By The first reviews are in for the third “Sonic the Hedgehog” film and so far it’s pretty gushingly positive. With 49 reviews counted, the film sits at an 86% (7.0/10) on Rotten Tomatoes – considerably above the mid-60s scores of its two predecessors.
The film’s action, directing and special effects have all been praised, as has its larger scale, respect for the source material, pacing and balancing of a large ensemble. Performances are also being touted, especially from Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves.
If there is any issue it seems to be that the more kid-friendly quirkiness and charm of the earlier two films have been lost to world-ending stakes and “Avengers”-style grimness. There are jokes (even a Bea Arthur reference), but they appear to be a bit more forced, and the humans are stuck in more thankless roles than before.
Here’s a sampling of reviews:
“There’s no getting around how limp and lifeless those first two Sonic movies are. What a relief, then, that Sonic the Hedgehog 3 not only works like a charm, but overcomes nearly every flaw of its predecessors, and often tackles them head-on.” – Siddhant Adlakha, Inverse
“Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is an action-packed blast from start to finish that should please even the prickliest Green Hill Zone groupies.” – Matt Donato, AV Club
““Sonic 3” gives hyperactivity a good name. Jeff Fowler, who directed all three of these movies, is a quicker and wittier flimflam magician of energy than he was when he made the first “Sonic” in 2020.” – Owen Gleiberman, Variety
“It certainly possesses enough of the requisite frenetic action sequences and silly jokes to keep small fry entertained while not boring their adult chaperones.” – Frank Scheck, THR
“The hedgehogs are the stars here, and after three delightfully breezy good times at the theater, it’s no longer a surprise as to why that is.” – Justin Clark, Slant Magazine
“You can feel the distinct ways the film tries to mix up its structure, sometimes with inspired results, other times feeling strained.” – Trace Sauveur, AwardsWatch
“It might be enough to entertain young children or diehard SEGA loyalists, but the rest of us are left to lament that the running time isn’t as fast as its blue protagonist.” – Christian Zilko, IndieWire
“This new picture still feels like little more than a derivative, frantic spectacle borrowing from decades of bygone blockbusters. Sonic 3 has a lot of heart and energy, but not enough new ideas to run with.” – Tim Grierson, Screen
The reviews come ahead of the film’s opening this Friday in the U.s. with the movie on track to take in over $50 million at the box-office this weekend. In many international markets, the film will open at Christmas.
The post The “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” Reviews Are In appeared first on Dark Horizons.
