Sonic the Hedgehog 3

Sonic the Hedgehog 4 (2024)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This follows the same story flow as the previous Sonic movies, where some big disaster strikes, usually correlating with something Doctor Robotnik has done, and they meet someone else like them along the way, though that person is just as likely to be an enemy at first as they are to be a friend later. So far Tails is the only one who has shown up intentionally as an ally; a trend that could be changing with the end credit scene leading into the next movie (fans of the franchise will recognize Amy if they stick around, but there are 2 end scenes, so don't walk away too early). I'll admit to not being a fan myself other than recognizing Sonic from the classic Sega games in my youth, but the kids love the series and are always eager to tell me about the different characters out there. From the descriptions, Shadow had always sounded like an evil clone of Sonic, however, from this tale, he is actually much older than Sonic is, possibly making him the original hedgehog? It's also curious how these new characters have the metal rings around their wrists, and even ankles at least for Shadow, yet the original trio don't. It's unclear the significance there, but indications that there is something they represent given when Shadow removes his. It will also be interesting to see if the way these supersonic creatures fight together changes if they really are out of the magic rings, but somehow there always seems to be just one more for that critical moment, so are they truly? All in all, there's a lot of action, lots of comedy, and an extra heavy side of emotions driving this story along.

Sonic the Hedgehog 2

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


As with most things in the Sonic franchise, there is a lot of humor and Sonic is a bit over the top. As always, he manages to pull things together, making some unexpected friends and allies along the way. They also leave the ending open for a potential third installment in the series. Tales and Knuckles may have a lot of learning to do on Earth, but they've joined a pretty good family sticking with Sonic and his chosen family. It's a special touch to see Sonic going from trying to pretend he's got it all down and telling his "Donut Lord" he's not his dad, to actually calling him Dad and admitting he still has some growing up to do and likes being a kid. That's some pretty hefty power they're all guarding now - so long as they don't forget it somewhere along their adventures. Good thing they're all faster than normal to hopefully beat any opponents along the way, though this movie also proves that even Sonic may be forced to slow down as he will eventually run out of speed. 

Sonic the Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Similar in style to Detective Pikachu, this is another combination of CGI animation with live action for a game to movie adaptation. Wouldn't say it's the best adaptation movie out there, but it's fun and fairly lighthearted despite all of the action packed in as well. Sonic is somehow both knowledgeable and clueless at the same time, leading to some interesting shenanigans as he goes down his bucket list and enlists the help of the "donut lord". Sonic also ends up managing to bring the town together even more than originally as they all claim their "little blue devil" as one of theirs. Sonic may have spent most of his life fairly literally on the run given both his instructions from his teacher and his powers, but he also may have just found a new home along with people who not only sometimes need his help and protection, but are willing to help and protect him in return.