit and end credit scenes. They are super hype!

I saw Sonic The Hedgehog 1 & 2 a few years ago and they were okay, but they didn't grab me or fit my entertainment level, but SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 IS PERFECT...I wasn't going to see this in theaters until I realized SHADOW WAS IN IT.... Shadow has that Darth Vader, Joker, and Thanos type of aura...he is an awesome character with a dark side...Shadow was in it, but was the movie any good? YES THE MOVIE IS SICK...Dr Robotnik's antics and comedy hit very well, there aren't a bunch of children jokes or childish themes, there are many adult jokes and it's serious enough for Shadow to be in it. This one is for the grown 90s and 80s kids that played the games...They used Shadow perfectly, unstoppable, scary, and menacing...Also the references to Sonic Adventure 2 Battle are great...some scenes were corny but overall the movie beat my expectations because the last two Sonic films did not impress me...THIS ONE DID IT.