Sonic the Hedgehog 3: the ultimate tribute to the Blue Blur

Gotta go fast — to the cinema! For an adopted Londoner and Sonic fan since 1991, when I first raced through Green Hill Zone in Somerset on my Sega Mega Drive, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is everything I could have hoped for — and more. It’s an action-packed, emotionally charged masterpiece that celebrates everything fans love while taking the franchise to bold new heights.

Seeing London featured in the film was a surreal thrill. Watching Sonic dash through iconic landmarks and Knuckles “London brawling” his way through a chaotic action scene gave me goosebumps.

The movie blends my home city’s energy with the Sonic universe so seamlessly it feels like a love letter to London fans like me. It made me feel even more connected to the story, which is all about being an outsider and finding your chosen family — a theme that hits home for anyone who’s ever felt different or alien in some way.

The film also shows us a darker, more mature and more determined side of Sonic. He’s still the cheeky, lovable hero we know, but this time his growth is undeniable.

Facing off against Shadow forces Sonic to dig deep and rise to the challenge, and it’s exhilarating to see him take on that responsibility while still delivering the “bangers (chilli dogs, of course) and dash” we love him for.

You’re a colourful bunch!

Keanu Reeves is perfect as Shadow the Hedgehog, bringing depth and gravitas to the character’s tragic backstory with Maria. Their bond is the emotional core of the film and had me wiping away tears. Shadow’s darker, brooding energy is the perfect counterbalance to Sonic’s cheeky charm. Their dynamic is thrilling and emotionally charged, culminating in a third act that’s nothing short of spectacular.

Ben Schwartz, Colleen O’Shaughnessey and Idris Elba are pitch-perfect as Team Sonic, whose chemistry is pure magic. Ben Schwartz is at his best as Sonic, perfectly balancing humour with emotional depth. Colleen O’Shaughnessey’s Tails continues to bring charm and heart to the team. Idris Elba’s Knuckles is hilarious as ever, with his “fist-for-brains” moments providing some of the film’s funniest scenes.

Jim Carrey’s Robotnik (and his surprise double role as Gerald Robotnik) is delightfully over-the-top, and while — for most of the film — the human characters are sidelined, it allows the Sonic universe to shine brighter than ever.

Lee Majdoub returns as the iconic Agent Stone with his most compelling material in the series yet, delivering a great and surprisingly moving performance that deepens both his character and Eggman’s.

Jeff Fowler’s direction is spot-on, with pulse-pounding action scenes that feel straight out of the games. Tokyo serves as a fantastic stand-in for Sonic Adventure 2’s Radical Highway, and the film is packed with Easter eggs for longtime fans — from the unforgettable Live and Learn theme to subtle callbacks that had me grinning nonstop.

And you’ll want to stay sitting in your seat right to the end of the credits. Spoiler — there’s not one but two post-credit scenes. They’re jaw-dropping — I can’t wait for Sonic 4 in 2027!

Having caught a preview screening on Friday 20 December, I’m already planning to watch it again (and again), especially with my friends at Gaymers iNC. and my nephews over the Christmas holidays.

The film’s themes of being an outsider and finding your chosen family are handled beautifully, delivering moments that genuinely had me in tears. Between the action, humour and heartfelt storytelling, this is the Sonic film fans have been waiting for.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a celebration of found family, nostalgia and everything that makes Sonic so iconic — a joyous, supersonic rollercoaster ride with plenty of loop-de-loops: love and laughs as well as loss. Whether you’re a fan from the Mega Drive days — like me — or new to the world of the Blue Blur, Sonic 3 will leave you smiling, crying and eager for more — 10/10, no notes.

★★★★★

— A very happy Sonic fanboy from London via the green hills of Somerset