Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: "Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"

GamesRadar+ VerdictFar too many characters are vying for screen time in this predictably plotted sequel, but thankfully a weird, wild, and utterly brilliant central performance from Jim Carrey makes this a fun watch. A fine, wheel-turning instalment in a continually burgeoning franchise that will no doubt continue for many years to come.Pros+Jim Carrey steals the movie as two Robotniks+Family-friendly fun with great action set pieces+Sonic at his most consistently funnyCons-Overstuffed with characters-Keanu Reeves’ Shadow is wasted-At times a simple, predictable plot GamesRadar+ Verdict GamesRadar+ Verdict Far too many characters are vying for screen time in this predictably plotted sequel, but thankfully a weird, wild, and utterly brilliant central performance from Jim Carrey makes this a fun watch. A fine, wheel-turning instalment in a continually burgeoning franchise that will no doubt continue for many years to come. Far too many characters are vying for screen time in this predictably plotted sequel, but thankfully a weird, wild, and utterly brilliant central performance from Jim Carrey makes this a fun watch. A fine, wheel-turning instalment in a continually burgeoning franchise that will no doubt continue for many years to come. Pros+Jim Carrey steals the movie as two Robotniks+Family-friendly fun with great action set pieces+Sonic at his most consistently funny Jim Carrey steals the movie as two Robotniks Family-friendly fun with great action set pieces Sonic at his most consistently funny Cons-Overstuffed with characters-Keanu Reeves’ Shadow is wasted-At times a simple, predictable plot Overstuffed with characters Keanu Reeves’ Shadow is wasted At times a simple, predictable plot Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Why you can trust GamesRadar+Our experts review games, movies and tech over countless hours, so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about our reviews policy. Sonic shares more in common with Fast & Furious' Dominic Toretto than you might think. Sure, on the surface, one’s a blue hedgehog and the other’s a bulky Vin Diesel who’s welded to a Dodge Charger, but let me explain. Both love going fast; both have an obsession with family; both are essentially superheroes; both are great at convincing their defeated rivals to join their gang; and both are leading franchises overloaded with too many characters. That last point is the most pressing when it comes toSonic 3– there are too many humans and CGI animals vying for screen time. Not only has everyone and their literal grandfather shown up for this third outing, but we’re also introduced to a handful of new faces, including Keanu Reeves as Shadow, Krysten Ritter’s military leader Director Rockwell, and the rest of the villainous Robotnik family. There’s a lot to juggle… Team Sonic (Image credit: Paramount Pictures) Sonic the Hedgehog 3 picks up directly after thesecond movie’s post-credit scenein which Shadow – the dark version of Sonic best known in the games for being the ultimate bad-ass anti-hero – wakes up after 50 years of being kept on ice. He quickly dismisses some guards, escapes, and battles ‘Team Sonic’ – that’s the Blue Blur, his foxy friend Tails, and the red echidna Knuckles – in Tokyo. It’s a fairly fantastic action set piece, the colors and tone feeling like some strange, alternate-dimension version of John Wick as Sonic and a gun-toting Shadow race through the Japanese capital’s streets. Yet, minus one heartfelt (if slightly cliché) flashback sequence, that’s most of Shadow’s interesting stuff over. He quickly becomes just another stooge for the evil Dr. Robotnik leading to Shadow predictably repeating the same character journey as Knuckles in the last movie (while Knuckles, despite having had aspin-off series, becomes essentially a one-joke punch-line here). Considering Shadow has been front-and-center of the marketing, as well as being a key character in the games, it’s a somewhat disappointing turn. FAST FACTSRelease date:December 20 (US) / December 21 (UK)Available:In theatersDirector:Jeff FowlerRuntime:1hr 49 mins FAST FACTS Release date:December 20 (US) / December 21 (UK)Available:In theatersDirector:Jeff FowlerRuntime:1hr 49 mins Release date:December 20 (US) / December 21 (UK) Available:In theaters Director:Jeff Fowler Runtime:1hr 49 mins Meanwhile, James Marsden and Tika Sumpter as Sonic’s adopted parents are equally underserved; a particularly egregious mistake considering how hungry the world is for more Marsden following his hilarious part in Amazon’s Jury Duty series. Then there’s Lee Majdoub as Robotnik’s lackey Agent Stone, this time given a surprising emotional through-line that’s half-baked, and Ritter’s Rockwell, who barely registers as anything other than a hard-headed military type. Oh, and then Tails and Adam Pally’s Wade Whipple (who had a main role in the Knuckles series) somehow fit into proceedings too, plus a couple of cameos. Phew. Seeing double (Image credit: Paramount) Still, despite half the characters getting a quarter of the screen time they deserve, there’s one returning actor who makes Sonic 3 completely and utterly watchable: Jim Carrey. Seeing him once again embrace the silliness of being a literal moustache-twirling villain is an absolute treat, to the point where his dual roles as both Robotnik and his grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, overshadow everything else. At one point, the actor gamely does a two-man dance number that’s more bizarre than words can describe. There’s also an early fourth-wall break that, in the wrong hands, could have been painfully unfunny, yet under Carrey’s control, is a laugh-out-loud moment. His enthusiasm is infectious, lifting every scene; like the other two Sonic movies, this one belongs to Carrey. Seeing Jim Carrey once again embrace the silliness of being a literal moustache-twirling villain is an absolute treat Seeing Jim Carrey once again embrace the silliness of being a literal moustache-twirling villain is an absolute treat Director Jeff Fowler has previously likened Sonic to Harry Potter in the way the character is maturing at the same rate as the young audience does, and that’s certainly true of Sonic the Hedgehog 3. And while his journey of self-discovery and learning to be a better leader may feel familiar, he remains the heart of the series, which will no doubt continue to run for quite some time. A family affair (Image credit: Paramount) Plus, the sequel manages to stay under two hours in length, which feels like a minor miracle for a movie starring an Avengers-like number of characters. Should Carrey, who hasconsistently hintedat retirement plans, decide not to return for Sonic 4, this will certainly be a fine trilogy capper. And if Carrey decides not to retire, it would continue to be a pleasure watching him go full balls-to-the-wall mode. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 releases in US theaters on December 20, before hitting UK shores on December 21. For more, check out our guide to theupcoming video game moviesto get on your radar, as well as our picks of thebest video game moviesof all time. More info More More about sonic the hedgehog 3One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity"Sonic 3 didn’t relegate Gerald Robotnik to Sonic Adventure 2-style flashbacks so he could be “more of a present danger"LatestThis Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessSee more latest► More about sonic the hedgehog 3One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity"Sonic 3 didn’t relegate Gerald Robotnik to Sonic Adventure 2-style flashbacks so he could be “more of a present danger"LatestThis Nintendo Switch controller takes one of Razer’s best features and costs $200 lessSee more latest► More about sonic the hedgehog 3One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity"Sonic 3 didn’t relegate Gerald Robotnik to Sonic Adventure 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gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most PopularNemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket”Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up"Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created”Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships”Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became"Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used”Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” Most Popular Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” Anbernic RG28XX review: “a tiny budget handheld that fits in my weird tiny jeans pocket” Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” Razer Kraken V4 review: “an iconic headset, all grown up” Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” Meta Quest 3S review: “Maybe the best entry-level VR device ever created” Glorious Series 2 Pro review: “comfortable and nimble, but not quite punching with the flagships” Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” Bouiles Elite Series review: “The longer I sat in it, the more comfortable I became” Azeron Cyborg II review: “One of the best gaming peripherals I’ve ever used” Atari 7800+ review: “a retro console remake for the ‘80s kids” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 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review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the 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best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 1 Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 2 Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 3 Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 4 Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 5 Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 1 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 2 Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 3 Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 4 The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 5 Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 1 Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 2 Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 3 Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 4 Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands” 5 Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”