The blue blur is back!

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” races into theaters with a mix of laughter, action and nostalgia. While it’s not a cinematic masterpiece, the film is undeniably fun and delivers what fans and kids like my nephew Parker want: Sonic being Sonic.

If you’re expecting a tightly written plot or character development that rivals Pixar, you may be disappointed. But if, like Parker, you want to see cool shoes, fast hedgehogs and goofy, high-energy entertainment, then you’ll have a great time.

Here’s what I thought about the latest chapter in the Sonic saga.

Ben Schwartz and the Sonic crew shine

Ben Schwartz continues to be the heart and soul of these films. His vocal performance as Sonic feels effortless, combining the character’s cocky charm with a sense of fun and playfulness. Schwartz’s performance is sharp and his chemistry with the rest of the cast adds a special touch to the film. One of the highlights of the film is seeing Sonic’s banter with Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba). Their dynamic is genuinely funny, with Sonic’s snappy jokes, Tails’ seriousness, and Knuckles’ dry delivery creating a trio that works surprisingly well.

Knuckles in particular continues to steal scenes with his overly literal interpretation of everything. Idris Elba plays him perfectly, adapting to the character’s clueless but endearing personality. These three characters are fun to watch interact, and their camaraderie helps cover up some of the film’s flaws.

Jim Carrey: Dr. Robotnik at its best

Jim Carrey’s appearance as Dr. Robotnik is another big draw. Carrey channels his iconic, over-the-top 1990s energy to create a villain that is equal parts ridiculous and entertaining.

Robotnik is pure cartoon mayhem, and Carrey clearly enjoys every scene he’s in. His exaggerated expressions, manic lines, and physical comedy make him one of the most entertaining aspects of the film.

It’s refreshing to see Carrey having so much fun with the role, and it’s hard not to smile as he throws himself into the absurdity of the character. Robotnik may not be the most complex villain, but he doesn’t have to be. Carrey’s larger-than-life performance is more than enough to keep audiences entertained. It may be nostalgic for me to see Carrey goofy like that, but it works and I’m here for it.

A slow second act

While the first act of the film begins full of energy and lots of laughter, the momentum drops significantly in the second act. The story falters as it tries to juggle too many subplots, and some scenes feel like they exist just to pad out the running time. The jokes also falter a bit in this section and a younger audience might lose interest.

However, the film picks up again in the third act, with an action-packed finale that is sure to have fans cheering. The climactic scenes are a whirlwind of CGI mayhem, and while it may not entirely make sense, it’s undeniably fun to watch. The final battle gives each character a chance to shine, and the teamwork on display is satisfying for fans of the franchise.

Fun for fans and families

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” strikes a good balance between fan service and accessibility for newcomers. Longtime Sonic fans will appreciate the callbacks to the games, while children and casual viewers will enjoy the humor and colorful action.

My 11 year old son had a lot of fun, laughing at Sonic’s antics and getting carried away by the excitement of the story. If you’re looking for a family-friendly film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, this is a good choice.

Diploma

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is not without its flaws. The pacing stumbles in the middle and it doesn’t quite capture the charm of the first film. However, it is a development from the second film and offers plenty of laughs and entertainment. Ben Schwartz’s Sonic remains a delight, Jim Carrey is at his comedic best and the dynamic between Sonic, Tails and Knuckles is a highlight.

This film won’t win any awards, but it’s a fun outing for fans and a great option for a family outing. If you’re willing to accept the silliness and join in, you’ll have a good time. After all, sometimes it’s okay to learn a thing or two from Parker and just sit back, relax, and let Sonic do what he does best: entertain.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is rated PG for mild action and rude humor.