A movie based around Sonic the Hedgehog is an interesting gamble in 2020. Typically with properties based on niche markets or highly-specific genres, studios can rely on the built-in fanbase and then work outward, hoping to expand the scope of those who might want to give the movie a chance. When the property is part of pop culture, like a video game mascot, you might think there’s a good foundation of popularity to build on.

The trouble with Sonic is his hardcore fans are more often than not frustrated with the direction of the character and games over the past twenty years. When video games moved to 3D with the 32/64-bit era, many big franchises of the ’80s and early ’90s failed to make the transition. For every Mario, Final Fantasy, and Metal Gear, there was Castlevania, Mega Man, and, well, Sonic.

A gem here and there can be found but for the most part, the blue blur has never recovered from the shift away from 2D sprites. The only way a Sonic movie could be a hit would be if, in the lead-up to release, the studio did a tremendous job appealing to the SEGA fans of the 90s. With a little luck, word of mouth can spread and a big release weekend can, maybe, propel the film to “hit” status.

…and this was the first impression Paramount gave us of Sonic…

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

As you can imagine, there was quite the response.

Only, it wasn’t vitriol or rage. Instead, everyone reacted with mockery; that’s what you do when you’ve long-given up on a property. When it screws up yet again you’re usually well-beyond being mad at it. Instead, you just laugh and say “same old SEGA.”

That was then…this is now.

Sonic the Hedgehog is finally out in movie-form and the results are astoundingly opposite of what the film’s first impression would have you believe. It’s a remarkable turnaround and there are three important takeaways from it…

LISTENING TO FAN FEEDBACK CAN BE GOOD

I remember when Fant4stic Four was nearing release and FOX was showing off pictures of the new character designs. Ben Grimm’s The Thing was notable for two missing features: clothes of any kind and the big unibrow. After much complaining online, fans were assured that this…

wasn’t the final version and that they were still improving the special effects. “Rest assured” they told us, “the final version will do the comics justice.” This was the final version:

That’s typical of Hollywood, which makes what happened with Sonic all the more interesting.

Fans were downright brutal in mocking Sonic’s look and the director responded with a promise that the character was being updated. For a hot minute no one believed him. We’ve been burned before.

But low and behold, Paramount soon announced the movie was being delayed to accommodate the redesign of the title character. This hopefully marks a great leap forward, where movie creators stop trying to change what doesn’t need to be changed and expecting fans will show up just because we like the title. It’s okay to listen to the people who are likely to be first in line to watch your movie. In fact, going out of your way to anger that segment of ticket-buyers is how you get a movie with a depressed opening weekend, bad word of mouth, and a quick exit from cinemas.

Sonic’s look was terrible. Fans pointed and laughed and said “do better.” Credit Paramount for listening. And while the final version isn’t quite a translation of the video game model, it is a very faithful adaptation; much better than it could have been.

Please accept YouTube cookies to play this video. By accepting you will be accessing content from YouTube, a service provided by an external third party.

YouTube privacy policy

If you accept this notice, your choice will be saved and the page will refresh.

THE LAST HOLY GRAIL OF GENRES

Once upon a time, comic book movies were basically Batman movies. That was the only franchise that could find a footing on the silver screen. Though there were dozens of properties to adapt, no one in Hollywood wanted to touch them because nothing that wasn’t named Batman was a guaranteed hit.

Now comic book movies are the gold standard of franchise blockbusters.

Meanwhile, video game movies have been tried with various cautious hands by different studios and usually with the kind of mediocre-at-best results that old-timers like me remember from the days of bad comic book adaptations of the 90s. We’re getting closer and closer to an Iron Man-level inciting event, kicking off a gold rush of studios looking to scoop up the rights to whatever video games they can get their hands on.

Can Sonic be that launching point film? Maybe. If it is, you can credit one simple thing as the reason…

THE MOVIE IS GOOD (ENOUGH)

None of the previous two points matter if the movie itself fails. Sonic could be the spitting image of his video game persona, fully realized with state of the art computer tech (he’s not, but close enough) but it’s all for naught if the movie around him is a bore.

Fortunately, the movie is very good. It’s not great and there are clear and obvious problems with the film, especially in the second act, but the total package is maybe the best video game adaptation…ever.

To state the negatives: Anyone (A) human and (B) not named Jim Carrey is stilted, awkward, badly written, and either overacting (the good guys) or acting like they’d rather be anywhere else (everyone else). The “road trip” portion of the movie, which puts Sonic in a biker bar for some reason, is nothing more than time-wasting filler. The movie is only 100 minutes long but only 70 of it is needed. A better act two would have elevated this movie to heights unimaginable for a video game movie.

That being said, the film is quick, occasionally witty, loaded with easter eggs, and ends with a literal “boss fight” between Sonic and Robotnik. Even during the saggy middle I never checked my watch or wished it would end. Considering that I once had to sit through Assassin’s Creed you can’t understand how glad I was that at no time did I wish I had a spoon with which to gouge out my eyes.

The film also confidently sets up a sequel. This is an era of franchises like never before and too many put the cart before the horse in planning out Movie Six before they even know how to make Movie One (eh hem). Sonic did its job at the outset and promised more to come.

Sign me up.

8/10 – Sonic the Hedgehog is the best video game-to-film adaptation yet, a confident first outing for one of the medium’s historically-biggest names, and (potentially) the start of a new it-genre in Hollywood.

COMMENTS

Please read our Commenting Policy before you join in with the discussion.

Note: If you have email notifications enabled, please check your email spam folders to ensure emails are not missed.

6 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Gavin the Binge-Watcher

2 months ago

I caught it on Amazon since the studio moved to streaming while theatres are closed. I actually quite liked it and found it humorous. I was a fan of the games though, so I’m sure nostalgia had something to do with that.

Shelbii

4 months ago

I thought the movie was “just okay”. I wish I waited for it to come out on Demand. Would have loved to save the movie theater money! I really didn’t like the biker bar scene! It was corny.

Drewsi

Reply to Shelbii

Ha ha… I did wait for it to come out so no theater prices for me. I thought the bike scene was corny too. Overall I thought the movie was okay.

Snarky-Guru

I thought the film was cute. Nothing I’d want to see again, but good enough for an entertaining Friday night at the cinema. It’s been ages since I played anything on Sega Genesis, and I don’t remember much about it, so I’m not sure whether the film is true to the game.

Reply to Snarky-Guru

It has been years since I played anything Sega too. I could not tell you if it had similarities either. I thought it was cute, not something I would watch again.

Austin

Oh man, I didn’t like it at all. I thought it was so kooky and nothing like the game that I remember playing. Maybe my expectations were too high.

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

REVIEW: Sonic the Hedgehog might just be the start of something…

LISTENING TO FAN FEEDBACK CAN BE GOOD

THE LAST HOLY GRAIL OF GENRES

THE MOVIE IS GOOD (ENOUGH)

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you