SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 (2024)

Sonic, Knuckles and Tails reunite to battle Shadow, a mysterious new enemy with powers unlike anything they've faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, they seek out an unlikely alliance to stop Shadow and protect the planet. 

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, directed by Jeff Fowler and written by Pat Casey, Josh Miller, and John Whittington, is an electrifying conclusion to the beloved trilogy. With standout performances from Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves, this film raises the stakes, delivering high-octane action and surprising emotional depth. It's a thrilling ride that, while relentless in its pacing, solidifies its place as the best instalment in the franchise.

The story wastes no time, throwing viewers straight into the action as the new threat, Shadow the Hedgehog, emerges. From the opening scenes, the film grabs your attention with its fast-paced energy and never lets go. While the non-stop momentum can feel overwhelming at first, the narrative gradually finds its footing, weaving together a coherent and engaging storyline. The frenetic pacing is a double-edged sword—it ensures there’s never a dull moment, but at times, it doesn’t allow the emotional beats to land with the full weight they deserve.

Keanu Reeves as Shadow the Hedgehog is a revelation. Shadow’s tragic backstory, rooted in loss and vengeance, is handled with surprising sensitivity, providing the film with a solid emotional core. Reeves brings a soulful complexity to the character, capturing Shadow’s pain and reclusiveness with precision. His portrayal goes beyond the action, offering a layered and heartfelt performance that elevates the film. Shadow’s brooding intensity and moral ambiguity add a new dimension to the story, making him one of the most compelling additions to the franchise.

Shadow’s conflicts with Sonic and the rest of Team Sonic are thrilling to watch. While many of these clashes stem from misunderstandings that could be resolved with dialogue, they serve as the perfect backdrop for explosive action sequences. These moments, reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z’s climactic battles, are a visual treat, showcasing the film’s exceptional animation and choreography.

On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum is Jim Carrey, returning as the eccentric Dr. Robotnik. Where Shadow embodies loss and vengeance, Robotnik is pure chaotic joy. Carrey’s performance is a masterclass in physical comedy and over-the-top antics. His portrayal of Robotnik, brimming with childlike enthusiasm and manic energy, provides much-needed levity to the darker narrative. It’s a testament to Carrey’s talent that he can deliver comedy without undercutting the story’s emotional depth, and he does twice the work!

Robotnik’s journey in this film is as entertaining as ever. Overcoming his losses from the previous films, his storyline returns him to his larger-than-life personality,  both hilarious and formidable. Carrey’s ability to balance menace with mirth makes Robotnik an unforgettable character and a cornerstone of the trilogy’s success. All with the assistance of his ever-doting Agent Stone, another solid performance and the focal point of a very enjoyable subplot.

Despite its relentless pacing, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 doesn’t shy away from emotional storytelling. Shadow’s origin story, rooted in tragedy, is handled with care, giving the character—and the film—genuine emotional heft. These moments, though brief, are impactful, showcasing the film’s ability to balance action with heart. The contrast between Shadow’s sorrow and Robotnik’s joy creates a dynamic emotional landscape that keeps the audience invested.

The film also explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and redemption, particularly through Sonic’s interactions with Shadow. Ben Schwartz’s Sonic remains as charming and witty as ever, serving as the sometimes irrational and impulsive leader of "Team Sonic". His chemistry with Colleen O'Shaughnessey’s Tails and Idris Elba’s Knuckles continues to shine, although the growing cast of characters occasionally struggles to find enough to do.

One of the film’s greatest strengths is its faithfulness to the source material. By minimizing the presence of human characters outside of Robotnik, the story feels more in line with the Sonic games. This creative decision allows the film to fully embrace its video game roots, immersing the audience in a world where anthropomorphic heroes and villains take centre stage. For fans of the franchise, this authenticity is a welcome treat.

Director Jeff Fowler, who worked on the 2005 video game Shadow the Hedgehog, brings a deep understanding of the character and the franchise to this film. His direction ensures that Shadow’s introduction is not only faithful to the games but also compelling for newcomers. Fowler’s experience and passion are evident in every frame, making this a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.

While Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is undeniably entertaining, its breakneck pacing comes at a cost. The constant race from one action sequence to the next leaves little room for reflection, and some emotional moments feel rushed as a result. The film’s ambition to include multiple storylines and characters occasionally stretches its runtime thin, but these shortcomings are minor in the grand scheme of things.

The film builds to an epic climax that is both visually stunning and emotionally satisfying. The final showdown, brimming with high-stakes action and emotional payoffs, leaves a lasting impression. It’s a fitting conclusion to a trilogy that has grown in scope and ambition with each instalment.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a triumph of action, emotion, and character-driven storytelling. Keanu Reeves’ moving performance as Shadow and Jim Carrey’s comedic brilliance as Robotnik are the heart of the film, elevating it above its predecessors. While the relentless action occasionally undercuts its emotional impact, the film’s energy and enthusiasm are infectious.

This third chapter cements Sonic the Hedgehog as one of the best video game adaptations in recent memory. For fans of the franchise, it’s a must-watch. For newcomers, it’s an exhilarating addition to the world of Sonic. With its blend of thrilling action, heartfelt moments, and unforgettable performances, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 races past expectations and into cinematic greatness.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 will be released in NZ Cinemas on Boxing Day, December 26, 2024

SING SING (2023)

Based on a remarkable true story. Academy Award® nominee Colman Domingo stars as Divine G, imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, who finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy, in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

Greg Kwedar’s Sing Sing is an emotionally resonant drama that examines the profound impact of creativity and connection within the confines of a maximum-security prison. Inspired by real-life events and the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, the film masterfully balances the heavy realities of incarceration with an undercurrent of hope. Its core message is simple yet deeply moving: art has the power to transform even the most challenging circumstances, offering humanity and redemption to those who have long been denied it.

The film is based on John H. Richardson’s 2005 Esquire article The Sing-Sing Follies, with Kwedar and co-writer Clint Bentley adapting the script to include real-life details contributed by the cast, many of whom are former inmates who participated in the RTA program. This authenticity runs through every frame, grounding the film’s narrative in lived experience.

At the heart of Sing Sing is the story of Divine G (played with stunning depth by Colman Domingo), a sensitive and empathetic inmate wrongfully convicted of murder. Divine G is the driving force behind the prison’s theatre group, embodying the transformative power of artistic expression. His journey intersects with Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin, a newcomer to the program and a former armed robber playing a version of himself. Maclin is initially resistant, embodying traits of toxic masculinity and mistrust, but his evolution is as captivating as it is poignant.

Colman Domingo delivers another standout performance, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile and fearless actors of his generation. His portrayal of Divine G is layered and powerful, capturing the character’s inner turmoil, resilience, and humanity. Equally compelling is Clarence Maclin, whose raw and authentic depiction of his own journey brings unparalleled authenticity to the film.

The supporting cast, a mix of professional actors like Paul Raci and former inmates, enhances the story’s emotional weight. Kwedar ensures every character, no matter their screen time, has a moment to shine, contributing to the film’s collective impact. This ensemble approach emphasizes the themes of camaraderie and shared humanity that permeate the narrative.

While Sing Sing delves into the harsh realities of prison life — the dehumanizing conditions, systemic injustice, and isolation — it doesn’t linger on these elements to define its story. Instead, the film focuses on the moments of joy, connection, and self-discovery found through the creative process.

The juxtaposition of humor and poignancy is skillfully handled. The group’s rehearsals for a fantastical time-travel comedy provide levity, but also serve as a mirror for their personal journeys. These scenes, often infused with warmth and laughter, highlight the therapeutic and transformative power of storytelling. The play’s absurdity contrasts beautifully with the gravity of their lives, offering a temporary escape and a profound form of healing.

Unlike traditional prison dramas that rely on redemption arcs steeped in sentimentality, Sing Sing takes a more nuanced approach. The characters do not seek redemption in the eyes of society or the justice system, but within themselves. The theatre program becomes a space for vulnerability and self-expression, allowing the men to reclaim their individuality and redefine their identities.

The relationship between Divine G and Divine Eye serves as the film’s emotional anchor. Their bond evolves from rivalry to deep friendship, reflecting the broader theme of breaking free from the roles imposed by both society and the prison system. Divine Eye’s slow thaw — his journey from a hardened survivor to someone who embraces trust and vulnerability — is one of the film’s most compelling arcs.

Kwedar’s direction, coupled with Pat Scola’s cinematography, immerses viewers in the world of Sing Sing prison. The hand-held camera work adds a documentary-like intimacy, while the juxtaposition of close-ups and sweeping shots of the prison grounds conveys both the claustrophobia of confinement and the yearning for freedom.

The environment is depicted with subtlety and restraint. Small, poignant moments — a routine cell search, a siren interrupting a peaceful moment, or inmates gazing at the Hudson River beyond the prison walls — speak volumes about the psychological toll of incarceration. These visuals, paired with the evocative score, heighten the emotional resonance of the story.

At its core, Sing Sing is a celebration of art’s power to transcend circumstances. It doesn’t shy away from the systemic failures of the prison system, but it also doesn’t let them overshadow the human spirit. The film invites viewers to witness the transformative effect of creativity, emphasizing that even in the bleakest environments, art can foster connection, resilience, and hope.

This universality makes Sing Sing profoundly relatable. While its setting is specific, its themes resonate far beyond the prison walls. It’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a call to acknowledge the humanity of those that society often overlooks. Sing Sing is a remarkable achievement — a film that combines emotional heft with moments of levity, and authenticity with artistry. Greg Kwedar’s direction, paired with an exceptional cast led by Colman Domingo, creates an unforgettable cinematic experience.

The film leaves audiences not with despair, but with hope. It challenges preconceived notions about incarceration and highlights the potential for redemption through self-expression and connection. Sing Sing is not just a story about inmates finding their humanity; it’s a story about humanity itself — raw, complex, and ultimately, unbreakable. This is a must-see film that lingers long after the credits roll, offering both a profound emotional journey and a renewed faith in the transformative power of art.

Sing Sing will be released in NZ cinemas from January 16, 2025

Runtime: 105 minutes
Classification: TBC