Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Christian Movie Review)
With a breakneck pace, an increased focus on the animated characters, and a surprising amount of heart, Sonic 3 is easily the best in the series.
About the Film
The Sonic the Hedgehog video games are all about speed, so it’s fitting that only four years after the first movie was released, the series has already become a trilogy (with an additional spin-off miniseries). The Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise may have gotten off the starting line quickly, but it has taken time to find its footing. First, there was the infamous post-production redesign of Sonic’s appearance following the (warranted) fan backlash to the initial trailers. After the first film’s mixed reception, the sequel better aligned itself with fan expectations. With the third entry, the franchise finally appears to have found its stride. With a breakneck pace, an increased focus on the animated characters, and a surprising amount of heart, Sonic 3 is easily the best in the series.
A major issue with the first two films was that they contained too many superfluous human subplots. And other than Jim Carrey’s delightfully hammy turn as the villainous Dr. Robotnik, none of the human drama was compelling. The series is at its best when it focuses on the relationship dynamic between the animated characters. Sonic 2 was a vast improvement on the first film, in large part because it introduced animated companions Tails and Knuckles. Those two lovable sidekicks return for Sonic 3, and the animated cast expands even further to include Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves)—a fan-favorite character who proves to be a perfect complement to the others.
The one standout among the story’s otherwise dull human representatives is Jim Carrey, who once again delivers a patented Jim Carrey performance. Milage may vary depending on how much (or little) his comedic sensibilities align with viewers’ personal tastes, but he clearly enjoys the role. One of this film’s big selling points is that Carrey does double duty by also playing Dr. Robotnik’s estranged grandfather, Gerald Robotnik. That creative decision definitely begs the question of how much over-the-top Jim Carrey antics is too much. Nevertheless, the entertaining dynamic between the two villains results in many of the film’s best jokes.
As an adaptation of a video game known primarily for moving from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible, audiences should expect brisk pacing. One of my criticisms of Sonic 2 was that it raced through a series of entertaining but largely unrelated and inconsequential events. Sonic 3 maintains the pedal-to-the-metal pacing, but it also feels far more narratively and thematically cohesive. Yes, there are still some outlandish interludes—such as an elaborate Jim Carrey2 dance sequence, which is included just for laughs. But the story has a clear sense of progression, something the previous films lacked.
Helping ground the rapid-fire action is a healthy amount of heart. The sarcastic wit and juvenile gags from the previous films are present, but Sonic 3 also explores the unexpectedly weighty themes of grief and loss with a degree of maturity that was absent in the previous films. Scenes like one in which Sonic and Shadow help each other process the loss of loved ones prevent the story from devolving into a sugar rush of flashy visuals and slapstick jokes.
Of note for parents is that Sega was the “edgier” alternative to Nintendo, and the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise reflects that tone. For example, there are a handful of unnecessary profanities and some jokes that have a sharper edge than some parents might expect (or want). But if you have seen the first two movies, you likely already know what to expect on that front.
Overall, in an era of endless sequels, the Sonic the Hedgehog trilogy is one of those rare franchises in which each film improves on the last. As someone without much knowledge of Sonic lore, I’m not sure what unexplored storylines or characters remain untapped for a potential Sonic 4 (although a mid-credits scene hints at what fans can expect). But for the first time, I’m interested in finding out. As all runners know, anyone can sprint off the starting line. Races are won or lost based on perseverance and adjustments. Sonic the Hedgehog may have had a rocky start to his movie career, but he’s finally found his stride.
For Consideration
Language: There are 3-5 profanities (“d—,” “a—,” “h—”), a few other rude words (“crap”), and several uses of “God.”
Violence: In addition to the bloodless action between animated characters, several humans die in explosions (including one child).
Sexuality: Upon discovering his grandfather, Dr. Robotnik questions, “Who did what with whom?” In another scene, while looking at himself in the mirror, he laments that he is unattractive to “all possible genders.” A soap opera is shown several times featuring twin brothers fighting over the love of a woman (in a somewhat lowcut dress). A married man appears pleased by a woman’s looks in a way that angers his wife. A male character refers to himself as having “man boobs.” Dr. Robotnik’s assistant, Agent Stone, seems clearly implied to be gay, although his sexuality is not explicitly established in the film.
Engage The Film
Making the Right Choice When Life is Difficult
Sonic 3 is about the impact of our choices. In an early scene, Tom (James Marsden) commends Sonic, noting that despite the hardships he has endured (including the loss of his guardian figure), he has not allowed that pain to define him. This comment leads Sonic to wonder how his life would look had he chosen differently. He muses that he would have been a completely different hedgehog. If the name “Shadow” wasn’t already on-the-nose, then the hard scene cut to Shadow after that statement leaves little ambiguity about the ying/yang connection between the two characters. In many ways, Shadow demonstrates what Sonic may have become had he not been surrounded by love and companionship.
Shadow has endured plenty of loss and betrayal, including the tragic death of the only friend who ever seemed to love and care for him. His spirit is broken, and he doesn’t have anyone to help him carry the burden. He is driven by a desire to hurt the people who have hurt him. Throughout the film, Sonic resists the temptation to do the same, choosing instead to rely on his friends.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4). Sonic 3 may not reflect that divine peace, but it provides a wholesome picture of Paul’s exhortation to the church: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Pain and loss are realities of life, but as Sonic and his friends (and ultimately Shadow) discover, such difficulties need not be faced alone.
