Movie Review: “Sonic the Hedgehog” brings the popular Sega character to the big screen

Movie Review: “Sonic the Hedgehog” (PG)

Full disclosure: While I’m familiar with “Sonic the Hedgehog” I’ve never actually played the wildly popular Sega game that inspired this movie. That said, while hardly a classic, this film gets bonus points for keeping the kids entertained. Mine were enthralled by it from beginning to end.

This zany, colorful, and simple-minded Sega saga finds the title character leaving his home world to avoid capture at the hands of real unsavory types and spending his days living in solitude on planet Earth. Always fearful, constantly looking over his shoulder, and using his super speed to keep himself entertained, Sonic doesn’t always live the ideal life. But he puts on a brave face and does what he can to stay cheerful and optimistic. Things ultimately start to look up for Sonic when an unfortunate mishap involving sweet-natured, small-town police officer Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) gives the exceptionally speedy little hedgehog something he’s never really had before: a friend. Matters are complicated, however, when Sonic soon comes to the realization that not only is Tom going to transfer to a substantially larger city, leaving him alone once more, but they’re both being pursued by Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey), a villainous mastermind who wants to harness our little hero’s power in the name of world domination. In an effort to find a safe haven and avoid capture, Tom and Sonic go on an epic road trip in the name of survival.

Let’s face it; There hasn’t been a great track record for movies based on video games through the years. Where “Sonic the Hedgehog” lands on a list of titles that includes “Mortal Kombat,” “Tomb Raider,” and “Silent Hill” is always going to be up for debate. But at the very least, this movie is more tolerable than, let’s say, 1993’s “Super Mario Brothers.” Yeah. I said it. Sorry, “Super Mario Brothers” fans.

Beyond that, I’ll go ahead and state the obvious: “Sonic the Hedgehog” is really a movie for kids. It’s simple to follow, briskly paced, and energetic. That said, it may not be entirely engaging for a large contingent of the adult crowd.

From a technical standpoint, it should be noted that this movie made big-time news a few months back after die-hard fans complained about the less-than-stellar Sonic character design after getting a glimpse at the little guy in the first trailer for the film. So rather than releasing the movie as it was, the studio and a determined animation crew listened to the fans by way of completely overhauling Sonic’s design in record-breaking time. And truth be told, he looks much better in his current state. However, there’s still nothing particularly cutting edge about him. Furthermore, the fusion of animation and live action in this picture is more “Alvin and the Chipmunks” than “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.”

As for the cast, Ben Schwartz brings lively energy as the voice of Sonic, but in many ways, it’s actually Marsden who walks away with this movie. This isn’t a character of any real depth, mind you, but Marsden is undeniably likable and charming, and those attributes really elevate “Sonic.” Likewise, Tika Sumpter is sweet and funny as Tom’s supportive wife.

Of course, a huge draw in this movie will no doubt be a much promoted appearance by funny man Jim Carrey. As Dr. Robotnik, Carrey does the same sort of manic schtick that was his bread and butter in the ’90s, but he tries a little too hard here, and in the end this feels more like a less effective carbon copy of Carrey’s former self. Still, the “Dumb and Dumber” star does provide “Sonic the Hedgehog” with a handful of very funny moments, including a fittingly random dance number in the second half of the picture.

Again, it’s most likely the younger crowd who will be most delighted by “Sonic the Hedgehog.” One sequence in particular in which Sonic engages in a high-speed crusade to change the outcome of a barroom brawl is sure to get big laughs, even if said sequence is a little too reminiscent of Quicksilver’s crowd-pleasing antics in “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” Beyond that, it should also be noted that “Sonic the Hedgehog” comes with a sequel ready ending by way of a cameo that’s sure to get Sega fans pumped for the inevitable follow up. While I won’t necessarily be counting down the days until that sequel arrives, I know my kids will be, and at the end of the day, their happiness is good enough for me.

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