Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now showing in Philippine cinemas!
The latest installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise, which opened in the US and other international markets over the Christmas holidays, has earned raves from audiences and critics alike. Sonic the Hedgehog 3 currently has a Rotten Tomatoes audience rating of 96%, and 87% from critics (the highest in the series).
Featuring an all-star cast that includes Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, James Marsden, Tika Sumpter and newcomer Keanu Reeves, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a must-watch. Check out some things to look forward to in the latest big-screen adventure of Team Sonic.
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Team Sonic
Since the first film, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) has evolved from an alien outsider looking for connection to a member of a close-knit family and a hero in the making. Sonic the Hedgehog 2 saw him bond with new friends Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) to form a team of superheroes, who combine their special skills to battle evil. In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the trio plus their foster parents, Tom and Maddie (James Marsden and Tika Sumpter, respectively), are challenged by new adversaries and new responsibilities that raise the stakes to unprecedented heights. The trio’s different personalities and abilities not only lend to fun (and funny!) moments on screen, they also make it easier for audiences to empathize and relate with the characters.
Watch the trailer
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Keanu Reeves as Shadow
“Shadow was introduced in a game called ‘Sonic Adventure 2,’” notes director Jeff Fowler of the movie’s new antagonist. “He quickly became every bit as popular as Sonic. He’s stronger than Knuckles, and faster than Sonic. That sets the table for an amazing rivalry.”
On Keanu Reeves (The Matrix, John Wick film series) voicing the fan favorite character, the director couldn’t have said it better: “It is a perfect match. Shadow is John Wick in hedgehog form, which is a total contrast with Sonic.”
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Jim Carrey’s double duty as Ivo and Gerald Robotnik
In bringing back Jim Carrey for Sonic 3, it was important to give him a great arc that covers the three films, says producer Toby Ascher. And that arc includes Carrey playing his old character Ivo Robotnik and Ivo’s equally treacherous 110-year-old grandfather, Gerald Robotnik, the engineer of Shadow’s evil intentions. The producers decided that no one could play Gerald better than the man who plays his grandson.
Fortunately, Carrey was up for the challenge. “It’s one of the most special parts of the movie,” says producer Neal Moritz. “When I watch the two of him in scenes together, I literally feel like I’m watching two different people.”
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
More action!
An antagonist that’s faster than Sonic and stronger than Knuckles, and assisted by not one but two Robotniks. Super-powered action sequences. Fights in outer space. “With each film, we want to raise the bar on spectacle and action set-pieces that really live up to what the games have established,” says Fowler. “We will always stay faithful to the things fans love, though, because they are the reason we’re here today.”
The films, which combine animation and live-action, have one significant advantage over pure live-action, according to co-writer Pat Casey. “We can go so big,” he explains. “In live-action, if you want a helicopter crash, the producers might say we can’t afford that. But on this movie, we could do anything, including blow up the moon! Jeff’s a visual genius so we can be sure that whatever we write, he will make it look awesome. We decided to send Sonic not just around the world but into space. The things that happen would be impossible in a live-action movie, but thanks to the genius of visual effects, Jeff, and a talented stunt team, it came out great.”
Adds Carrey, “This thing is so huge, you won’t believe it’s about a hedgehog. But you can’t argue with the fan base. If it’s hedgehogs they want, it’s hedgehogs they’ll get.”
Photo credit: Paramount Pictures
Comedy and humor
Co-writer Josh Miller says another key to the popularity of the films is the balance he and Casey strive to strike between fun and action. “A sweet spot that blends them both is always on our minds when we get together with Jeff and the producers to plan a new story,” he says. “Anthropomorphic animals lend themselves to humor, but we have to make the jokes good while still taking the story seriously. It’s important to find ways to have big, exciting, colorful action equal to what you see in big special effects movies — but always hang on to that inherent silliness.”
In Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance in hopes of stopping Shadow and protecting the planet.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is now showing in Philippine cinemas. Join the conversation with the hashtag #SonicMovie3 and tag @paramountpicsph
