Sonic the Hedgehog is in theatres now — and you should definitely go and see it.
It isn't a demanding experience but rather one that you can just sit back and enjoy. There isn't anything complicated or overly amazing going on that will have you scratching your head or make your heart race with excitement. It's a simple good time.
Hence why it's pretty alright as a movie but great as a children's movie (which it is at the end of the day). Everything going on with the characters is functional albeit not very impressive or unique. The same could be said about the movie as a whole. It all works but it's nothing to write home about (unless you weren't expecting much to begin with).
The humour is amusing but not quite hilarious — though, that's a very subjective topic. It will probably get a few of sniffs out of you but not an outright laugh. Another thing the movie will get out of you is an "I understood that reference," since it's absolutely chock-full of them. These references extend beyond the
Sonic the Hedgehog franchise and enter the realm of pop culture in general.
The movie is pretty down with meme culture (even briefly featuring one of the Sonic the Hedgehog fanbase's most infamous). Sonic will make a reference to the likes of Keanu Reeves and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as well as do a little flossing (the dance move). The references might grow a bit tiresome but that's also something that will fall more on the subjective side of things — since they do make sense within the context of the film.
Pair those references with the nonlinear structure and you've got a children's movie that's comparable to Deadpool. It's obviously not gory or irreverent in the same way as the R-rated film but calling Sonic the Hedgehog a kid-friendly version of Deadpool would be pretty on the money.
The score is unremarkable and traditional for the most part. It's all serviceable but isn't bad by any means. Though, there are some nice musical moments that fans of the franchise will appreciate. It being customary, there really isn't much to say about it.
There's awesome action scenes. These moments are fun even though you're fully aware that everything you're watching is computer-generated. That often removes interest from an audience but not so in
Sonic the Hedgehog's case as it's sometimes inventive and overall just enjoyable to watch. If you've seen
X-Men: Days of Future Past, you'll notice a bit of borrowing being done in that aspect.
The movie isn't bogged down by generic human characters, like James Marsden's Tom Wachowski, as you might have expected. In fact, they're pretty entertaining in their own right. Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik works well and will often put a smile on your face despite being the movie's antagonist. An entertaining baddie often seems to be a tall order but Sonic the Hedgehog easily manages it.
Sonic himself is obviously the star of the film. Ben Schwartz does a great job as the voice of the character. It seems effortless in that the line delivery just fits Sonic perfectly and never makes you raise an eyebrow. The same can be said for the physicality of Sonic that visual effects brought to life. Throughout, you're totally on-board with the animated character (which is something you may not have been if Paramount had insisted in keeping the initial, controversial design).
It isn't groundbreaking by any means and the premise isn't necessarily that of the
Sonic the Hedgehog movie fans of the franchise will have been envisioning for years but it's certainly good for what it is and full of heart — despite featuring laughable product placement. Given what this movie sets up, a sequel could certainly be that ideal
Sonic the Hedgehog movie. It's clear that the creatives behind the movie are genuine fans of
Sonic the Hedgehog and that's a relief.
The Sonic the Hedgehog movie is a straightforward and enjoyable good time with likeable characters and no obvious flaws that spring to mind. The plot is simplistic and the premise itself isn't particularly interesting (compared to what a Sonic the Hedgehog movie could have been about) but it does well with it regardless.