It’s crazy we are here, following the first trailer who really expected us to get here? But we are, and Sonic the Hedgehog is officially here and doesn’t look like something from the depths of H.P. Lovecraft’s imagination.
The fate of Sonic was determined when the first trailed revealed that horrific design. Director Jeff Fowler understood the concerns and initiated a redesign, promoting a delay.
Usually moments like this are bad news for a movie, but bringing the design back to a more faithful video game design makes at least Sonic more pleasing for the eyes. But what about the movie? Was the delay and redesign even worth it?
Yes. Well, this is a tricky answer because Sonic the Hedgehog is a fun movie. It’s the best family entertainment that 2020 has offered so far. Sonic will find an audience and should find that audience.
Without much of a backstory in the games to draw from, the movie starts off by doing the normal and giving us baby Sonic on his home planet. From here we learn of his powers and how he must stay hidden. This brings us 10 years later, Sonic has been making a home for himself on Green Hills and it’s kind of depressing. He has no one except the townspeople he watches like the local sheriff (James Marsden) and his wife (Tika Sumpter).
Eventually Sonic accidentally causes a power outage in town, putting him in the sights of over-the-top scientist Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).
The plot is thin, which leaves Sonic the Hedgehog a bit lacking at times. For instance much of the movie is Sonic and Tom on a road trip to San Francisco, hijinks occur along the way while Dr. Robotnik and his army of drones search for them.
The humor of this film skews more for the younger audience but it doesn’t leave the adults out. One joke specifically intended for parents sees Sonic and Sega in a way take a shot at Mario. It’s pretty clever without ever directly referencing their Nintendo rival.
Jim Carrey stands out in this film. Dr. Robotnik doesn’t get much time but when he does its throwback Jim Carrey. Which depending on your feelings about that version of him could be a good thing or bad thing.
The rest of the cast does a great job a long the way. James Marsden is a treasure and showcases his talents and charm while Ben Schwartz brings charm and energy to Sonic.
Sonic the Hedgehog isn’t a perfect film but it’s not a train wreck on the level of Cats. This is a good movie adaptation of a video game that’s a lot better than some would have imagined after our first look. Sonic wont become a classic but this is a fun family film that will leave the younger audiences delighted, and surprise older ones.
3 out of 5
