SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

Three films into this franchise - one we thought wouldn't even get past one movie - and there is comfort in what to expect. Sonic is such an integral part of pop culture outside of the films that we know everything about him before we step into the theatre. This entry does take things in some new directions, but overall it's more of the same. 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' is a much more serious film; it's still a family film of course, but compared to the first two it's a tad darker. This is largely due to the introduction of Shadow and them staying fairly accurate to his video game roots. Overall, 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' sticks closer to its video game roots - there is much more fan service this time around while still being the family-friendly fun we know from the franchise.

My biggest negative is the balance in this film, with a lot of things not given room to breathe. Shadow, as mentioned, has a dark past, and we see his whole backstory play out, yet don't really get to know him as a character. The story also struggles to give equal footing to all of its characters The human characters, outside of Robotnik x2, get sidelined and Knuckles and Tails are missing for large chunks, especially the third act. Ironically, the first two films have the problem of too much focus on the human actors, but we have grown to love their relationship with Sonic, and I feel they could have been better utilised this time around. But again, we are three films in, so if you enjoyed the first two you'll get a kick out of this one - it's just not a perfect package.

Once again Jim Carrey, who retired from acting in 2016 and has only returned to do 'Sonic' movies, is the MVP of the franchise. He is just such a charismatic actor whenever he is on screen, and seeing him playing the two roles never gets tired. Elba is also still truly perfect casting - actually, all of the voice actors are very well cast - but as mentioned is largely missing. The one giving him a run for his money in the voice booth is Mr Keanu Reeves who is giving his all to Shadow. The casting for the 'Sonic' movies is really what keeps this franchise going, and all are just having so much fun that it's hard to resist even when the story is maybe lacking.

'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' is more of the same that we've come to expect from the loveable blue hedgehog. It ramps up the fan service for the gamers, but it never fully comes together. For a family outing, it has something to satisfy everyone, even if it won't have a lasting impact. Like the previous films, this does have a post-credits scene setting up more characters from the 'Sonic' world, and I think once that fourth film hits it will make this franchise even stronger. The film is a complete story, but it does feel very middling.