Sonic the Hedgehog: A triple review for a big anniversary
A new Sonic Film is in production for a 2027 release, so Jason Wright takes a look back at the films based on a popular Sega game character which is, incredibly, now thirty-five years old!
As Sonic the Hedgehog marks its 35th anniversary, the first live-action Sonic the Hedgehog remains a surprisingly successful recovery job. A widely criticised early trailer forced a last-minute redesign, saving the film from becoming another video-game adaptation punchline.
The plot plays it safe, placing Sonic in a familiar fish-out-of-water story, but a note of genuine loneliness gives the comedy some emotional weight. Jim Carrey’s Dr Robotnik is the clear highlight, embracing cartoon excess with infectious energy.
Not especially daring, but confident in tone and intent — a solid foundation rather than a false start.
For this film sonic managed to collect 3 Chaos Emeralds
With the groundwork laid, Sonic the Hedgehog 2 finally lets the franchise stretch its legs. Released in 2022, this sequel leans harder into the games, expanding the world with the welcome arrival of Tails and Knuckles.
Bigger action, brighter visuals and a looser sense of fun give the film a confidence the original only hinted at. Jim Carrey doubles down on Dr Robotnik’s cartoon villainy, and this time the chaos feels deliberate rather than compensatory.
It’s noisy, overstuffed, and occasionally indulgent — but it’s also exactly what a Sonic sequel should be.
This time sonic managed to collect 4 chaos emeralds
By the time Sonic the Hedgehog 3 arrives, the franchise has shed any lingering uncertainty. Released in 2024, the third entry embraces deeper lore and a more assured emotional register.
The arrival of Shadow the Hedgehog adds real dramatic weight, particularly through his friendship with Maria Robotnik, which grounds the film’s conflict in grief and memory rather than simple rivalry. It’s a surprisingly restrained, effective choice.
Jim Carrey, meanwhile, goes all in with a dual performance, playing both Robotniks with exaggerated relish. It’s indulgent, chaotic, and exactly the right tone for a series that now understands its own excesses.
Louder, darker, and more confident, this is a third film that feels like a payoff rather than an obligation.
For this film, Sonic managed to form the Master Emerald combining the 3 movies together. Sonic managed to make a trilogy where each film outdoes the last, and I cannot wait to see where this franchise goes now.
