SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures is the next adventure for the team with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3.

Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey) and Knuckles (Idris Elba) are spending a little quality time with Doughnut Lord Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). That is one of the gangs’ favorite things to do and they are soaking it up until a helicopter from G.U.N. shows up and Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter) tells the three that they need help. With what?

Well, there is a new hedgehog on the loose named Shadow (Keanu Reeves) and he is angry and destructive. Sonic quickly realizes that his hostility is going to be difficult for Tails and Knuckles so it is decided they are going to call on the one person who might be able to help – Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) brings the group before a dilapidated Eggman but once he discovers what is happening to some of his hardware, he doctors up and agrees to help.

That is until he discovers who is responsible for Shadow plus the chaos and its none other than – well, I’ll let you find out for yourself. Robotnik is thriller at the chance to once again be a part of the master plan that calls for putting the hedgehogs in danger. With a new sense of purpose and a new, very tight outfit, Robotnik and his new friends are taking aim at G.U.N.

Now Sonic, Tails and Knuckles must do what they do best, find clever ways to outsmart Shadow and Robotnik before they carry out their twisted plan for revenge, each for their own reasons!

Schwartz voicing Sonic gets to, once again, come up with fast talk, fast one-liners and going fast on his feet. This character is so very funny and if you don’t think so then you might want to ask Santa for a new funny bone. O’Shaughnessey voicing Tails is the smart hedgehog who understands how to create and work technology – and, to quote Agent Stone, Tails is “adorable”. Elba voicing Knuckles is the muscle of the bunch who finds no problem in fighting and has no problem offering up his services.

Marsden as Doughnut Lord Tom is so supportive of the hedgehog gang. He treats them as family and offers up fatherly advice when needed. He also finds himself in the middle of the action whether he wants to or not but its not always a bad thing. Sumpter as Maddie supports the hedgehogs just as much as her husband Tom does. When the couple gets an opportunity to spend time alone together, it doesn’t take long before Maddie is happy to join the gang on an adventure.

Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is absolutely stellar, hilarious and falls back into this role with ease. He is a total crack-up with his one-liners and even a few references that you have to be quick to catch. I’m so happy to see Carrey again in any capacity but, to be honest, my family truly adores him as Dr. Robotnik. So having Dr. Robotnik during Grinch season is everything we could have asked for from Santa.

Reeves as the newest hedgehog Shadow gets to be the dark presence of power. He has a bone to pick with anyone that has been a part of his 50-year captivity and has no problem showing what he can do. Reeves voice goes deep and lets us know from the beginning that he is a force on a mission. Majdoub as Agent Stone is still loyal to Dr. Robotnik, even when he feels like something is coming between them. Majdoub gives his role the middle-man appearance because he cares about his boss but also is curious about the hedgehogs!

Shout out to Ritter as Director Rockwell. Her character doesn’t trust anyone and both sides keep her on her toes!

Other cast include Jorma Taccone as Kyle, Sofia Pernas as Gabriella, Cristo Fernandez as Pablo, Natasha Rothwell as Rachel, Shemar Moore as Randall, Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Adam Pally as Wade Whipple, and Alyla Browne as Maria.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 has so much going for it. First of all, the special effects are so much fun and amazingly done. Then we have the story of three hedgehogs that are part of Tom and Maddie’s family to the point that they can not imagine their lives without them. There is also the story of a friendship and teamwork that Sonic, Tails and Knuckles hold dear and is put to the test. Dr. Robotnik returns with a bit of a story all his own as well and the addition of another hedgehog in Shadow who also has a story to tell.

Normally, that would be a lot of stories to tell but here it works! There isn’t a moment to take a breath because everything plays out in a fast (what did you expect, its Sonic!) paced adventure scene after scene. I love the wit behind the one-liners and, if you are as quick as they are, you’ll catch things that will have you saying, “whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?” and then laughing hard. There is humor for the kids and for the adults and sometimes they meet in the middle. The applause during the movie was a fun surprise. It reminded us all the reasons why Sonic became so popular in the first place and yes, I still have my original Sega and we will be playing the game later tonight.

Just in time for the holidays, SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 means a fantastically fun time at the theatre for those of us who remember Sonic’s start, to families that have been following his rise over these many years and those who have caught on to the fun in recent years. Basically, it means a good time will be had by all!

In the end – new adventure and new rival!

They are all Back with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2

 

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures is the next adventure with SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2.

Sonic (voiced by Ben Schwartz) is living his best life with Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). Happy to be getting a chance to run the house for a bit, Tom and Maddie are off to Hawaii for Rachel’s (Natasha Rothwell) and Randall’s (Shemar Moore) wedding. What no one knew is what was happening off the planet.

Dr. Robotnik (Jim Carrey) is making his own plans to get off the planet Sonic sent him to. Sending out a signal, it is answered almost right away, and he meets Knuckles (voiced by Idris Elba) who is looking for the most powerful gem in the universe. This intrigues Dr. Robotnik, and he convinces Knuckles to get him back to earth to find what he is looking for.

Sonic’s mini vacation does not last long when he realizes that Robotnik is back and has brought a powerful friend. Getting to Hawaii through a ring, it takes seconds before it becomes clear that the wedding was not as it should have been. When Sonic, his new friend Tails (voiced by Coleen O’Shaughnessey) and Tom are taken by agents of GUN, it is Maddie and Rachel who are going to get them free.

That is what has to be done if they are to stop Dr. Robotnik and Knuckles from finding the green gem. It is a race against time and an understanding that sometimes someone who calls you friend really isn’t.

Schwartz voicing as Sonic is hilarious with jokes, one-liners, recognizable references and a heart as big as any world in the universe. He knows the meaning of friendship, loyalty, fun and doing what is right for the planet he has come to love. My granddaughter loved Sonic before from the game and the cartoons but having him larger than life on the big screen filled her with so much joy, thanks for that Mr. Schwartz.

Elba as Knuckles voiced his character with the right amount of no sense of humor, trying to understand a very different world and change his attitude about a tribe of people he truly did not know. He learns the hard way that the word ‘friendship’ means different things to evil-different people. O’Shaughnessey as Tails is endearing from start to finish and adds to the trio with smarts and a very fast tail.

Marsden as Tom continues to enjoy having Sonic around, even if he feels a bit like a parent. He keeps his eye out for the blue ward living in his home and wants what is best for him, even if it means having to stand back and trust that Sonic knows what he is doing. Sumpter as Maddie is of the same mindset as husband Tom, that Sonic may need watching over from time to time but trusting he knows how to handle Robotnik is important.

Rothwell as Rachel takes her character to another very funny level. She wants to like Tom and she sees Sonic as a pest but when the opportunity arises, she realizes that they need Sonic. Moore as Randall chose to mess with the wrong woman, except perhaps she might not be the wrong woman.

Now, lets talk about Carrey as Dr. Robotnik – absolutely fantastic! He is fun in an evil way, witty, sly, and does not care one wit what anyone thinks about him. I love when Carrey gets the opportunity to be creative and let his facial expressions crack me up, his line delivery is sheer hilarity and mixing the two together with body language is everything. I would love to see him be the chunky Dr. Robotnik before he hangs up his moustache permanently.

Other cast include Adam Pally as Wade, Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone, and Antwan Eilish as Nick.

Paramount Pictures is the longest operating and remaining major studio in Hollywood that has been on the ground floor of every major development in film. From the advent of motion pictures to the emergence of television, through the digital revolution, Paramount Pictures has been there. During our 100-year history, we have served as the production site for thousands of notable movies and television shows. For more please visit www.paramountstudios.com.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 is the perfect family film in every way. It is two hours of fun packed for kids and kids at heart. I loved the action (so did my six-year-old granddaughter who is a huge Sonic fan), the storyline, adventure, humor, references to so many different things from films to other universes and still wrapped around the relationship with Tom, Maddie and Sonic.

Who could have thought that a video game from Sega in 1991 with the storyline of a little blue hedgehog would turn into the success in theatres in 2022. Even through its evolution, the character of Sonic has reached more than three generations in thirty-one years. Now, fans can get together once again to see what the new adventure has to share with them.

In the end – welcome to the next level!

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG

Jeri Jacquin

Coming to theatres this Friday with break-neck speed from director Jeff Fowler and Paramount Pictures comes a new meaning to the word fast provided by SONIC THE HEDGEHOG.

Tom Wachowski (James Marsden) is the local law in their small town where nothing really happens. When a letter arrives offering him a job in San Francisco, wife Maddie (Tika Sumpter) believes he will finally be happy with the life change. When she goes off to San Fran to look for a place to live, Tom is back on duty trying to figure out how to tell everyone.

In the surrounding forest lives Sonic (Ben Schwartz), a blue alien who knows everything about Tom and pretty much everyone else. Trying to stay under the radar, imagine the surprise when a disturbing town power outage brings Sonic face-to-face with Tom! The rather unusual event also catches the attention of Dr. Ivo Robotnik (Jim Carrey) who isn’t about to let anything stop him from discovering the truth.

Using his uber technology, Robotnik finds himself at Tom’s doorstep and the two make it plain what their intentions are. Robotnik wants the fast-blue alien and Tom wants to protect Sonic from anyone getting their hands on hurting him. Making a run for it, it becomes clear that Sonic has to leave Earth but the only way to do that is by the pouch of rings that accidentally got sent to the top of a building in San Francisco.

It’s time for them to take a road trip and what happens along the way brings about learning for them both including a little fun. But they are always looking behind them to see how close the relentless Dr. Robotnik is because he isn’t at all about having fun – he’s about being in control.

Tom and Sonic have a few tricks up their sleeve to give their nemesis something to think about!

Marsden as Tom is a small-town sheriff who doesn’t realize what kind of life that truly is. Meeting Sonic isn’t just about protecting an alien, their time together really gives him an opportunity to see the world in a different way – through Sonic’s eyes. Marsden is charming, sweet and patient (not sure I could be THAT patient) and doesn’t scare easily. Watching Marsden take on Robotnik is entertaining but then again, his whole character is.

Schwartz as the voice of Sonic is fast talking and fast on his feet. Most of us know the character of Sonic but don’t hear him in the video games (yes, I play video games!) so finally hearing him speak in the film is fun, silly (as my granddaughter says) and full of spunk and excitement.

Carrey as Dr. Robotnik is nothing short of stunning, hilarious and everything my family and I wanted to see. Having seen a sneak peek last year presented by Carrey himself, no one was going to tell me if the film was good, bad or indifferent – I was going to see it! This is a comic who has always made me and daughter Jenise laugh and that is saying something. From the very first we knew there was something unique about his humor and special about his ability to use facial expressions and timing. As Robotnik I laughed at his cutting (and admittedly sometimes adult humor) and now can’t imagine anybody else playing Robotnik (or Egg-man as the granddaughter prefers to call him).

Sumpter as wife Maddie is the calm in the middle of the Sonic Storm. She supports whatever Tom wants to do but when she sees Sonic, the extra calm kicks in because she isn’t going to move from her spot until her questions are answered. Melody Niemann as JoJo is absolutely adorable and the reason behind one of Sonics iconic accessories. Shout out to Natasha Rothwell as Maddie’s sister Rachel because she is hilarious. Not exactly thrilled that her sister is married to Tom, she doesn’t miss an opportunity to throw her two cents in which is thrown back when Sonic is near!

Other cast include Tom Butler as Commander Walters, Frank Turner as Crazy Carl, Elfina Luk as Secretary of Homeland Security, Adam Pally as Billy Robb, Lee Majdoub as Agent Stone and Neal McDonough as Major Bennington.

Let me get this out of the way and move on, I am thrilled that they made the changes to Sonic as now he feels and looks more like the character as I thought he should look. He is edgy, really blue and, well, fast! Also, this is going to be a strictly liking the film or it not being on your film radar, it’s a simple as that.

Now, I taught my granddaughter to play the original Sega Sonic the Hedgehog and she picked up on it quick and learned all the characters without me saying a word! Now, she has her sonic pajamas, socks, stuffed doll and the most awesome sunglasses. It is hard to believe that my first experience with Sonic was a game played back in in 1991 taught to me by my sons. The following Christmas they got me a Sega system to play the games and – are you ready for this? – I still have it and it still works (are you reading this Sega?).

So, to go see the film with my family was beyond fun, it was a great day at the theatre. Look, this isn’t rocket science, it is just an escape to the movies for families that want to do something fun together. The adults are going to be brought back to a pretty cool time in their then young lives and the kids are going to giggle at all the antics Sonic provides.

It is the reason we go to the movies as a family, there is something for everyone and with a run time of 99 minutes there isn’t a second of non-stop action. There are just silly laughs and a good time with the family.

In the end – when the world needs a hero…think fast!

Jim Carrey Hits Bottom in DARK CRIMES

Jeri Jacquin

This week in theatres and On Demand from Saban Films, Lionsgate and director Alexandros Avranas comes a dark tale in a country that is riddles with mystery and DARK CRIMES.

Tadek (Jim Carrey) is a detective who has been laying low over the years. Taking care of his mother and barely speaking to his wife, he is barely living himself. That is all about to change when he takes on a case of a businessman who has been murdered. Almost immediately he learns about a man named Kozlow (Marton Csokas), a writer who published a novel about murder that looks familiar to Tadek.

Reading the book, Tadek begins to go to a dark pace and he meets sex-worker Kasia (Charlotte Gainsbourg), a woman knows about Kozlow. She shares with Tadek a world that he never knew existed. He also discovers the involvement of many who are not about to let him ruin their lives. Feeling bad for Kasia's situation, he also begins to have strong feelings for her and then crosses the line.

When the opportunity finally arises to question Kozlow, Tadek is met with distain, riddles and accusations. What he thought sense and was an open and shut case drastically turns bringing more questions and more danger than he could have possibly imagined. 

Carrey as Tadek is compelling to watch because this isn't going to be a full on character that is full of expression. No, Carrey lets us know from the get go that this man is falling down a rabbit hole and it seems as if he wants to go willingly. Having the opportunity to investigate a case he believes he has the answers to, Carrey gives this character a broken feel that makes his choices a little insane.

Gainsbourg as Kasia is a woman who is driven by the sexploited underworld that she can not escape from. Knowing the answers to the questions Tadek is asking, she downplays what she knows to protect herself. She is secretive and is just as mysterious as the man Tadek is tracking.

Csokas as Kozlow enjoys playing the cat and mouse game with Tadek. He is just as mysterious as Kasia and has no problem sitting in a dark room with him but it seems its more to get information than give answers. Csokas has always played an amazing bad guy character and this one goes particularly bad.

Other cast include Kati Outinen as Malinowska, Vlad Ivanov as Piotr, Agata Kulesza as Marta, Robert Wieckiewicz as Greger, Piotr Glowacki as Wiktor, Anna Polony as Tadek's Mother, and Zbigniew Zamachowski as Lukasz.

Launched in 2014, Saban Films has built an impressive slate of high-quality feature films in conjunctions with Lionsgate. Focusing on talent-driven films, Saban Films tailors each release on the uniqueness of their films that come to VOD release and mid-scale traditional theatricals. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.sabanfilms.com.

The film is based on David Grann's article True Crime: A Postmodern Murder Mystery that appeared in The New Yorker in 2008. He writes that a writer named Krystian Bala killed a businessman in Poland. The crime was investigated by Detective Jacek but it was only years later after he read a crime novel did he look at the case again.

DARK CRIMES lives up to its title for many reasons. First, Carrey's performance is one of the darkest I have seen him do and it is disturbing as well. This character is caught in a rather mundane life and this case opens up a door for him to be a part of something again. The problem becomes the moment a toe is out of line, its quicksand and that's exactly what happens to this character. Carrey goes all in and it shows.

The is not a happy film in any frame of its ninety-two minutes. It is deeply stirring, and even shot to add the look and feel of a situation that has no happy ending. What made the film for me was I wanted to know where it was going because anything had to be better than the like Tadek was living.

In the end – finding answers only brings more questions.

Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS on Fuzzy Bluray is a Must Have for the Holidays!

 

Jeri Jacquin

On Bluray/DVD and Digital HD from director Ron Howard and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment is amazing holiday fun with Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.

In the land of Whoville lives a little Who named Cindy Lou (Taylor Momsen). Feeling rather blue about the holidays she is watching her parents Lou Lou Who (Bill Irwin) and Betty Lou (Molly Shannon) relish the holidays.

Mayor Maywho (Jeffrey Tambor) along with his sidekick Whobris (Clint Howard) are preparing for the Who-bilation that brings everyone close – well, except for one person. Up on the mountain lives the Grinch (Jim Carrey), an unhappy Who-villain who doesn’t see how anything good can come of Christmas.

Cindy Lou has the idea to get to know the Grinch and starts by talking to those who knew him growing up. Martha May Whovier (Christine Baranski) told her story about a young Grinch has how badly he was treated by Who-children but it is clear she still has feelings for the Grinch.

Going up the mountain, Cindy Lou meets the Grinch and tells him that he is chosen to be the Cheer-meister at the Who-bilation. Convincing him to join them in town, the Grinch dresses for the occasion in his own unique way. Once in town he joins in the festivities but all too quickly it turns into mayhem.

Returning to his lair, he plans to make Christmas less jovial for the town people. The best way for him to do this is by stealing their holiday. Waiting until Christmas Eve, the Grinch slinks and slithers through every Who home taking anything that might bring cheer!

That’s when the unexpected happens and the holiday as they all know it changes them all!

Carrey as the Grinch is absolutely stunning and he has been welcome into our homes since the film’s release in 2000. He brought humor, laughter, craziness and green to levels that will never be duplicated. The original animated classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas first arrived on television in 1966 and it was a revelation for the holidays. Carrey brought the character alive in ways that continue to delight families. No one else could have pulled this off – no one.

Irwin and Shannon as Cindy Lou’s parents are delightful and loving towards their daughter and crazy about the Who holidays. They are festive and fun wanting love and joy for the holidays. Tambor is crazy good as the Mayor and Howard as his sidekick is equally hilarious. Baranski as Martha May is Who-ville’s Jessica Rabbit! She is sweet and feeling a bit nostalgic towards the Grinch and I loved her performance.

The absolute winner here is Taylor Momsen as Cindy Lou. She is delightful, adorable, sassy, hilarious, giggly and a voice that just resonate into all of our childhoods. I love her gutsy spirit and no nonsense when it comes to believing that the Grinch has every right to be considered a member of Who-ville’s citizenry.

Universal Studios Home Entertainment has just added an amazing film to their library and making it available for us all to experience and re-experience in our own home theatres. There are films of every genre available from scary to drama to family films. For more of what they have to offer please visit www.uphe.com.

The Bluray/DVD includes the Bonus Features of Deleted Scenes, Spotlight on Location, Who School Makeup Application and Design, Seussian Set Decoration, Visual Effects, Faith Hill’s song “Where Are You Christmas”, Theatrical Trailer and Feature Commentary by Director Ron Howard.

How can anyone not have this film for the holidays? Especially now that it is wrapped in a fur cover that is totally awesome and Grinchy! Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS has become an iconic part of the holidays for everyone.

The message of love, friendship, belief, reconnection and forgiveness are everything we have come to celebrate about the holidays. From memorable moments of song to watching the Grinch’s heart go from two sizes to small to enormous, gather the family together one more time to laugh and love Dr. Seuss’ HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS.

In the end – He puts the mean in green!