This Valentine’s Day, Feb, 14, the movie “Sonic the Hedgehog” was finally released. Waiting months for it to be released had fans eagerly anticipating the iconic characters big screen debut. This one-hour-and-forty-minute film was rated a 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, but the overall audience rating is a 95%. Critics are hitting it hard but the fans are loving it, but the film was made for the fans. 

All the action, his charisma and the story behind the film were all amazing. Fans were delighted that the creators listened and changed Sonic’s design for the movie following the controversy after the original design debuted. One thing that the movie has going for it is the crazy energy it receives from Jim Carrey (“Kidding”) as the villain, Dr. Robotnik, who is basically a mad scientist out to capture or kill Sonic. The entire chase scene between Sonic and Robotnik was very exciting. It was just like the scene from “X-Men: Dawn of Future Past,” where Quicksilver was running around with everything going in slow motion except for him. 

For those who don’t know, the film is based off of the iconic Sega video game series “Sonic.”  Sonic, who in the movie was voiced by actor Ben Schwartz (“Bojack Horseman”) is on the run in the countryside of Montana from Robotnik, who wants to steal Sonic’s supersonic speed powers to take over the world. A local cop of this small town named Tom Wachowski, who Sonic calls “Donut Lord,” is played by actor James Marsden (“Dead to Me”) who helps Sonic get back what he has lost and get away from Robotnik. Sonic gets into plenty of mischief along the way that gives the film a cheerful, kid-friendly energy. There is so much love infused into the character of Sonic and the script is well-developed, causing a few tear-jerking moments.

The film discusses loneliness through Sonic’s great characterization. This story aspect was very sad and effective because everyone has felt left out at some point in their lives and can relate. Robotnik says he was bullied as a child, he is probably still bullied behind his back by his coworkers and he just doesn’t know it. He has felt the same way that Sonic felt during a portion of the movie. If he understood Sonic’s past, and how much it related to his own, he probably wouldn’t be after him anymore. This is also how emotionally stirring the film was.

Families also have the opportunity to talk about how drinking is portrayed in the movie. What did the drinking have to do with anything else in the storyline? Did it really have to be in there? Despite those quirks, the film still holds up for those invested in the franchise. 

Make sure to stay tuned at the end of the credits, there is a special surprise that has fans full of excitement.   

Image from Paramount Pictures via YouTube