Netflix's top 10 hasn't been doing well lately, as recent weeks have seen poorly rated anime and comedies dominate the charts. Even “Deliverance,” which currently sits at number one, has a dismal 30% rating on Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes. Fortunately, not everything is so bleak for one of the best streaming servicesA fan-favorite video game adaptation has just climbed to third place: “Sonic the Hedgehog.”
This iconic blue hedgehog is once again enjoying a wave of popularity on the streamer. When the film was released in 2020, it received mixed reviews from critics. But one thing that remained strong was the love and appreciation from fans, and now that “Sonic the hedgehog 3” is set to be released later this year, so now is a great time to watch it.
Whether you're a longtime fan of the iconic video game character or a newcomer to the world of Sonic, this movie proves to be a must-see for viewers of all ages. But is it worth streaming on Netflix?
What is “Sonic the Hedgehog” about?
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is a live-action/CGI hybrid film based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. It follows Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz), a blue anthropomorphic hedgehog with incredible speed, who has gone into hiding on Earth to escape those who would use his power.
Sonic lives a quiet, isolated life in the small town of Green Hills, Montana, but his loneliness and boredom lead to an accidental power surge that attracts the attention of the U.S. government. They hire the eccentric and evil scientist Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey), to investigate.
To evade capture, Sonic teams up with Tom Wachowski (James Marsden), the local sheriff. Together, they embark on a journey to retrieve Sonic's lost rings, which can open portals to other worlds. Along the way, they form a friendship, all the while being relentlessly pursued by Dr. Robotnik, who seeks to use Sonic's power for world domination.
What critics and viewers thought of 'Sonic the Hedgehog'
Critics weren't too harsh upon the release of “Sonic the Hedgehog” given that it earned a decent score of 64% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, critics did not dwell on the “tedious and entirely predictable storyline.” Audiences, on the other hand, disputed this criticism and gave the film an impressive 93%. Even “Sonic the Hedgehog 2” has a 10/10 rating. Audience rating of 96%which proves that these films were made for the fans.
Matthew Monagle of Austin Chronicle said: “It may not be particularly memorable, but in an era where family films like Paddington can be a hit with all audiences, Sonic more than manages to hold its own.” The Wraps Yolanda Machado said that the film “may not become a children's classic, but it is a great little getaway to enjoy with the whole family. That, in itself, deserves a gold ring.”
Of course, as mentioned earlier, this film has attracted some criticism. Amon Warmann of Empire Magazine The general consensus of critics was summed up as follows: “A Jim Carrey in top form can't save Sonic's live-action debut from feeling like a missed opportunity. If the rumored sequels materialize, let's hope the storytelling is of a higher standard.”
While critics weren't exactly impressed by the little blue hedgehog, audiences were. Most reviews spoke of the “great humor and strong action scenes,” while others went so far as to say it was the perfect example of a “great video game adaptation.”
Should You Stream “Sonic the Hedgehog”?
“Sonic the Hedgehog” is definitely worth streaming if you’re a longtime fan of the classic video game character or just looking for a fun, family-friendly movie. It offers a delightful mix of action, humor, and heart, making it an entertaining film for all ages. Jim Carrey’s performance as the villainous Dr. Robotnik also adds that extra layer of comedy.
The film's current popularity on Netflix and high audience score on Rotten Tomatoes are good indicators of its success with fans. Plus, with a sequel to watch and a third installment in the works, it's the perfect time to catch up on Sonic's adventures.
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