ST. LOUIS — We've seen this before at the movies.
A creature from another planet (Sonic, voiced by Ben Schwartz) gets dropped into Earth and adapts to a certain degree, building a decent life. And then he gets sentimental, whines about being so far from home, and does something alert the human beings of his presence. Before you can take another sip of your coke, a weird government agent (Jim Carrey) is after him, and remember, this guy has issues and isn't trusted. Enter a young and innocent, yet quietly adventurous couple (James Marsden, Tika Sumpter) to help the little fella.
And action!
Look, "Sonic the Hedgehog" won't broaden your cinema history horizons, but it's a breezy way to kill 99 minutes. Lovers of the Sega Genesis game will surely eat up this live-action/animated adaptation, but I also think regular moviegoers with youngsters will find something to like in this movie. Schwartz does a very good job of voicing Sonic, staying away from cringe-inducing loudness but imbuing the protagonist with earnestness and wit.
Adults, even an aged millennial, should get a kick out of seeing Carrey actually have fun in a role for the first time in years. He's a comedy legend who can take any ordinary-looking role and turn it into something unique. He's the cook who makes a four-course meal out of a poor soul's kitchen. Dr. Ivo Robitnik may sound like a headcase with past ripped from a comic book crossover between Who Framed Roger Rabbit and James Bond, but Carrey adds witty roasts to this antagonist's bag with the ease of a pro. There's a dance sequence that is just about worth the price of admission. If there's a reason to see this movie right away, it's Carrey.
Kids, even ones stretching their limits towards year #10, should like the updated and well-intention-laden visuals that translate well from the game. They will love Sonic's lair that he hides in and also laugh at the small doses of charm Schwartz lends him. They will like that their bad guy isn't a deadly one but more of a hapless "know it all" who does more talking than punching. It'll go down like a plate of pancakes from the local diner.
All the jokes don't land for adults, but they won't need the beer or their phone as much during this one. You may even laugh when Sonic gets drunk and finds himself in a bar fight with Cyclops.
Speaking of our former Professor X student, Marsden is his usual self on screen: a bland if not useless piece of deli meat on sale. He's never worse than "okay," but often doesn't come off as better either. He's a good fourth choice for a role. Here, it's almost as if he's in the joke and having a little fun. Put him in a buddy movie with Jai Courtney, Liam Hemsworth, and Armie Hammer-and I will boycott it from the street with sleeping pills as my "just in case" weapon on my hip. These are his kind of roles, unless he has laser eyes. I used to think Marsden's stoic take on the X-Men noble was just one facet of his ability; that turned out to be all he truly has in him.
Screenwriters Patrick Casey and Josh Miller do an adequate job of creating just enough story for kids to resist being bored with and Carrey being able to play around with. Jeff Fowler's direction is textbook decent, showing up just in time for what needed to be done.
Here's the thing. I went in with low expectations and left surprised with how small my displeasure levels were. Video game movies are hard to pull off. I wasn't disappointed with this product, engaged most of the time and waiting for Carrey to do something wild and hilarious. If there was a sequel with Carrey, or perhaps a spin-off his villainous Doctor, I would be in for another $12 bucks.
"Sonic the Hedgehog sure has come a long way from putting out the second-worst trailer of the year, behind "Cats" of course. It reloaded the graphics, making them passable. They put out an easy to digest film that won't be deemed a time waste. It also gave Carrey some ingredients to work with.
If he makes another "Truman Show" type hit, I'll give Sonic some credit for the revival.
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