Sometimes you just have to get away. That is the case with Sonic the Hedgehog (an animated version voiced by Ben Schwartz), who comes to Earth to escape sinister forces seeking to harness his faster than the speed of light abilities. Having adjusted to a new, secret life in Montana, he accidentally causes a massive power outage. The government enlists the assistance of the lunatic genius and roboticist, Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) to capture Sonic. Meanwhile, the local sheriff Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) befriends the speedy rodent and helps him evade capture.
The key to successful filmmaking is a fully developed production—a film that has a strong story, superior acting, masterful direction, and state-of-the-art technology, if it’s a sci-fi production. So many movies try to make it on a single device: a marquee actor or fancy special effects, or copying a story that’s been successful in another venue.
But “Sonic the Hedgehog” works because it has it all. It starts with Sonic’s journey from outer space, living on earth, and joining forces with the sheriff to battle Dr. Robotnik. Add in a great cast and special effects and it all comes together in an out-of-this-world fashion.
You can’t have a truly great hero without a truly great villain. And Jim Carrey fills that role. It is so great to see the master funny man Carrey back on the big screen. Jim, we’ve missed you! He’s middle aged now. But still has excellent comedic timing and is as good at physical comedy as he ever was. And the writers provide him with great lines. He belittles Sheriff Wachowski by telling him, “I was spouting out formulas at an age when you were spitting up formula.”
The sheriff is played by James Marsden, who is a natural in the role of good guy/leading man. His wife is played by Queens’ own Tiki Sumpter. They are the obligatory cute leading couple. She’s attractive, smart (a veterinarian), and very supportive of her husband. The typical onscreen wife. The fact that she’s Black and Marsden is white is never even discussed in the film. Which is good. Her sister, however, is a character we’ve seen before: overweight, sassy, and a single mother.
That leads us into our cast diversity rating. “Sonic the Hedgehog” gets an “A.” An African American woman in the lead female role. Sonic is blue. And there are people of color throughout the film. Also, reflecting on the fact that much of the film is set in small town Montana, this movie is adequately diverse.
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is Rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor (Sonic farts) and mild language. Ninety-one minutes in length. It gets our highest rating, See IT! By the way, the ending screams there will be a sequel!