Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Movie Review – A Speedy Adventure with New Twists!

It isn’t like anything we’ve seen before, and that’s not an understatement because Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is finally showing in cinemas. The release has left many wondering if the movie will retain all of the action-packed humor, nostalgia, and excitement from the prior movie.

Jeff Fowler has returned as the director, which adds to my skepticism as I question if he will elevate the franchise further by introducing new characters while also keeping the heart of the franchise alive.

This all brings up the question, does Sonic the Hedgehog 3 match the expectations? Here’s my comprehensive evaluation that includes the characters, story, visuals, and the general reception of the movie.

Characters – Shadow Takes Center Stage Because of His Sad Backstory

The film commences with Sonic (Ben Schwartz) already stepping into the shoes of a fully-fledged hero, willing to take on any challenge alongside his dependable sidekicks:

• Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey)
• Knuckles (Idris Elba)

The plot takes an unexpected twist with the introduction of a novel character known as Shadow the Hedgehog, and for whatever reason, he is voiced by Keanu Reeves.

Shadow is a highly modified and tragic black hedgehog that possesses a sorrow-filled history, immense superhuman capabilities, and claims to be an ex-military. He is a dire enemy to humanity because of his connection with Dr. Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey in a dual role).

In the meantime, Dr. Eggman (Carrey) makes a dramatic return, using Shadow’s powers for his own sinister agenda.

The movie dives into Shadow’s character development, his mental struggle, and his self-actualization. Sonic games fans will enjoy Shadow’s origins, as it is closely tied to Sonic Adventure 2.

Performances – Excellent Voice Acting and the Return of Jim Carrey

Out of all the aspects of Sonic 3, its voice acting is some of the best.

• Ben Schwartz once again delivers as Sonic, perfectly portraying all of his aspects, including his fun-loving nature and energy-filled humor.
• Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails and Idris Elba as Knuckles continue shocking the audience by expanding their strength into Tails’ loyal companionship as well.
• Keanu Reeves as Shadow is new to the franchise, but he adds so much. His low, dark, brooding voice truly suits Shadow’s character and makes him stand out from the rest of the franchise.
• The addition of Jim Carrey as Dr. Eggman is bound to excite fans. His performance and comedic style reintroduce the chaotic menace that was so entertaining in the first two films.

Visuals & Action – Bigger, Better, Faster!

The CGI in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has vastly improved compared to its predecessors. The action scenes are breathtaking, especially the quick-paced fights between Sonic and Shadow.

The way the film is shot combines fast action with powerful camera movements, making each chase thrilling.

Every fan would appreciate the recreations of famous places from the Sonic games, like:

• Space Colony ARK
• Green Hill Zone

These changes cater to a wider audience, especially longtime Sonic fans who would feel nostalgic whenever they see these elements.

Humor & Emotional Depth – Balancing Fun with Serious Themes

Sonic 3 is still very comedic like the rest of the films, but it also adds deeper emotional elements.

The blending of Shadow’s backstory with Maria Robotnik’s story gives it an emotional punch that was absent in other Sonic films.

Despite this, the film is still fun.

• Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles’ constant bickering provides plenty of comedic moments.
• Jim Carrey’s Eggman, as always, speaks nonsense for fun, which makes everything more entertaining.

Box Office Statistics & Public Reviews

At the box office, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 performed superbly in terms of collections during the opening weekend.

According to early projections:

• Total Revenue: ₹446.4 million
• Domestic Revenue (USA & Canada): ₹225.9 million
• Revenue Outside the Country: ₹220.5 million

At present, the film has an 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with positive reviews highlighting:

✅ Appropriate storyline
✅ Vigorous action sequences
✅ Overall performance of Keanu Reeves as Shadow

At the same time, a few critics have pointed out that the film’s main story is overly convoluted due to the inclusion of numerous subplots.

Final Thoughts – Is Watching Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Worth My Time?

Pros:

✦ The scenes contain heart-pounding action and superb CGI graphics.
✦ Shadow, played by Keanu Reeves, is a scene-stealer.
✦ Jim Carrey returning as Dr. Eggman is a welcome addition.
✦ Adheres closely to Sonic game lore.
✦ Great mix of comedy, nostalgia, and emotional depth.

Cons:

✦ Some plot elements lack pacing because there are so many subplots.
✦ Some aspects are rather dark and may not appeal to very young children.

Sonic the Hedgehog fans have something to rejoice.

Rated at 4/5 stars, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a perfect blend of action, comedy, and deep emotional themes.

• Keanu Reeves’ Shadow is sure to impress.
• Jim Carrey’s hilarious antics as Eggman also delight.

This new entry has definitely raised the bar for the franchise and begun the race for the title of the best installment in the franchise.

Where To Stream Sonic the Hedgehog 3

It has been confirmed that Sonic 3 is being aired in cinemas around the world, and here is how to watch it:

• Fandango US
• BookMyShow India
• Cineworld UK
• Your Local Theater

These are some of the sites where tickets may be purchased.

Upcoming OTT Release

In a few months, stay alert for news on the film’s Paramount+ and Netflix release for OTT platforms.