Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is a fun and likeable adventure

Even those who aren't rabid fans of the original Sega video games on which the Sonic the Hedgehog movies are based can find something to enjoy here.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the third live-action adaptation of the beloved video game series that kicked off in the early '90s, is a wholehearted, thoroughly entertaining ride through the little blue furball’s universe.

The action picks up soon after the events of the previous 2022 outing, which saw Sonic (Ben Schwartz) apparently defeat the evil genius Doctor Robotnik (Jim Carrey). Sonic is now living in peace and quiet alongside his anthropomorphic pals Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O'Shaughnessey) and their kindly adoptive parents Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter).

Their tranquility is shattered with the arrival of the stern Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter), a high-ranking officer of the military organization Guardian Units of Nations (G.U.N.) who implores them to help with a dangerous unfolding situation in Tokyo.

Shadow, a mysterious and highly deadly hedgehog who looks like Sonic’s badass twin, has escaped from a high-security containment unit and is wreaking havoc on the city.

Sonic, Knuckles and Tails soon realise that their combined powers can’t defeat Shadow and form an unlikely alliance with Dr Robotnik in order to save the world.

Their mission is complicated somewhat by the arrival of a new villain on the scene, but to say more would spoil the surprise.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is an action-packed adventure with somewhat whiplash-inducing plot twists, but there’s plenty of heart at the centre of this tale.

Jim Carrey hams it up to the max in the way only he knows how, while newcomer Keanu Reeves brings a surprising touch of melancholy and depth to the role of Shadow.

The film is at least 20 minutes too long, but there’s some big lessons - about family and friends and belonging - that cut through the noise.

While some of the jokes are a tad too knowing for my liking, this is a fun and likeable adventure that will please big and little kids alike.