Sonic the Hedgehog 3

As a long-time fan of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, I’ve watched this blue speedster evolve on both the small screen and big screen over the years. So when Sonic the Hedgehog 3 hit theaters in 2025, I was beyond excited to see where this high-speed saga would take us next. After the success of the first two films, expectations were high. Would it be able to carry on the energy, charm, and excitement that fans loved? Or would it falter as many third installments of franchises do? Here’s my take on Sonic the Hedgehog 3, from the perspective of a dedicated fan and moviegoer.

Plot and Storyline

The story of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 picks up right where the previous movie left off. Sonic (Ben Schwartz) has cemented his place as Earth’s fastest hero, along with his trusty companions Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). After Dr. Robotnik’s defeat in the last film, there’s a sense of temporary peace, but as any good Sonic story goes, that peace doesn’t last long.

This time around, a new antagonist emerges, one who challenges Sonic not just physically, but emotionally as well. The villain feels like a natural progression from the chaos caused by Robotnik, but with a personal vendetta that pushes Sonic to confront deeper aspects of his character. I appreciated the way this new antagonist wasn’t just a carbon copy of Robotnik. While they certainly embody the classic Sonic villain trope, they have their own motivations, and the film does a solid job of giving them depth.

What stood out to me in this movie was how it balanced the action and humor with character development. Sonic’s journey from being a reckless, impulsive speedster to someone who’s learning the importance of responsibility is explored more thoroughly in this film. It’s a natural evolution of his character, and honestly, it gave the movie a lot more heart than I was expecting. Sure, there are plenty of high-speed chases and explosions, but the quieter, emotional moments were just as engaging.

Characters and Performances

The cast from the previous two films returns, and I couldn’t be happier with how they’re evolving. Ben Schwartz continues to be the perfect voice for Sonic. He brings a level of youthful energy and cheeky humor that I’ve come to expect from Sonic, but in this movie, I felt there was more to his performance. Sonic is faced with tougher challenges, and Schwartz brings a depth to the character that shows his growth from being a carefree speedster to a more thoughtful hero. It’s a subtle change, but one that adds a lot to the overall tone of the movie.

Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) continue to be standout characters. I’m particularly fond of how Knuckles is portrayed in this installment. Elba’s portrayal of Knuckles strikes the right balance between being a powerful warrior and a loyal, sometimes confused friend. He’s not just the muscle of the group; he’s given more emotional depth in this movie, and I loved seeing how his relationship with Sonic and Tails evolves.

Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is back in full force as the villain, and once again, he steals every scene he’s in. Carrey’s performance is over-the-top, zany, and completely delightful. However, there’s a noticeable shift in this film where Robotnik isn’t the sole antagonist. While he plays a crucial role, there’s an undercurrent of tension between him and the new villain, which makes for some interesting dynamics.

The new antagonist brings an added layer of complexity to the film. While they don’t fully overshadow Robotnik, their presence is felt throughout the movie. The film does a good job of developing them as a credible threat to Sonic and his friends. The character’s motivations are clear, and I appreciated how the film doesn’t rush their backstory, taking time to slowly unravel their connection to Sonic and the larger universe.

Themes and Character Growth

The biggest theme in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is growth. Sonic, for all his speed and confidence, has to come to terms with his place in the world and the consequences of his actions. It’s refreshing to see a hero movie where the protagonist isn’t just racing to save the day but also learning from his experiences. Sonic’s character arc is probably the most compelling aspect of the movie. It’s not just about defeating villains; it’s about becoming the hero he’s meant to be.

Knuckles and Tails also have their own growth moments, which adds depth to the overall narrative. Tails, for instance, becomes more than just Sonic’s sidekick—he’s an integral part of the team and has moments where his intellect is key to their survival. Knuckles, on the other hand, is still the strong protector, but there’s an added layer of emotional complexity to his character, making him feel more human, even though he’s a warrior.

Conclusion

Overall, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a solid addition to the Sonic movie franchise. It’s a film that not only delivers on the action and spectacle but also takes the time to develop its characters and explore deeper themes. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it’s a fun, heartfelt, and visually stunning ride from start to finish.