Film critics have been having their say about the new big-screen adaptation of Sonic The Hedgehog, ahead of its UK release this Friday.
Sonic The Hedgehog has already been at the centre of much discussion, following producers’ decision to push back the release date so the film’s central character could be redesigned, after its first trailer was near-universally panned.
Unfortunately, despite the film’s redesign, it seems critics are still largely unimpressed with the new Sonic film, with terms like “empty cash grab” and “a nightmare” being thrown around in the first round of reviews (although many pointed out it is, by and large, a film aimed solely at children).
Take a look at a selection of what the critics are saying below…
The Guardian (2/5)
“After a quick redesign, the speedy video-game character is back: less weird-looking, more overtly cartoonish, ready to tear out of the uncanny valley and into our hearts. By the looks of it, though, they should have spent longer in the workshop. Few but diehard fans and young children will be charmed by this predictable, derivative caper.”
The Independent (2/5)
“File this one away next to the live-action Alvin and the Chipmunks, the live-action Yogi Bear, and the live-action Rocky and Bullwinkle. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before.”
Empire (2/5)
“The negative response to the first trailer — specifically Sonic’s disturbing, excessively realistic look — led to the film’s release being delayed and a promise of a redesign. But while the new look is a big improvement, the finished product is, by and large, forgettable.”
“For all the borderline tedium I felt at Sonic The Hedgehog, I do realise that this is a picture made for 8-year-olds. And they’ll probably like it just fine. Yet I would also call the overly kiddified tone of the movie a mistake… Even as they fixed his face, the filmmakers strove so hard to make him “likable” that they never figured out a way to make him cool.”
Digital Spy (3/5)
“There’s no doubt that the new version is a considerable improvement, more faithful to the video game design. But there’s no point having a great Sonic if the movie around him isn’t great – so was it all worth it? Sort of. Sonic the Hedgehog is a diverting and entertaining family watch, but it will likely race out of your memory as quickly as Sonic collects rings.”
“The production may have riled the internet months ago, with furor over the look of its first trailer sending FX crews back to work on a character redesign; but what’s made it to the screen is light-hearted fun unlikely to offend anyone.”
“To me, an adult who liked Sonic as a kid and still has an affinity for some of the games and shows, this movie was not very entertaining. Some parts were pretty good. But this wasn’t made for me. It was made for children.”
IndieWire (C-)
“It’s not a great sign of creative storytelling when a kids film plugs Amazon, Zillow, and Olive Garden in the span of a single scene, without a trace of irony. It’s not compelling evidence of artistic purpose when that Olive Garden joke is stretched into a recurring gag.”
While this family-friendly action-comedy suffers from a simplistic story and leans too heavily on tired visual cliches, Sonic the Hedgehog is nevertheless boosted by solid performances from Ben Schwartz as Sonic and Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik.
Certainly, there’s enough nostalgia-driven humor and connections to the games to entertain Sonic fans of all ages. However, the movie’s formulaic and rather simplistic approach to the world of Sonic and the story Sonic the Hedgehog chooses to tell may be a bit frustrating or boring for those expecting more from the property.
Sonic The Hedgehog hits cinemas on 14 February.