Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fun game-based threequel packs a more intense punch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
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Where to Watch
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Sonic the Hedgehog 3
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 48 parent reviews
Parents say that this movie offers an engaging experience with a mix of humor and darker themes, showcasing impressive character development and action sequences that appeal to both kids and adults. However, many reviews caution that the film contains mature content, such as violence and emotional themes, making it less suitable for very young children, and they advise parental discretion on whether to expose their kids to certain scenes and language.
- mature themes
- parental discretion
- strong action
- good character development
- mixed humor
Summarized with AI
Based on 71 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a standout in the franchise, praised for its engaging story, emotional depth, and both action and humor that resonate with fans of all ages. While some noted the darker themes and occasional language as potential concerns for younger viewers, overall, it delivers captivating visuals and character development, particularly for the beloved character of Shadow.
- best in franchise
- emotional depth
- great visuals
- concerns for kids
- engaging story
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3, Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey), and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are settling into family life with their adoptive parents, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). The trio of "siblings" are mostly operating on their own, trying to follow Tom and Maddie's advice on how to make good choices and trying to work together as a team. But then a new threat emerges, and it looks a lot like Sonic. Shadow (Keanu Reeves), another alien hedgehog, has escaped from the government cryochamber where he's been held captive for 50 years. He's angry, and he teams up with an old ally to exact revenge.
Is It Any Good?
Team Sonic's race to save the world in this threequel offers families a funny, crowd-pleasing, globe-spanning action-adventure comedy. In some ways, it can serve as a virtual international family vacation, too, making Tokyo and London feel like exciting potential destinations. But the "saving the world" aspect leads to some fairly unexpected emotional depth for such typically lighthearted fare. It's not all races and games for Shadow, who's captured by the U.S. government, held captive in a giant test tube, and treated like a "freak." He's viewed as a specimen and a danger, and he's experiencing unimaginable loss. That's a lot for an animated character, and perhaps too much for some young viewers.
At the same time, Dr. Robotnik is reunited with a long-lost family member (delightfully, hysterically, also played by Carrey) and tries to make up for lost time, acting like a child himself. Robotnik's evolution is funny, but it's also a little reminder to caregivers and adult family members of how much kids value each interaction with us and take our words to heart. These more serious elements may be signs that Sonic is growing up, but the third time still offers plenty of charm: Robotnik's dance doesn't disappoint, and a full-gravity race is unforgettably original. Bottom line? The Sonic franchise is consistent in running rings around other family offerings by packaging childlike wonder and feelings inside an action-adventure with lots of laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and emotional weight in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 compared to the previous two. How did it make you feel? What did the filmmakers do to make the animated violence seem unrealistic, and where did it feel more real?
The characters travel to Tokyo and London, and the film is full of the sights and activities families would visit. Did watching this movie make you excited about the idea of going to those places? What would you want to see?
How do the Sonic movies compare to other video game adaptations?
How do characters use teamwork throughout the film? Sonic mentions that it's hard to learn to work as a team. Have you ever felt that way? Why is teamwork an important life skill?
Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles are told to follow their hearts to "make good choices." What does that mean? Do you feel like you know what a "good" choice is versus a "bad" one?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 20, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : January 21, 2025
- Cast : Ben Schwartz , James Marsden , Tika Sumpter , Jim Carrey
- Director : Jeff Fowler
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Character Strengths : Communication , Teamwork
- Run time : 110 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language
- Award : Kids' Choice Award
- Last updated : December 13, 2025
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