TLDR;
In this episode, Evan and Alex review "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," praising its humor, action, and nostalgic elements. They discuss the movie's success, voice acting, and memorable moments, predicting the franchise's future and comparing it to other adaptations. They give the movie a rating of 4.5 out of 5, highlighting its entertainment value and the filmmakers' clear passion for the source material.
- The movie is praised for its humor, action, and nostalgic elements.
- The voice acting, particularly Keanu Reeves as Shadow, is discussed.
- The hosts predict the franchise's future and compare it to other adaptations.
Intro and Background [0:34]
Evan and Alex introduce the episode, celebrating the end of 2024 and diving into their review of "Sonic the Hedgehog 3." They acknowledge some technical difficulties but express excitement about covering the holiday classic. Alex mentions his fondness for "Sonic Adventure 2" and praises the franchise for its successful blend of nostalgia and humor, noting the movie's relentless comedic pace.
Franchise History and Success [1:47]
The hosts discuss their history with the Sonic franchise, clarifying that they never officially covered the first movie. They attribute the franchise's success to two main factors: the studio's willingness to redesign the initially criticized "ugly Sonic" and Jim Carrey's return. They highlight the financial success of the first two movies, noting the impressive box office numbers despite their release during the pandemic.
Comedy and Target Audience [4:35]
The hosts emphasize that "Sonic 3" is more of a comedy than a traditional video game adaptation, comparing it to movies like "Spy Kids" in terms of its target audience and humor style. They describe the experience of watching the movie in a packed theater, where the audience was highly engaged and laughing throughout. They also praise the humor involving Eggman and his assistant.
Voice Cast and Character Analysis [15:57]
The hosts discuss the voice cast, with differing opinions on Ben Schwartz's performance as Sonic and Keanu Reeves' portrayal of Shadow. They praise Idris Elba's role as Knuckles and Colleen O'Shaughnessey's voice acting as Tails, noting her extensive experience in anime. They also discuss the underutilization of Wade Whipple and the dynamic between the characters.
Plot and Story Elements [34:19]
The hosts discuss the plot, focusing on Shadow's origin story and his connection to Eggman's grandfather. They compare Shadow's character to Mewtwo from Pokémon and other similar "foil" characters. They also touch on the action sequences, particularly Shadow's Tokyo entrance and the final fight, praising the visuals and choreography.
Memorable Moments and Humor [40:45]
The hosts share their favorite moments from the movie, including the scene where Eggman accidentally slices the moon and Jim Carrey's dance routine in the laser room. They praise Jim Carrey's comedic performance and physical comedy, noting his unique talent and the joy he brings to the role. They also discuss the emotional scene on the moon and the callback to earlier jokes.
Weakest Points and Criticisms [52:59]
The hosts discuss the weakest points of the movie, including the lengthy flashbacks involving Maria and the reliance on a child actor's performance. They also note that the middle part of the movie, where Team Sonic and Eggman team up, feels somewhat drawn out. However, they agree that the movie is overall enjoyable and well-made.
Director and Fandom [55:46]
The hosts highlight Jeff Fowler's long-standing involvement with the Sonic franchise, noting that his passion for the source material is evident in the movie. They also discuss the Sonic fan community and the level of detail and knowledge that some fans bring to the experience.
Mid-Credit and End-Credit Scenes [59:07]
The hosts describe the mid-credit scene, which introduces Metal Sonic and Amy Rose, and the end-credit scene, which confirms Shadow's return. They speculate on the implications of these scenes for future movies and TV shows, predicting the introduction of Rouge the Bat and other characters.
Closing Thoughts and Ratings [1:03:33]
The hosts share their final thoughts on "Sonic the Hedgehog 3," praising its humor, action, and character development. They give the movie a rating of 4.5 out of 5, emphasizing its entertainment value and the filmmakers' clear passion for the source material. They also compare the movie to other adaptations, such as the Mario movie, and discuss the importance of taking risks and embracing the source material's unique qualities.
News and Other Topics [1:13:15]
The hosts discuss news related to the Spider-Verse franchise, including the delay of "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse" and the controversy surrounding Shameik Moore's reaction to Hailee Steinfeld's engagement. They also reflect on their favorite moments of the year and thank their listeners for their support.