Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Director: Jeff Fowler

Writers: Pat Casey & Josh Miller

It’s the third outing for everyone’s favourite blue hedgehog, Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and his friends Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey). Celebrations for Sonic’s arrival on earth are interrupted by  Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) who needs the gangs help to tackle a new menace, Shadow (Keanu Reeves). Shadow is set on revenge for his treatment and on destroying anyone who gets in his way. Sonic realising he needs helps, calls for support from an unexpected source, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Together the group must not only deal with the threat Shadow poses to them, but to the whole planet!

The Sonic series have been good, fun, entertaining adventures. And this third encounter continues to deliver. From the start it is a fast paced, blur of colour, action and a smattering of gags.

The films plot is basic, but it comes with a good messages for its primary target audience. Messages around choices, dealing with loss and doing the right thing all delivered in a fun package. This includes Shadows thoughtful back story which deals with loss and how he chooses to deal with it.

The lead characters all deliver. Carrey perhaps has the most fun, especially when Robotnik meets his long lost Grandpa (also played by Carrey) to team up and hinder rather than help. Reeves also has fun with Shadow, as do the animators, placing Shadow in more than one John Wick looking scene.

At 1hr50 it probably runs a little long, but it’s colourful and action packed enough to get away with it.

Sonic 3 doesn’t let down a solid series of films. At its heart is a story about making the right choice, even when hurt, all wrapped up in a blur of colorful action. The action is non stop, interspersed with some touching moments and plenty of gags for young and old. A little long, but the spinning blue hedgehog pulls it off!