The Sonic franchise has long held a special place in the hearts of fans, from its origins in the gaming world to its recent cinematic success. With Sonic the Hedgehog 3, director Jeff Fowler takes bold strides, delivering a visually stunning action-packed adventure. But does it fully capture the magic of its predecessors? The answer, unfortunately, is a mix of yes and no.

This installment introduces Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by the ever-charismatic Keanu Reeves, as Sonic’s newest and most formidable adversary. Shadow’s tragic backstory and complex motives bring emotional weight to the narrative, but the film hesitates to dive deep enough, leaving his character development feeling incomplete. Reeves brings an intensity to Shadow that makes him a standout, but the script doesn’t quite give him the space to fully shine.
Meanwhile, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is back in action alongside his trusted allies, Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). The trio’s dynamic remains the heart of the story, even if Tails and Knuckles are frustratingly sidelined in some key moments. Their camaraderie adds charm and keeps the adventure grounded, even as the stakes escalate.

One area where Sonic 3 truly excels is its visuals. From breathtaking action sequences to vibrant landscapes, the film is a feast for the eyes. The climactic showdown between Super Sonic and Super Shadow is particularly stunning, blending dynamic choreography with dazzling effects. This is where Fowler’s vision truly soars, capturing the essence of Sonic’s high-speed, adrenaline-pumping escapades.
However, the movie struggles to balance its focus on spectacle with narrative depth. While the action scenes are exhilarating, the story feels somewhat hollow, relying on a predictable plot and missing the emotional resonance that could have elevated it. Fans of the games will appreciate the attention to detail, but casual viewers might find themselves wanting more substance.

Humor has always been a key part of Sonic’s charm, but here it feels uneven. The witty, laugh-out-loud moments from the first film are replaced with sporadic chuckles and dated pop-culture references. Even Jim Carrey, who reprises his role as Dr. Robotnik, seems slightly held back, though his double role (including Robotnik’s eccentric grandfather) offers glimpses of the manic brilliance he’s known for.
A Tale of Missed Opportunities
Despite its ambitious scope, Sonic 3 falters in fully utilizing its characters. Shadow’s arc, though promising, feels underexplored, and sidelining Tails and Knuckles in key moments is a missed opportunity to showcase the team’s full potential. The film’s attempts to cater to both younger audiences and adult fans also result in tonal inconsistencies, with complex tech jargon clashing with simplistic humor.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a visually dazzling adventure that captures the spirit of the games while falling short in its storytelling. It’s a fun ride for longtime fans, with enough high-octane action to keep you entertained. However, the lack of emotional depth and inconsistent humor leave it trailing behind the franchise’s best moments.
If you’re a Sonic fan or looking for a family-friendly spectacle, this is worth a watch. Just don’t expect it to hit all the high notes of the original.

Rating: 3/5