Originally published to 8 News Now on December 18, 2024.

As the Sonic the Hedgehog film franchise reaches its third installment, it’s natural to wonder how much more the blue speedster has left in him. The first film, a surprise success, laid a solid foundation for this cinematic universe, while the middling sequel introduced fan favorites Knuckles and Tails. Now, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 dives deeper into Sonic lore with the arrival of Shadow, a fan-favorite character who brings a darker, more complex edge to the franchise. You might say he puts the “edge” in hedgehog.

And here’s the thing: a lot of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 works. While it’s undoubtedly a movie for kids—evident from much of the dialogue and humor—the film also tackles more serious themes, particularly through Shadow’s backstory. Parents needn’t worry; this is firmly a PG-rated affair. But the film doesn’t shy away from exploring Shadow’s tragic history, lending the story surprising emotional depth. It’s refreshing to see a kid’s movie unflinching at such material.

Shadow, voiced convincingly by Keanu Reeves, is a standout addition. His arc delves into anger and its consequences, providing a valuable life lesson wrapped in a compelling, action-packed narrative. It’s the kind of storytelling that keeps young viewers entertained while imparting meaningful insights. Films used to do this all the time, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see it again.

And Sonic 3 isn’t all life lessons. There’s some hard-hitting action and dazzling visuals in tow. The film is well-animated, with fantastic, colorful characters. Great sound design rounds out the picture of a confidently produced film that covers every base for families looking for a good time at the movies.

You may have noticed a name missing here. Jim Carrey plays Dr. Ivo Robotnik for the third time to the film’s detriment. The schtick has gone cold at this point. Sonic 3 constantly stops to let Robotnik perform some sort of slapstick, over-the-top comedy skit, and it gets tired quickly. These detours feel especially jarring compared to the earnestness of the CG characters, whose humor and emotional beats strike a better balance.

The parts of Sonic 3 that include Knuckles, Tails, Shadow, and Sonic himself are equal parts funny and earnest. The film’s life lessons disguised under a layer of action and adventure, Sonic 3 has it where it counts. However, with Jim Carrey’s Robotnik consistently bringing the progress to a screeching halt, Sonic 3 walks where it should have run.