Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Carrey lights up video game movie; peril, drinking.
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Sonic the Hedgehog
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 54 parent reviews
Based on 164 kid reviews
Kids say this movie offers an enjoyable mix of action and humor, making it suitable for families and children aged 7 and up, despite some violence and mild language. However, it garners mixed reviews with many praising the visuals and Jim Carrey's performance, while others criticize its storytelling and predictability.
- fun and entertaining
- mixed reviews
- suitable for families
- mild violence
- visual appeal
- humor diversity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SONIC THE HEDGEHOG, iconic Sega video game character Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is on the run in rural Montana from Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Robotnik wants to steal Sonic's supersonic speed powers to take over the world. With the help of local cop Tom "Donut Lord" Wachowski (James Marsden), Sonic takes off to evade his captor. Naturally, he gets into plenty of mischief along the way.
Is It Any Good?
Watching Carrey is an absolute delight; his comedic genius exudes more wattage than Sonic's moments of heated emotion—and Sonic's outbursts cause power outages. Carrey's performance helps take Sonic the Hedgehog to levels of laughing you never expected. Why did it take Hollywood so long to make him a handlebar-mustachioed villain? His Dr. Robotnik is reminiscent of the over-the-top silly characters he famously created in movies like The Mask, Dumb and Dumber, and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. The best moment of all is when Robotnik does his Dance of Anarchy. Please, sir, may I have some more?
But as great as Carrey is, this is the story of Sonic, an animated alien hedgehog who's sent to Earth alone for his own safety. He's warned that if anyone sees him, they'll try to capture him for his special powers. So he settles in Green Hills, Montana, and watches those in the small town from the shadows with a wistfulness. Really, Sonic is like a little kid: He loves fart jokes, he can't keep quiet, he's (literally) bouncing off the walls, and he just wants a friend. It's a theme every kid can appreciate. Even if they don't relate to being alone, they can relate to being bored. As Tom, Marsden is a perfect companion to Sonic, popping off "dad jokes" and expressing his love for Olive Garden (the latter screams "product placement," but at least it's funny). The duo's evolving dynamic—buddies, but really best friends, but really guardian and child, but really father and son—make Sonic the Hedgehog a laugh-until-you-turn-blue fun film for the family to enjoy together.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the theme of loneliness in Sonic the Hedgehog. Have you ever felt left out? Has anyone ever told you that you made them feel left out? Why is inclusion so important?
Dr. Robotnik says he was bullied as a child. Do you think he's now guilty of bullying others? What should you do if you're being bullied or see someone else being bullied?
Talk about how drinking is portrayed in the movie. Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Did you recognize product placement in the movie? If so, did you find yourself thinking about that item or brand? What's the impact of advertising on kids?
Both Sonic and Tom show curiosity and courage during the film. Why are these important character strengths? Can you think of times in your own life that you've shown either of these?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 14, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : May 19, 2020
- Cast : Jim Carrey , James Marsden , Adam Pally , Ben Schwartz
- Director : Jeff Fowler
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, some violence, rude humor and brief mild language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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