The Sonic movie series has now been out for half a decade. It was originally going to crash and burn because of the original (cringe) design they chose for Sonic, but the studio decided to spend millions to change it, and that decision worked out for the best. I thought the first 2 movies were okay, which is why I saw the third movie on streaming about a year later. Just like its predecessors, it is an enjoyable film. But is it better than the first 2?

The third movie takes place not long after the events of the second movie. Sonic now has his pals, Miles “Tails” Prower and Knuckles the Echidna. Both are exactly like they were in the second movie, although Knuckles feels a bit nerfed.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is ironically loosely based on the events of the video game Sonic Adventure 2, which I fondly remember on the Nintendo GameCube. The most notable antagonist is definitely Shadow the Hedgehog, and while the movie takes some liberties with the lore, it is about as faithful as you would expect from a Hollywood adaptation.

Shadow definitely does not disappoint in the coolness department, just like he did in his original video game. He usually makes Sonic and his friends look like crap. I also love that he was voiced by the legendary Keanu Reeves.

Jim Carrey returns as Doctor Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik. The beloved comedy icon has been talking about retiring, but it seems like he is not going to give this role up anytime soon. And we are all very glad for that.

Jim Carrey also portrays Professor Gerald Robotnik, who is the doctor’s long lost grandfather. He has actually been dead in the games long before Sonic started running, but his inclusion somewhat makes sense here. Jim Carrey’s over the top performance as Gerald Robotnik is pure gold.

Is Sonic the Hedgehog 3 the greatest video game movie ever made? Absolutely not, but I would say it is probably the best of the 3 Sonic movies. It feels more like the video games than the other 2, especially the original which was kind of like the movie Hop. But just like the first 2, I liked it but I did not quite love it. I really wish the writers had a little bit more talent, because they could have really knocked this one out of the park. But it has proven to be a very popular movie, especially with the younger (and especially the autistic) crowd.