Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 7/10

Cast: Ben Schwartz, James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Tika Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, Adam Pally, Lee Maidoub, Neal McDonough, Tom Butler, Frank C. Turner, Melody Nosipho Niemann, Shannon Chan-Kent, Brad Kelly, Elfina Luk, Garry Chalk, Michael Hogan, Peter Bryant, Donna Jay Fulks.

If the subject character is interesting enough, if the obvious flaws in style can be ignored, then there is no reason why a film cannot be found to be entertaining in any circumstances; where a film that relies on fondness for pop culture entertainment, especially one aimed financially at a generation to the one that is being explored, asked to reminisce of the hours spent in pursuit of early gaming, that is where the whole edifice can collapse, come crashing down around the ears of memory.

Thankfully Sonic The Hedgehog has character, it has the appeal and the bond of a generation of kids who propelled it up the ladder of pop culture distraction with a rocket, but unlike others that have been granted such status, Pac-Man, Super Mario and Doom for example, the team behind bringing the blue blur to the silver screen hot upon the formula of at least making the titular character likeable, endearing, fun and quirky enough to be promoted to such highs as a cinema release.

With the right story, any tale can be made at least palatable for all ages to enjoy, the bond between pop culture and humanity is often tenuous, not transferable between generations because the jokes don’t transcend, they lose their meaning, the icon crashes and burns out. With Sonic The Hedgehog the story holds up, the action is entertaining, but it is perhaps to the cult hero interaction with Jim Carrey, himself a pop culture figure of the time, as Dr. Robotnik that the buddy film gains its credibility and the smile that you find on your face as you allow yourself to be overwhelmed by nostalgia.

Whilst the film is perhaps visually aimed at the younger audience, it is to the power of electronic melancholy and wistfulness that the film breaks the barrier between child and adult, especially those who are now in their 40s and 50s, the bond it seems not only catered for between anthropomorphic hedgehog and the player, but between the family in this fun filled film.

The rise of the 16-bit hero was always going to come to this, and in Sonic The Hedgehog, the king of the Sega Games has transferred seemingly with ease into the more lucrative cinema market.

Ian D. Hall