Overall verdict: 7.5/10
The Good: Jim Carrey's performance, simple easy-to-follow storyline, relevant relatable themes, excellent special effects on Sonic, keeps focus on titular character, great music.
The Bad: some shoddy compositing of CGI, cliche ridden plot, serviceable supporting cast,
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The pre-release Hoo haa surrounding SONIC THE HEDGEHOG was legendary and had all the earmarks of a panic stricken studio rushing to appease angry fans after tepid reception to its first trailer. The studio reworked Sonic’s design and the end product was much better received. It seemed to take a leaf out of last year’s POKÉMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU by retaining his more cartoony video game anatomy but given a level of detail that would fit in with the visuals of live action actors and real world backgrounds.
I am glad to say that the hard work paid off. SONIC THE HEDGEHOG delivers a fun family film with a simple message, great comedy, and a straightforward plot. Not to mention tons of nostalgia fuel. Let’s start with the plot. I was terrified that it would be one of those “cartoon character comes to the real world to be a supporting character to help bland protagonist with personal problem” type of cliche which we saw in the likes of SMURFS. Thankfully this movie sidesteps that cliche by having Sonic clearly be the main protagonist and focus of the story.
Hunted on his home world for his extraordinary speed powers, Sonic has been in hiding on our Earth in the forests near Green Hills town. He likes it here but has kept a Low profile for fear that he would be hunted once again and be forced to escape to another world. As such, Sonic is one lonely individual. A mishap with his powers exposes Sonic’s presence in Green Hills and sets the eccentric tech genius Doctor Robotnik on his little blue tail. Now stranded on earth due to having lost his means of inter-world travel in San Francisco (it makes sense in the context of the movie) Sonic must enlist the help of Sheriff Tom Wachowski, the one person he thinks he can trust, to get him to across the country while evading the mechanical minions of Robotnik.
Here is a simple story cobbled from “person befriends non human creature” movies like ET, and “bonding through a road trip” movies like PAUL. The underlying theme of an outcast desiring friendship and a sense of belonging is also often used in such movies. Not the most original idea, but the decision to keep it simple and even simplify the franchise’s often convoluted lore ensures this movie is accessible to even the most casual viewers.
Sonic himself is distilled, retaining his recognisable confident personality but downplaying His sometimes annoying arrogance from the games, replacing it with a child-like curiosity and innocence. This coupled with his tragic backstory and character development as the plot progresses makes this version of the beloved video game character one of the most relatable and (wait for it) three dimensional incarnations ever. The special effects used to bring Sonic to life on the big screen is top notch but one gets the impression that most of the Budget was pumped into this and not much else.
Robotnick’s robot drones are created in CGI too but some scenes have the lighting or the composting feel slightly off, especially since most of the movie takes place in broad daylight. Most egregious is a scene involving sonic and a tortoise early in the movie with the compositing on the tortoise looking particularly shoddy. Ultimately, the special effects aside from those on Sonic come off as just serviceable.
While most of the human cast are just as serviceable, high praise goes to Jim Carrey as Robotnik. This is classic manic, old school crazy fun Jim Carrey of the 90s, obviously having the time of his life with the role. The energy he brings and the way he plays off the rest of the cast is such a delight to watch.
The music by Tom “Junkie XL” Holkenborg of TERMINATOR DARK FATE and BATMAN V SUPERMAN fame also deserves praise. His score on this movie is very unlike his past work, eschewing the loud brass sounds and heavy percussions for a more whimsical cartoony tune with light strings and woodwinds that feels right at home with the family friendly nature of this movie.
There is much to love about SONIC THE HEDGEHOG. The passion of the creative team is clearly evident and it delivers simple entertainment without too much pandering. Between this and last year’s POKÉMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU, I feel video game movies have a bright future ahead.
***********Review***********
Entertainment: A
Story: C+
Acting: A-
Characters: B+
Music: B
Replay value: A-
"Brains": C+
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