(MENAFN- Live Mint) Paramount Pictures' Sonic the Hedgehog 3 released in India on January 3, 2025, after receiving widespread acclaim worldwide. The film premiered in London on December 10, 2024, and debuted in US theaters on December 20, grossing an impressive $234.5 million globally at the box office .
The third installment of the beloved Sonic franchise has been praised for its engaging storyline, thrilling action, and standout performances, particularly by Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog. Fans and critics alike have hailed the film as a successful continuation of the franchise.
Plot overview
Blending elements from the Sonic Adventure 2 (2001) and Shadow the Hedgehog (2005) video games, the film introduces Shadow the Hedgehog, voiced by Keanu Reeves. Shadow allies with Gerald and Ivo Robotnik, seeking revenge against humanity. The narrative evolves into a battle between Shadow's vengeance and Sonic's determination to protect Earth. Themes of loss, redemption, and teamwork underpin the action-packed adventure.
Key cast
Ben Schwartz as Sonic
Keanu Reeves as Shadow, praised for his intensity and depth, drawing comparisons to his John Wick role.
Jim Carrey in dual roles as Dr. Ivo Robotnik and Gerald Robotnik.
Idris Elba as Knuckles, alongside Colleen O'Shaughnessey as Tails.
Live-action stars include James Marsden and Tika Sumpter as Sonic's adoptive parents.
Fan reactions on social media
The movie has sparked a flurry of excitement on social media platforms, with fans expressing their admiration for its action-packed scenes, emotional depth, and nostalgic nods to the Sonic video games.
Here's what audiences are saying:
Balancing nostalgia and new heights
One viewer shared their experience, saying,“Took my kids to see Sonic the Hedgehog 3. It didn't quite reach the artistic heights of Sonic 1 or the exuberance of Sonic 2, but it's still a masterpiece that will be praised through the ages.”
Emotional rollercoaster
Another fan commented on the film's pacing and tone, stating,“Holy crap, what an emotional rollercoaster! The third act had NO RIGHT to go that insanely hard, but it did.”
Winning over non-fans
A self-proclaimed non-Sonic fan admitted their surprise, saying,“Went from quaint to good to genuinely great. Looking forward to the 4th movie.”
Keanu Reeves shines as Shadow
Fans praised the casting of Keanu Reeves, with one saying,“This is the best one of the trilogy by far. Keanu Reeves nails it.”
Jim Carrey's iconic performance
Many highlighted Jim Carrey's role as Robotnik.“Jim Carrey was born to play the Mask... and Eggman,” a fan noted, while another added,“This was peak Jim Carrey. He deserves a Screen Actors Guild nomination.”
Breaking the video game movie curse
“This saga truly broke the video game movie curse,” wrote one user, reflecting on the trilogy's success.
Thrilling action sequences
Fans were thrilled by the action, with one noting,“The Eggman fight sequence and that final stunt were brilliant. Excited for Sonic 4, especially after the post-credit scene.”
A comeback for the ages
Another fan shared,“I'm so proud of how far the Sonic series has come. One of the biggest comebacks in gaming history. 9/10, would watch again.”
Unique narrative style
One viewer drew parallels to the gameplay, stating,“So Sonic builds momentum, gets stuck, and then sprints to the finish-just like the movie!”
Musical and cinematic brilliance
“The end credit scene was insane, and the music during 'the scene' was perfection,” a user said.
For both fans and newcomers
A new fan shared,“This movie didn't slow down. Great for someone who didn't grow up playing Sonic. Best one for me so far.”
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High-quality trilogy
A fan remarked,“These movies are way better than they have any right to be. Can't wait to rewatch with my kids.”
Dragon ball comparisons
A viewer enthusiastically noted,“The last 20 minutes straight up becomes a live-action Dragon Ball movie but done RIGHT.”
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A Hollywood lesson
Reflecting on the franchise's treatment, one user said,“We live in a world where the Sonic trilogy gets better treatment than 90% of movie franchises.”
Keanu Reeves and Jim Carrey's impact
Fans celebrated the cast, with one saying,“Casting Keanu Reeves as Shadow might be one of the best decisions in movie history,” and another joking,“Jim Carrey is officially a professional Robotnik now.”
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With its much-anticipated release in India, the film is expected to attract a massive audience, especially fans of the franchise and video game enthusiasts. The success of the previous installments has already established a strong fan base in the country.
The overwhelming consensus? Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fan-favorite that exceeded expectations and set the stage for an eagerly anticipated fourth film.
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