Based on the SEGA Video Game, the story for Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is by Pat Casey & Josh Miller who co-wrote the screenplay with John Whittington (returning from Sonic the Hedgehog 2 and also wrote The Lego Batman Movie). The film is directed by Jeff Fowler who previously directed the first and second Sonic the Hedgehog films in 2020/2022.
Director Jeff Fowler returns along with an all-star cast including Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Idris Elba, Colleen O’Shaughnessey, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally, Lee Majdoub, James Wolk, newcomers Alyla Browne and Krysten Ritter, with Keanu Reeves joining the franchise as Shadow the Hedgehog.
This sci-fi action feature film that began in 2020 has absolutely shown the audience vast improvement over the course of the four years as Sonic the Hedgehog is now in the third in the series of adaptations. While I missed the 2020 film and saw the one in 2022, this third in the series is one that truly kept my interest in the story to the end featuring the new character Shadow the Hedgehog (Keanu Reeves). I am glad the story includes emphasis that the three characters, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba), and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), are better when working as a team instead of trying to work individually when they face a challenge.
While the story runs between the comedy and the dramatic when the characters jump into action, I did not find myself with laugh out loud moments. Jim Carrey returns in the Sonic 3 series, and plays the prior character of Dr. Ivo Robotnik and his grandfather Gerald. He plays both characters very well, using his comedic strength and talent with a difference so subtle and yet important to the story.
Keanu Reeves’ black and red hedgehog Shadow is a very welcome addition to the Hedgehog stories. The hedgehog is different than the three the audience already knows, and in this story, they will learn about a tragic death that had an impact on him. As we have seen and heard Reeves’ voice in the John Wick films, we learn about the tragedy through his vocal performance, of course done so well.
SYNOPSIS: Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
Produced by: Neal H. Moritz, p.g.a., Toby Ascher, p.g.a.,Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno
Executive Producers: Haruki Satomi, Shuji Utsumi, Yukio Sugino, Jeff Fowler, Tommy Gormley, Tim Miller
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language. Runtime: 110 minutes. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is in theaters on December 20, 2024.
Source: Paramount Pictures Presents (in association with Sega Sammy Group)
###