In the first post-credits scene of Sonic 3, the theater I was in erupted in cheers as a beloved Sega character made a grand entrance. The film is rated PG-13, but the hundreds of kids in the audience were celebrating like there was no tomorrow. Not that I needed any extra proof, but at that moment, it became crystal clear: Sonic 3 is already a massive hit.
The movie hit theaters on December 25. Directed by Jeff Fowler, it features a voice cast that includes Ben Schwartz as Sonic, Idris Elba as Knuckles, Colleen O’Shaughnessey as Tails, and Keanu Reeves as Shadow. The screenplay is penned by Patrick Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington. Clocking in at 1 hour and 49 minutes, the film is distributed by Paramount Pictures.
The story follows Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they team up to protect the powerful Master Emerald. A new threat emerges when the G.U.N. military discovers that Dr. Eggman’s body has vanished, setting off a dangerous chase filled with twists and turns. The trio must work together like never before to prevent an even greater catastrophe.
Blending CGI with live-action, the movie showcases standout performances, particularly Keanu Reeves as Shadow and Jim Carrey in a dual role as Robotnik. Critics have praised its themes of teamwork and revenge, highlighting how the film balances action and emotion.
“Sonic 3” It’s really, really good
The first two Sonic films were already great, but this third one takes things to a whole new level. The world of the blue hedgehog has never been explored so well. Sonic 3 mixes adventure and comedy in a way that few films manage to pull off nowadays. The direction is solid, and the screenplay is tightly written, packed with Easter eggs—not just from gaming but from pop culture as a whole. At no point does it feel like a cash grab. In fact, where so many modern franchises (Marvel included) have stumbled, Sonic 3 doesn’t just succeed—it absolutely nails it.
The film makes smart choices with its characters. Everyone is there, even if just briefly, but each appearance serves a purpose. It’s not just a random collection of throwaway references. This time, Sonic and his friends travel through the U.S., England, and Japan, but the film avoids clichés. Each location has a unique visual style and brings fresh, exciting challenges. At the heart of it all is Shadow’s story—not as a villain, but as someone consumed by anger and frustration, leading him to make terrible mistakes. It’s a powerful message for younger audiences.
I’m 42 years old and grew up playing Sonic—at home, at friends’ houses, on the Master System and the Mega Drive. It was a fantastic time to be a kid. Seeing a faithful adaptation like this one fills me with joy and excitement. The recent Mario movie brought up the same emotions, and Sonic 3 only reinforces that feeling. No hesitation—just go watch it.
