Many movies made in Hollywood are often shaped by outside opinions known as focus groups, but never has a movie been shaped by one as large as Twitter. Sonic the Hedgehog was in final editing when they released their first trailer that ultimately lit the internet on fire. The early renditions of what they imagined their main character looked like were not well received. This left the producer in a tough spot. They either release their film on schedule to an already angered audience that would likely ensure the movie to tank, or they spend a few more million and push the release back. This in hope to release a character that would encourage a larger audience to see a beloved video game character finally take the big screen. Ultimately the date got pushed back, Paramount spent the money and heeded Twitters advice, released a trailer that was well received, and now Sonic the Hedgehog takes the big screen.

Sonic has few main characters but they all performed fairly well. James Marsden (Tom Wachowski) plays a bored local sheriff in a small town that is thrust into a crazy situation once Sonic steps into his life. His character is kindhearted and fun which fits well in a movie targeted at kids but made for an older generation. Jim Carrey (Dr. Ivo Robotnik) plays the main villain which comes off as an aged Ace Ventura that went thru some life issues and became much calmer but a dick. Overall it is actually pretty enjoyable. The Sonic character, voiced by Ben Schwartz, is a youthful and energetic character that kids will love and adults can appreciate. The character walks the line of over-the-top annoyance but doesn’t cross it.
Tika Sumpter (Maddie Wachowski) plays the caring wife to James and they play off each other very well. Overall the acting in Sonic the Hedgehog was good for a family film and made the experience enjoyable.

There have been many adaptations of video games into the entertainment industry ranging from good to bad. Sonic the Hedgehog falls closer to the Witcher side (good) rather than the Super Mario Bros. side (no explanation needed). Sonic does leave a bit on the table when it comes to easter eggs from the game but does enough to tap into the nostalgia of the 90’s. A film made for a younger generation of gamers but is able to entertain the Dad that wanted to go just as bad. The film has some flaws. It can get a bit repetitive, and as stated before, left a bit on the table despite a great end credit scene. Sonic the Hedgehog is still a fun movie for the whole family and admittedly was improved by an angry mob of Twitter fans. We will see if that mob puts their money where their mouth is and supports a film they seemed to care about so much.