Sonic 3 is what other studios should be striving for when it comes to quality. In a landscape continuously riddled with reboots, remakes, and sequels, Sonic 3 stands out. It does that by trusting the viewer while also honoring the decades worth of source material. They understand what fans want and they give it to them in this movie. And they do this while also being aware that there will be people who will be watching Sonic for the first time and didn’t grow up with the video games or the shows. This delicate balance is an integral part of the success of this movie. But that’s not all.
Movies that are geared towards children or our family oriented, are pretty watered down when it comes to actual depth and nuance. It’s like media literacy isn’t something that studios trust us with. And while I can take a real world look at our actual world and slightly agree with that, I like that Sonic 3 trusts us with something beyond nostalgia. They don’t play it safe because it’s a family movie. Instead, Sonic 3 gives us a complex story with layered explorations of each character. No one is cookie cutter. And no one fits into an easy mold that is lazily defined. This movie strives and succeeds in embracing those layers.
When it comes to Sonic, the lead of our story, he doesn’t overshadow everything. His story is as important as everyone else’s, but he even knows that this is a team effort. He has a family and within Sonic 3 we got to see him explore being a son, a brother, and someone who is handed an insurmountable amount of power. What he did with that power set him on a path where he almost lost himself. But what sets him aside from others, like Shadow our antagonist, is that he has that family there to ground him.
“Sonic 3 trusts us with something beyond nostalgia.”
Other characters like Tails, Knuckles, Tom, and Maddie, are afforded the opportunity to enrich Sonic’s story while also making strides themselves. We see Tails becoming more sure in their abilities. We see a Knuckles that understands that he is not alone and can show vulnerabilities. And we see Maddie and Tom going through the ups and downs of being parents while also supporting their adoptive children when it comes to saving the world. They all take risks together for the greater good but also because they’re family. They choose to do this because they love each other.
On the outside of this family dynamic is Shadow. He is a mirror reflection of Sonic. Our titular hero could have ended up just like Shadow. And the movie trusts the audience to go on a journey where nature versus nurture is explored. But so is abandonment, loss, and anger. Kids especially, they are going through complex emotions and situations no matter how much we try to protect them. And Sonic 3 is a vehicle to show kids that they can make it through this, and that maybe they aren’t alone in feeling happy, confused, angry, or whatever emotions come with just living.
“Sonic 3 dived deeper into [Shadow’s] story in a way that will make new viewers invest in him like I did as a kid.”
Shadow himself is also a very highly anticipated character that fans have wanted to see for a very very long time. I myself have always been a Shadow girl and it’s just made sweeter by the fact that Keanu Reeves voices him. Shadow’s story is one of redemption after years of stewing in pain transformed into hatred and sorrow; a deadly combination that was taken advantage of by Gerard Robotnik. Watching him come to the realization that the light shines even though the star is gone, it was heartbreaking but earned. And I will forever be grateful that Sonic 3 dived deeper into his story in a way that will make new viewers invest in him like I did as a kid.
We can’t do this Sonic 3 review without talking about Jim Carrey. I’m not a huge Carrey fan. His work has always felt a little stagnant for me. But there is something about the Robotnik role that reminds me of the Grinch. He was made for that role. And he was also made to play Ivo Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik. His ability to give himself completely to this role and play two characters blew me away. And I don’t think I will ever forget that dance scene with his grandpa for the rest of my life. Iconic. Transformative.
If you take all of these elements and combine it with stunning visuals and a balance between comedy and heartfelt, Sonic 3 is a win. It’s not just the latest nostalgia cash cow. Sonic is honoring the source material while investing in old fans and new ones. And it’s become a comfort in these last couple of weeks to experience heroes, vulnerability, family, love, and friendship through Sonic and his loved ones. So if you’re on the fence about watching this movie, trust me. Watch it. We need more movies like this. And maybe you’ll be just like me and need to laugh, cry, and get the butterflies over this worthwhile trilogy. Plus you need to watch it before Sonic 4 comes out.
Sonic 3 is now available to purchase on digital.
