'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' Reviews: Latest Entry into the Franchise Thrills Fans

         On December 20, 2024, Paramount Pictures released 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics, currently holding at 87% on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of this writing. In the film, "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." The ensemble cast includes Keanu Reeves, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Idris Elba, Krysten Ritter, Adam Pally, Colleen O'Shaughnessey, Tika Sumpter, Ben Schwartz, and Lee Majdoub. Read the full review round-up below.

        Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth says, "Frenzied action and loopy comedy aside, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has heart and is aware it doesn’t always “gotta go fast,” occasionally slowing down to ensure we care about these characters while laying out its themes with affecting sincerity" Adding, "With Sonic the Hedgehog 3, Jeff Fowler and company have found the right balance of humor (even Jim Carrey feels reinvigorated and energized more than in the first two, up for the goofy acting challenge presented that is right inside his slapstick wheelhouse, while also simply given mostly funnier material to work with) and frenzied action elevated by strong, vibrant CGI (this is unquestionably one of the better-looking special-effects extravaganzas of recent memory) alongside an engaging story. There is a case to be made that Shadow’s back story could have been even longer and not limited to a couple of flashbacks, but the right characters here are put front and center, which makes all the difference for a Sonic adaptation to click."

       Rodrigo Perez of The Playlist notes, "If you’re not a parent, you may have no interest in seeing Paramount’s “Sonic” movie franchise unless you’re like my dear friend Caleb, who is in his early 30s, loves anime, and seemingly has the same taste as my eight-year-old son. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ But this is fine, “Sonic” movies are definitely movies for children first and foremost”— and there’s nothing wrong with that either—and “Sonic 3” mostly continues down that same path." Concluding, "However, presuming you don’t know the “Sonic” movies—I certainly would have never seen them without my kiddo—they’re actually quite surprisingly endearing, lighthearted, amusing and entertaining. And when they’re at their best, they’re essentially stories about outsiders trying to fit in, our collective need to belong and the heartening qualities of found families; all good emotional qualities that put an extra pep into the wacky energy of these fun movies."

Photo by Adam Mills on Unsplash

       Jordan Hoffman of The Daily Beast was less impressed, stating, "This is a movie you take your 9-year-old nephew to when he won’t shut up about Pokémon and you need something to occupy him for a few hours before you lose your mind." Continuing, "There’s a big battle in Japan that involves lasers flying all over the screen. Then, after some Japanese marshmallows sing The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” the trio joins forces with their former nemesis, the Eggman, aka Dr. Ivo Robotnik, played by Jim Carrey. Carrey, who has pretty much stopped appearing in studio movies except for the Sonic franchise, has decided on a performance style that I suppose you could politely call “a choice.” It mainly consists of sticking his belly out and doing a voice that sounds like Robin Williams at his most zany crossed with the “I Got Starbies Girl.” What else did it remind me of? Hmmn, let me think. Ah, yeah, the time I had to see a doctor for an inflamed hemorrhoid. It reminded me of that."

'Mr. Throwback' Reviews: "Building the entire production around Curry was a radical choice, sure, but the payoff is nothing but net"

         On August 8, 2024, Peacock released 'Mr. Throwback', which has received predominantly positive reviews from critics, holding fresh at 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. In the series, Danny Grossman, who was the top player as a child until his potential career was cut short by a lie, reaches out to his friend, NBA superstar Stephen Curry, to help save his business. When he steals Curry's jersey, Danny becomes embroiled in yet another scandal. The ensemble cast includes Adam Pally, Ego Nwodim, and Ayden Mayeri. Read the full review round-up below.

        Andrew Lawrence of Guardian notes, "Building the entire production around Curry was a radical choice, sure, but the payoff is nothing but net." Adding, "With just six half-hour episodes, Mr Throwback can’t compete with Inside’s domination of Tuesday and Thursday night NBA coverage. Nor is it poised to threaten the studio show’s knack for trading memes and jokes with its audience in real time. It’s not a coincidence that hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal walk on to the pilot. Their presence lends authenticity. So does Curry – who, monotone affect aside, embodies an ironic underdog quality."

       Nina Metz of Chicago Tribune says, "Tonally, “Mr. Throwback” is aiming for something like “Entourage” but with sports, mashed up with a boastful but decent-hearted loser typically dreamed up by Danny McBride, but the show never finds its voice or point of view." 

        Joel Keller of Decider praises the series, stating, "Does Mr. Throwback have the potential to fly off the rails? Absolutely. But the show’s creators have decided to keep the goings on relatively low-key, which actually makes the show funnier than it should be."

       Will DiGravio of Paste Magazine writes, "While Mr. Throwback falls short of those classics, it is a warm, resonant, and funny show." Concluding, "While much attention will be given to Steph Curry’s performance, the emotional and comedic core of the show remains Danny. In the role, Pally creates an empathetic character, living in the moment and, as that central tenet of comedy goes, ignoring consequences. He and Mayeri have a great chemistry. In one scene, as Danny and Samantha reap the benefits of becoming close with Steph, they discuss the obvious: with more wealth comes less stress. They wonder how their marriage may have differed if not for the outsized financial stress, bringing a surprisingly touching bit of class consciousness to the otherwise goofy show."

Photo by Nick Jio on Unsplash