Shadows on the Wall | Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

dir Jeff Fowler
scr Pat Casey, Josh Miller, John Whittington
prd Neal H Moritz, Toby Ascher, Toru Nakahara, Hitoshi Okuno
with Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Idris Elba, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter, Lee Majdoub, Krysten Ritter, Natasha Rothwell, Shemar Moore, Adam Pally
release US 20.Dec.24,
UK 27.Dec.24
24/UK Paramount 1h50

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Returning to the snappier writing of the first movie (rather than the dopey second one), this riotous action sequel is still silly and predictable. But there's also some genuinely witty dialog and up-for-it performances from the human cast members, this time including a double dose of the gleefully hammy Jim Carrey. So while it has the hallmarks of a play-it-safe studio franchise, Sonic's loyal fanbase will love it.

While enjoying his homelife with Tom and Maddie (Marsden and Sumpter), the alien hedgehog Sonic (Schwartz) forms a superhero team with inventive flying-fox Tails (O'Shaughnessy) and muscly echidna Knuckles (Elba). Then a powerful hedgehog called Shadow (Reeves) turns up, and he's out for vengeance against the scientists who experimented on him. To stop him, Sonic and friends team up with old nemesis Robotnik (Carrey), who is stunned to learn that his long-lost granddad (also Carrey) is involved in this. Soon everyone is racing to London in a desperate dash to control a potentially world-ending weapon.

Despite the simplistic narrative, clever references are woven into the story to create a properly absurd stream of corniness. There's also plenty of whiz-bang action, especially as the story heads into space, although this never generates even a hint of genuine suspense, simply because it's so obvious where it's going. But there are terrific character moments peppered all the way through, which give both people and furry heroes a chance to become more engaging.

As before, the gifted Carrey is in scene-chomping mode, this time in two roles shamelessly battling for the spotlight. Marsden and Sumpter get into the fray too, providing some superb laughs. And as Robotnik's loyal assistant, Majdoub very nearly steals the film. Meanwhile, Sonic and friends find some complexity in their messy relationships, which are complicated by various personal issues that are relatively easy to sort out before the post-credits sting.

Along with the general goofiness and nonstop childish energy, the film also contains a message about the dangers of being driven by revenge. So even if most kids will be rooting for the baddies to come to a violent end, the script is reminding them that there are better ways to resolve issues. Indeed, Sonic's team is made up of former foes who found camaraderie to be a better use of their energy. Meanwhile, it's nice that this film remembers its audience with broad humour that makes up for the rather thin plot.

themes, violence 14.Dec.24

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