Sonic the Hedgehog

Friday night, I checked out the new “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie, which came out in February. I was skeptical about watching it because, if you read my reviews on video game adaptations, you know how I think about them. However, I heard some very good things about it, so I decided to check it out.

After the much needed makeover after the complaints about the character’s horrendous first look, “Sonic the Hedgehog” has overcome the first design complaints and was released in theaters in a surprisingly enjoyable adventure.

Now looking more like the original version, Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz, finds himself avoiding villains in the live-action adaptation of the Sega video game franchise.

Sameen Amer said in her review, “When his extraordinary powers of supersonic speed make him a target of power hungry bad guys, Sonic is sent to Earth where he must stay hidden and never stop running.” If they find him, he can use one of his magical rings to open a portal to another planet where he will continue to live in isolation.

Amer said, “But the loneliness is starting to take a toll on the friendless hedgehog.” He has a strong liking for local sheriff, Tom (James Marsden), and his nice veterinarian wife, Maddie (Tika Sumpter), from a distance, but can’t risk create communication with humans.

His anger over his dilemma makes him to accidentally cause an electricity power that causes a blackout all over town. Evil scientific genius Doctor Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey, is assigned to find out what happened. He suddenly discovers Sonic’s existence and is keen on capturing this friendly hedgehog.

Amer said, “Sonic then ends up joining forces with an initially reluctant Tom to reclaim the rings that he has lost in the ruckus and escape the mad scientist who is on his trail.”

The road trip that follows may not be a masterpiece but it is still really enjoyable. The humor normally works. Particularly children are possibly going to enjoy Sonic’s antics, and there’s enough likability to keep adults attention as well (Amer said, “even if they may otherwise find the tale simplistic and predictable”).

The protagonist is lovable. His human sidekick (played by a very charming Marsden) is pleasant. The energetic Carrey is entertaining in the comedic style that has made him famous.

Jeff Fowler and his team have done a really great job reworking a movie that primarily looked like it was going to be a disaster. Amer ended her review by saying, “Ultimately, Sonic the Hedgehog may not break any new ground and clearly won’t redefine cinema, but this family-friendly adventure will ensure that viewers have a good time and exit the screening with a smile on their faces.”

Honestly, this is a video game adaptation that I actually think will be liked by fans of the video game or regular moviegoers. Even though the plot is a little predictable and the look of Robotnik doesn’t look like the original character, I still think this will be liked by people. This is a funny, emotional movie and the mid-credits scene (spoilers) shows Tails looking for Sonic. If they are going to make a sequel, I’m excited to see what they will do next. Check it out and see for yourself.

Thank you for joining in on tonight’s review. Wait until next Friday for the next entry in “Anime Month.”