Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Parent Guide

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are just getting their groove as a team when they are recruited by a government agency to stop a dangerous new threat, Shadow (Keanu Reeves). Trapped in a government cryochamber for 50 years, Shadow has his sights set on revenge, and he’ll do anything to get it, including teaming up with Sonic’s archnemesis, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey).

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a perfect example of a good bad movie. It’s objectively bad with tons of plot holes, constant pop culture references, and heavy-handed fan service. But I had the best time watching it. I laughed through the whole runtime, even in spots that weren’t meant to be funny. The writers perfectly nailed the silly, self-referential tone this film needed. It never takes itself seriously, which lets the audience relax into the ridiculousness.

Jim Carrey is an absolute delight - to no one’s surprise. He always shines in roles where he’s allowed to be as expressive and ridiculous as he wants, and he is given all the freedom to do so here. Though none of the other actors or creatures can live up to his performance, they play off of him nicely. Reeve’s dark and depressed Shadow is a perfect foil to Carrey’s goofy antics, leading to some fun interactions.

It occurred to me in the third act that 10-year-old me would have absolutely loved this movie. Adult me enjoyed it, but more from an ironic, tongue-in-cheek perspective, whereas I think child me would have loved it sincerely. And that’s why I think this film is going to be a hit with audiences. Kids will enjoy the action and humor, while adults will appreciate the self-aware writing and campy tone.

The level of violence is right on par with the rest of the series, so parents will know what to expect, and the only other negative content is a small amount of swearing. There are some great messages about making good choices and not letting anger change who you are, which parents will appreciate on top of all the goofiness. This is not serious cinema, but it was never meant to be. If you’re just looking for a good time at the theater, there are far worse choices in the world of children’s entertainment.