A small-town police officer helps a strange, fast hedgehog
​creature escape the clutches of a diabolical evil genius.

ACTION/FAMILY/SCI-FI

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

Directed by Jeff Fowler

Written by Pat Casey and Josh Miller

Starring Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Neal McDonough, Lee Majdoub

​Based on the video game by Sega

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Caleb Leger

September 1, 2020

8/10

Finally, the video game movie adaptation which seems to have figured it out. After a few recent years of better than average films of this type, it seemed like Hollywood was on the precipice of giving us something good from this. Something which would serve as an excellent adaption of the source material, while also entertaining those who may not be as familiar. And, just like Iron Man for Marvel, Sonic the Hedgehog turned out to be the film to do just that. It was clearly made by people who actually played the game and the movie studio seemed to actually play nice with the video game publisher. The match made in heaven is what we needed as this is now the first game to movie adaptation that was a huge success both critically and commercially. Who knew the fast, blue hedgehog would be the one to do it?

To start, as many know, there was a bit of controversy when the first trailer was released. Many people, myself included, absolutely did not like the look of Sonic. Well, the studio listened and delayed the film to work on the character design. This ultimately paid off as the final design is much better. By better, I mean that he actually looks like his video game counterpart. It also helps that the voice acting is superb. I can’t explain it adequately, but know he talks as fast as he runs. Also, major props to Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik. After a few years of not really being in anything that good, it’s refreshing to see him back in top form. He is everything I remember from my childhood: goofy, crazy, and a tad charming. And, just like Marvel, this film is loaded with Easter eggs. So, longtime fans pay attention.

Sonic the Hedgehog has done what seemed impossible for a while. It cracked the code and turned out to be a great adaptation of a beloved video game franchise. Let’s just hope this trend continues for future adaptations in the years to come. And with the teases at the end of this film, I also hope they embrace the video game lore even more.