"Gotta go fast!" In 2019, a trailer dropped for the live-action adaptation of Sonic the Hedgehog and BOY did it terrify us with the character's uncanny human proportions. More unbelievable was how Paramount delayed the film's release to fix up the design, something studios hardly ever do. When the new look was revealed, it was a huge improvement, but I was still skeptical. I almost considered not seeing it, but the film gained some unexpected positivity from audiences, so I went to see it.
The movie is kind of an origin story for this version of the Blue Blur. He comes into our world to avoid others abusing his power. However, he catches the unwanted attention of Dr. Robotnik aka Eggman (Jim Carrey) who relentlessly hunts him with his trusted army of robots. To evade capture by the mad scientist, Sonic travels with aspiring sheriff Tom (James Marsden), the two forming an unlikely bond in the process.
As tired as I am seeing the same premise of a classic character from another world coming to our own (hijinks ensues) like with He-man, Smurfs, and Fat Albert, the film is actually decently made. Sonic's reason for being on Earth is made understandable by the beginning. Despite his energetic, playful personality, he's a lonely creature. This helped with his developing friendship with Tom going through his own arc about wanting to make a difference, having a nice balance of comedy and drama given the right amount of time as they discuss what they desire vs what they need. Okay, the jokes are not drop-dead funny, but they made me smile throughout and had their moments. Jim Carrey's performance is similar to when he played the Riddler, exuding the classic comedic energy we've come to expect from him with a slight edge of menace, not to mention his cool assortment of crazy robots. All in all, he's a good Robotnik. While there are few action scenes, they utilize Sonic's abilities well (a couple of moments look derived from X-Men's Quicksilver) with the final chase being the film's most engaging highlight. Not bad, but I've seen more exciting action from other Sonic media. Also, creds to all the references and creative use of classic Sonic elements like the rings.
As a family adventure-comedy and adaptation, it's fine, which for a video game movie is saying a lot. In fact, Hollywood seems to be slowly getting a better grasp on how to do them right like with "Detective Pikachu". While I would've preferred something grander and more in line with the games, namely as an animated film, in the end, "Sonic The Hedgehog" makes it to the finish line.
The movie is kind of an origin story for this version of the Blue Blur. He comes into our world to avoid others abusing his power. However, he catches the unwanted attention of Dr. Robotnik aka Eggman (Jim Carrey) who relentlessly hunts him with his trusted army of robots. To evade capture by the mad scientist, Sonic travels with aspiring sheriff Tom (James Marsden), the two forming an unlikely bond in the process.
As tired as I am seeing the same premise of a classic character from another world coming to our own (hijinks ensues) like with He-man, Smurfs, and Fat Albert, the film is actually decently made. Sonic's reason for being on Earth is made understandable by the beginning. Despite his energetic, playful personality, he's a lonely creature. This helped with his developing friendship with Tom going through his own arc about wanting to make a difference, having a nice balance of comedy and drama given the right amount of time as they discuss what they desire vs what they need. Okay, the jokes are not drop-dead funny, but they made me smile throughout and had their moments. Jim Carrey's performance is similar to when he played the Riddler, exuding the classic comedic energy we've come to expect from him with a slight edge of menace, not to mention his cool assortment of crazy robots. All in all, he's a good Robotnik. While there are few action scenes, they utilize Sonic's abilities well (a couple of moments look derived from X-Men's Quicksilver) with the final chase being the film's most engaging highlight. Not bad, but I've seen more exciting action from other Sonic media. Also, creds to all the references and creative use of classic Sonic elements like the rings.
As a family adventure-comedy and adaptation, it's fine, which for a video game movie is saying a lot. In fact, Hollywood seems to be slowly getting a better grasp on how to do them right like with "Detective Pikachu". While I would've preferred something grander and more in line with the games, namely as an animated film, in the end, "Sonic The Hedgehog" makes it to the finish line.