The much-anticipated release of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrives this Friday, December 20, promising to capture the essence of the beloved video game franchise once again. Ben Schwartz, who lends his voice to the quick-witted blue hedgehog, reflects on the franchise's tremendous transformation over the years, particularly recalling the early days when the character was infamously dubbed 'Ugly Sonic' following his initial film debut.
When the trailer for the first Sonic the Hedgehog film hit screens back in 2019, the response was overwhelmingly negative, especially over Sonic's peculiar human-like teeth. This backlash led the filmmakers to rework the character's design, delaying the film's release by three months. “Maybe sometimes you need a little push to really look in the mirror and to hear the fans, to then really figure out if you want to adjust. And we did,” Schwartz told The Hollywood Reporter at the Los Angeles premiere of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. He emphasized how rare it is for studios to actually listen to fan feedback and make significant changes to improve the film.
Director Jeff Fowler, who has helmed all three movies, echoed Schwartz's sentiments, humorously stating, “It was out of the ashes of ‘Ugly Sonic’... thank you ‘Ugly Sonic’ for the memories.” The influence of these early challenges has crafted not only the current film but the direction of the franchise as it continues to evolve.
The new installment sees Sonic reuniting with his friends Knuckles, voiced by Idris Elba, and Tails, played by Colleen O’Shaughnessey, as they band together against the formidable Shadow, portrayed by Keanu Reeves. Shadow is a mysterious villain who has abilities unlike any adversary they have encountered before. James Marsden, Adam Pally, and Natasha Rothwell round out the impressive cast, each bringing unique energy to the film.
Jim Carrey's performance as Dr. Robotnik continues to delight audiences. Despite previously expressing motivation tied to finances, Carrey's return is clearly driven by passion and creativity. The comedian embraces the role, delivering his trademark antics with unabashed enthusiasm, turning the character of Robotnik and his estranged relative, revealed as part of the film's plot, back-to-back comedic highlights. Up until now, Carrey's campy interpretation has not only been the centerpiece of the franchise but also its saving grace.
Critics have noted how Sonic the Hedgehog 3 brings different elements to the table. Unlike its forerunners, which sometimes felt like sluggish buddy comedies, this third venture feels more tightly woven and entertaining. The movie minimizes screen time for human characters, like Sonic's adoptive parents portrayed by Marsden and Tika Sumpter, ensuring renewed focus on the titular heroes and their adventures. The humor is also fresher, with sharper dialogue and less reliance on outdated pop culture references.
Shadow's character, mentioned as having an intense and tortured backstory, has been woven beautifully by director Fowler through narrative flashbacks, enhancing the film's drama without overshadowing its comedic core. Keanu Reeves provides the voice, delivering his familiar gruff tones, shaping Shadow as both menacing and relatable. The film finds balance through energetic action sequences mixed with story-driven humor, reminiscent of classic Saturday morning cartoons.
The chase scene set against the backdrop of Tokyo serves as thrilling eye candy, indicative of how the best Sonic games have historically engaged players through dynamic visuals. This cinematic realization allows the audience to experience Sonic's speed alongside their favorite characters, captivating fans both young and old.
Even with occasional melodrama - such as when characters speak of grief or revenge - this installment clearly treads away from the less inspiring humor of earlier films. There lies greater emphasis on character arcs and adventurous storytelling, enabling the movie to appeal to various demographics without alienation.
“Double the Carrey, double the fun,” has become the phrase synonymous with this latest film, and it's fitting. Critics suggest this sequel embraces all of the advantages of its predecessors, significantly improving the flow and engagement for viewers. With Sonic's enduring legacy spanning over three decades and so many beloved characters from the games yet to be explored, Fowler hinted at the endless possibilities for future installments.
Looking forward, Schwartz jokingly quipped about the potential of casting Oscar-winner Daniel Day-Lewis for the fourth film, stating, “If we don’t get DDL in 4, I don’t know what I’m doing with myself.” Fans will undoubtedly embrace this light-hearted ambition for expansion as the franchise gears up for another round of exciting adventures. For now, devoted fans can prepare for Sonic the Hedgehog 3 to hit theaters, continuing to build on the legacy set forth by its predecessors.
