“Sonic the Hedgehog” is slow for adults, but fun for the little ones

Video gamer’s favorite speedy, spiky blue ball of fur made his way to live-action status this Valentine’s day with the release of “Sonic the Hedgehog”.

Themes of loneliness, family, and not looking passed one’s backyard present a great kid movie; however, the humdrum pace, lack of depth and elementary humor will leave many adults bored.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” released Feb. 14, 2020, delayed from the original Nov. 2019 release date.

Much hullabaloo followed “Sonic the Hedgehog” with its original announcement and trailer drop. After massive pushback criticized the movie’s original Sonic design, the team went back to the drawing board and fixed him to more closely represent the original character.

Skepticism followed the initial blunder even after they corrected it; much of the criticism was warranted. The film falls flat for adults who grew up with Sonic. And though it entertains children, it’s not likely to become a classic or favorite for many.

It was fun to see our flashy blue hedgehog zip around the screen in lightning, but his powers were unfortunately ill-used. More time was spent buckled into the seatbelt of a pickup truck discussing bucket lists and one bar scene goes longer than necessary.

After getting into a bar fight, the film replicates the quicksilver slow-mo scene from X-men. A slightly spectacular scene - but there’s nothing unique or genius about it now.

While Sonic doesn’t necessarily display lightning powers in previous renditions of the character, the relationship between his speed and electricity in the film had great potential that made sense; unfortunately, it was little utilized.  

Sonic released as a video game for the first time in 1991 on Sega’s console and has developed in character cast and story since its initial release. The film’s story, however, is completely unique for Hollywood.

In this recent rendition, Sonic is an alien from another planet. Sonic fled his planet because others were after him. He’s stayed isolated and alone for many years in the NW Coastal forests of earth, longing for companionship, but fearful of people’s temptation to steal his powers.

Sonic eventually blows up after becoming too sad and lonely; he attracts the government after blowing power out in a large region. Dr. Robotnik, called “Eggman” in the video games, is hired as a contractor to help hunt Sonic down and either kill or capture him for scientific purposes.

Sonic gets together with a human friend he’s been visiting invisibly for years, Tom Wakowski (James Marsden), who for whatever reason agrees to protect and take Sonic all the way to San Francisco to retrieve a bag of coins and the adventure progresses from there.

The movie gives some laughs, but most are elementary. Fart jokes, one and two-liners and silly antics by Jim Carrey’s Dr. Robotnik (which come across as more obnoxious) may just make you roll your eyes.

Unfortunately, all the funniest and most action-packed scenes are spoiled in the trailer. Nothing jaw dropping happens more than what you see in that two-minute teaser.

The voice acting for Sonic (Ben Schwartz) isn’t bad, but it isn’t great. Schwartz’s voice is fitting, but the film seems to limit Schwartz’s ability to give some artistic direction, flattening out an otherwise witty character. The film’s tone also paints Sonic as more of a child figure than past renditions have which may throw off the act.

Carrey is his normal, obnoxious, self, with Robotnik; however, that wild behavior is fitting for the character and for the children. We do get one five minute dance scene inside a laser lit van, which may have been two minutes too long.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” has so far received positive reviews by most critics, but is projected to have an open weekend of $35 million on an $85 million budget. If the film only hits that projection, it’ll be a weak start.

The flick’s PG rating is fitting. Most children should be comfortable with the mild language and slight violence. However, bar fights and mild drinking may be of concern to some parents.

If you’re absolutely aching to take the kids out, “Sonic the Hedgehog” isn’t a bad idea for little ones. It may also prove to be the perfect opportunity to take a nap. Otherwise, wait for Redbox on this one, which may be speedier than the film itself.