James Marsden and Ben Schwartz in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’.
Directed by: Jeff Fowler
Written by: Pat Casey and Josh Miller
Based on “Sonic the Hedgehog” by: Sega
Starring: James Marsden, Ben Schwartz, Tika Sumpter, Jim Carrey
Jeff Fowler, director of “Sonic the Hedgehog” has his work cut out for him.
Not only does he have to deliver a movie based on a beloved video game character, but that character, as many people complained about after the first trailer premiered had to look good.
The film, which opens this weekend, delivers on both in most respects.
Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz looks good. Real good.
The film, which is a road trip in disguise, is a lot of fun too, but is not without its potholes.
Sonic has a gift, one that if found out could be used for evil. As played here, Sonic is a teenager, full of vinegar and ready to test the world. Early in the film, we see him zoom across the screen like blue lightening. Under the watchful gaze of Longclaw his caretaker, his cavalier respect for his powers earns him unwanted attention, forcing him to Earth.
The script by comedic duo of Pat Casey and Josh Miller quickly establishes Sonic as an isolated creature who . . . lurks about Green Hills, Montana, a sleepy little town just as isolated as Sonic feels. Fowler creates an environment in which Sonic thrives . . . on his own.
Isolation and a lack of friends gives Sonic a reason to taunt Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), the sheriff who thinks he hasn’t contributed enough and wants a shot at some real action. Tika Sumpter plays his wife, Maddie, a veterinarian who fully supports her husband’s decision to abandon the good people of Green Hills.
Sonic attracts the attention of one Dr. Robotnik, played with utter glee by Jim Carrey. Robotnik, a neurotic quack, is on the government’s “speed dial” when what looks like an E.M.P. knocks out power to most of the west coast. His knack for “getting his man,” is what gives him the edge over the military.
That and his wonderful array of floating toys.
Carrey is menacing and maniacal at the same time as he not only deals with his own high IQ, but also with the constant attempts to outwit Tom, a no non-sense type of individual, who eventually crosses paths with Sonic and realizes the little fella needs his help.
Fowler injects a good deal of action in the form of car chases, most of which defy physics and, certainly in the case of downtown San Francisco, sheer space. But, that doesn’t mean that the action isn’t any less exciting.
The humor is on point too, especially the ongoing banter between Robotnik and Tom and an ongoing feud between Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), Maddie’s sister and Tom, whom she believes is a terrorist in disguise.
There is a real sense of kinship between Sonic and Tom that does not feel forced; Fowler ensures that the basis for their friendship especially that of an ongoing ‘bucket list’ is solid. That’s the strongest element in favor of keeping “Sonic the Hedgehog” moving at a supersonic 99 minutes. There are times where that run time feels just a bit too long, but then Robotnik makes an appearance and all is well.
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is a fun and faithful to the game, the revamped Sonic character looks amazing on the screen and if nothing else, you get to see Jim Carrey rock out for a few minutes as his diabolical plans come to fruition. It isn’t without its bumps in the road.
Then again, if art imitates life, then “Sonic the Hedgehog” has that game in the bag.
3 out of 4
