The film opens on a note of serious gravity, revealing a shadowy secret from the past. Decades ago, a secret government program known as Project Shadow was underway, led by the brilliant and ruthless Professor Gerald Robotnik (Jim Carrey). This project, aimed at harnessing the power of a mysterious alien lifeform, led to the creation of Shadow the Hedgehog (voiced by Keanu Reeves), a powerful and enigmatic creature with a troubled past. A tragic accident during the project's development resulted in the death of Gerald's beloved granddaughter, Maria, and left Shadow in a state of suspended animation, filled with a deep-seated desire for revenge.
In the present day, Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are enjoying a period of peace and relative normalcy. Sonic has embraced his role as a hero and is living a fulfilling life with his adoptive parents, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). However, their tranquil existence is shattered when a powerful new threat emerges from the shadows. Shadow, now awakened, begins a campaign of destruction, using his incredible speed and teleportation powers to wreak havoc across the globe.
Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, who have now officially dubbed themselves "Team Sonic," are enlisted by the Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.) to apprehend the new menace. The trio soon discovers that Shadow's powers are far more advanced than anything they've ever faced, and their usual teamwork is no match for his raw power and calculated rage. This forces them to confront a moral dilemma: in order to defeat Shadow, they might need to make an uneasy alliance with an old enemy.
The film sees the unexpected return of the infamous Dr. Ivo Robotnik, who has been in hiding since his defeat in the last movie. However, this time he is not alone. He has been reunited with his long-lost grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, who has been pulling the strings from the background all along. Carrey delivers a standout performance, not only reprising his iconic role as the maniacal Dr. Robotnik but also taking on the dual role of the unhinged and vengeful Gerald. The dynamic between the two Robotniks adds a fresh layer of humor and villainy to the franchise, with Gerald's sinister plan for revenge against humanity providing the central conflict.
The story delves into the themes of revenge, loss, and the nature of true heroism. While Sonic is driven by a desire to protect his family and the world, Shadow is fueled by the pain of his past and the betrayal he experienced. The film draws a compelling parallel between the two hedgehogs, showcasing how a shared experience of loss can lead to vastly different paths. Sonic, with the support of his friends and family, learns to channel his pain into a force for good, while Shadow remains consumed by his quest for vengeance.
The action sequences are more intense and visually spectacular than ever before. Shadow's powers, which include teleportation and the use of "Chaos Energy," lead to some of the most thrilling and creative fight scenes in the franchise. The film's grand scale takes the characters on a journey around the world and even into space, as they race to stop Gerald's apocalyptic plan. The movie perfectly blends its high-stakes action with moments of genuine heart and humor, particularly in the interactions between Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles, and the comedic timing of Jim Carrey's dual performances.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a 2024 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 56.
