Film Review: ’Sonic the Hedgehog’ is Fast & Furry But Not Funny

CHICAGO – It may be damning with faint praise, but I can assure you that “Sonic the Hedgehog” is no longer the stuff of nightmares. The-Island-of-Dr-Moreau-like creation which seemed half human and half hedgehog in the film’s first trailer, has been replaced by something more akin to the Sonic we know from video games and cartoons. He’s cute. He’s fast. But he’s not particularly funny.

Rating: 2.0/5.0

This version of “Sonic the Hedgehog” sports a plot far more complicated than it should be. Sonic is now an alien orphan hiding out on earth from no-good-niks who want to steal his powers … which involve not just super speed, but also a kind of unlimited electrical energy. When Sonic becomes bored with his lonely life in the woods, he accidentally triggers a power surge that blacks out the Pacific Northwest, and blows his cover.

He befriends a small town sheriff (James Marsden) as they embark on a leisurely road trip to San Francisco to fetch the magic rings which he needs to escape to another world and away from harm. Along the way they’re pursued by the villainous Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) who wants to harness Sonic’s powers for his own nefarious ends.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” opens everywhere on February 14th. Featuring James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter and Ben Schwartz. Written by Patrick Casey and Josh Miller. Directed by Jeff Fowler. Rated “PG”