90’s fans, get ready. This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. FINALLY, there is a live-action film based on the popular video game, Sonic The Hedgehog. But will this film live up to its hype? With lots of laughs, action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, is Sonic kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements in my Sonic The Hedgehog Parent Movie Review to help YOU decide if it’s safe for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Sonic The Hedgehog Parent Movie Review | #SonicMovie #CatchSonic
To say my family has eagerly been awaiting the release of Sonic The Hedgehog is a huge understatement. This past November when I was in California for The Geekly Retreat, I had the privilege to be one of the very first people to see the first ever trailer. As soon as I raced home (pun intended), I couldn’t wait to share the trailer with my kids!
My boys are HUGE Sonic fans. I think they’ve watched every single episode, and they’re of course major fans of the video games. My youngest son Avery, who is 6 years old, immediately started practicing to be “super Sonic fast,” as he would say. Seriously, you guys. That little look of determination in his eyes to be a super sonic hedgehog? Cutest thing ever. Needless to say, our whole family couldn’t wait to catch Sonic!
Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.
The Story
Sonic The Hedgehog (voiced by Ben Schwartz), opens with the very beginning of his life. My youngest literally screamed in the theater, “AWWW!! SONIC’S A CUTE LITTLE BABY!” He absolutely ADORES babies, so I knew he’d fall in love even more. The opening scene jumps right into the beginning of an action-packed film. Buckle up, because this is going to be a fast-paced ride!
We jump ahead to see Sonic is now living on earth in hiding. Sonic even says, “I feel like I’ve been running my whole life.” He’s been going from one dimension to the next with the use of his rings, to protect himself and remain safe. However, Sonic is incredibly lonely. You can literally see the loneliness in his eyes. You can’t help but feel for this tiny blue hedgehog.
Sonic is living his life vicariously through other people. And while he tries to make the best of it, he feels like something is missing — a family.
Tika Sumpter and James Marsden in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory.
Let’s hear it for diversity!!!
You know what I REALLY appreciate about more and more movies today? They are truly celebrating cultural diversity. They’re defying so-called stigmas and breaking those “norms.” Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) and his wife, Maddie (Tika Sumpter), are a multicultural couple. Yes, yes, yes! Slow clap to Paramount.
Tom and Maddie also have this amazing relationship where they really believe in each other. When Maddie first meets Sonic and hears Tom’s plan, she doesn’t question him. She doesn’t say he’s crazy. She simply jumps right in. That’s what a partnership is all about. Being there for one another. No matter what.
Tom is a small-town police officer where nothing exciting ever happens. He wants to become a street cop in San Francisco so he can really save someone. Tom wants to make a difference in the world. He wants to save someone’s life.
James Marsden and Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.
Sonic celebrates the power of true friendship. Ben Schwartz and James Marsden are the perfect pair.
James Marsden was really the perfect fit to play the role of Tom, as was Ben Schwartz voicing Sonic. I cannot think of any other actors who could have superseded their roles.
The bond between Tom and Sonic is hilarious and it’s heartwarming. They teach us that friends come in all shapes and sizes. Just because someone is different (umm, a hedgehog for instance), doesn’t mean they can’t be your best friend.
Also? Donut Lord. I just HAD to say it.
Sonic (Ben Schwartz) and James Marsden in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.
Jim Carrey is the evil Dr. Robotnik
Jim Carrey is BACK, and we are all here for it! It’s been some time since Jim Carrey has been on the big screen, and he truly outdoes himself as Robotnik. His opening scene is done in true, dare I say, “Jim Carrey” form. I don’t know how else to put it! He plays his villain character flawlessly. You can’t help but despise the condescending Robotnik. Goal achieved!
STH_06741R2CK – Jim Carrey in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Doane Gregory.
Is Sonic The Hedgehog Kid-Friendly?
Here it is, folks. The big question. Should you take your kids to see Sonic? What age is appropriate for children? Sonic The Hedgehog is rated PG for action, some violence, rude humor, and brief mild language. It has a running time of 1 hour 40 minutes. There is really no downtime whatsoever in this movie. You will be engaged and on the edge of your seat waiting to see what will happen next.
Violence: Let’s remember Sonic is based on the video game. Clearly yes, there is going to be violence. There are explosions, guns, and ultimately Robotnik is trying to kill Sonic and dissect him as an experiment. So yes. There is violence, however no blood. Nothing gory.
Language: Here we go. The language wasn’t exactly over-the-top, but there were some words that parents might appreciate a heads-up about. We hear the use of “stupid,” “jerk,” and “imbecile.” There is also one “Son of a…” but the sentence is never finished. Again. Unnecessary, and I really think it’s possible to leave those words out in a family movie. There are also fart jokes that your kids will go crazy over.
Adult Themes: There’s a scene in a bar with Tom and Sonic. And although this scene is really funny…they’re in a bar drinking. They also get themselves into a bar fight, which was on Sonic’s bucket list. Having that on his bucket list was a poor choice. Ultimately that’s saying “bar fights are cool” to kids. Just be forewarned for some conversations afterwards.
Age Recommendation: My children are 6 & 10 years old. They seriously LOVED it. My oldest now wants to read the comic books, and my youngest wants to use his Sonic speed to run the bases in T-Ball. As always, you know your children best, but I’d recommend Sonic for ages 6 and up.
Sonic (Ben Schwartz) in SONIC THE HEDGEHOG from Paramount Pictures and Sega. Photo Credit: Courtesy Paramount Pictures and Sega of America.
Overall Thoughts
Sonic The Hedgehog overall is a fun, family-friendly film. Your kids will adore Sonic. Parents, you’ll love the nostalgia and pop culture references. It’s an exceptional movie for the whole family. There will be laughs (lots of them), and you might even shed a tear or two. Make sure you stay for a bonus scene at the end. You might just jump out of your seat and scream with excitement! Grab your family and your bucket of popcorn. Sonic is one you’ll want to catch in theatres!
About Sonic The Hedgehog
Based on the global blockbuster videogame franchise from Sega, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG tells the story of the world’s speediest hedgehog as he embraces his new home on Earth. In this live-action adventure comedy, Sonic and his new best friend Tom (James Marsden) team up to defend the planet from the evil genius Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) and his plans for world domination. The family-friendly film also stars Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.