This third lap of the track is the fruit of the work of a team which has managed to tame its strengths, and which now no longer hesitates to bet everything on them…
If we had told you, a few years ago, that Paramount Pictures and Sega would succeed in setting up a cinematographic universe revolving around the character of Sonic the Hedgehog which would be more conclusive than that of Warner and DC, or even of Sony and anything that directly or indirectly relates to Spider-Man, you would probably have advised us to consult, or to even enter rehab.
However, this is the observation we arrive at upon seeing this third episode of a franchise whose little history had already begun with a step backwards following the recognition of a gross error with regard to the design of his hero.
Five years later, we are not only treated to the best film of the saga so far – because, yes, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 ultimately sets the table for a fourth opus -, but above all for a production defended by a team which has been able to tame its strengths, and which now no longer hesitates to bet everything on them.
The main attraction of the franchise remains, of course, the presence of Jim Carrey, who continues to embody with all the madness desired the sinister, angry and histrionic Dr. Robotnik. But like one Jim Carrey is good, but two is better, the scenario also gives him the opportunity to play this time the grandfather of the sworn enemy of the blue hedgehog, who must also fight the powerful Shadow (vocally played by Keanu Reeves).
As comfortable as a fish in water in these two roles, the actor steals the show in each of the sequences in which he appears, having fun with a performance that is always as physical and expressive, which has made his renowned since the 1990s.
That being said, everything in Jeff Fowler's film remains a question of dosage and complementarity. As for the heroic digital animals from another world, as well as the secondary characters defended by James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and Lee Majdoub, everyone has a role to play in varying the pleasures and tones, and ensuring that the dough rises correctly.
Above all, if Fowler and his acolytes can offer us today entertainment so loaded with sequences of action and destruction, it is because they took the time, from film to film, to incorporate and develop each element , to see how far they could afford to go, before trying to push the limit a little further.
So that it emanates from Sonic the Hedgehog 3 real confidence in the staging, which largely contributes to strengthening the bond of trust between the team in charge and the audience.
Let's be clear, the story again cuts (very) corners more often than it should, in addition to abandoning certain elements without warning along the way, and exposing its morals on friendship to us, revenge and the importance of teamwork in a way that couldn't be less subtle.
But we arrive at a certain point in a particularly charged final act where we feel that everyone involved has decided to completely ignore all physical and narrative logic, throwing out the broad outlines of their speech as quickly as possible and then trying to giving its young audience what they came to see on the big screen.
And as with everything else, there is no room for any half-measures in Sonic the Hedgehog 3which accumulates stylistic effects in the most hyperactive and garish way possible, but also well-executed action scenes, assumed moments of absurdity, and well-delivered lines.
In the end, the proposal holds up precisely, because it is served with the right intentions, and above all with the right audience in mind. On the one hand, the youngest will ask for more. On the other hand, nostalgic fans will be happy to return to childhood and not worry too much about the rest for a little over 100 minutes.
