RJ Writing Ink

When I heard that Paramount was making a Sonic the Hedgehog movie, I thought it was a terrible idea. Then I saw what they made Sonic look like, I lost it like the rest of the Internet. Thankfully, the studio made the right call, delayed the movie to fix their mistake, and released it this week. Now, what once seemed destined to be a failure is the highest grossing film based on a video game in history.

I just got back from seeing the film on its opening weekend, and I can safely say that it’s good. For one thing, they redesigned Sonic so that he’s more faithful to his in-game appearance. Furthermore, while they could have gone the easy way and just made the whole thing in CGI, Paramount chose not to. Instead, they chose the harder route and have a story take place in our world. Either decision could have back-fired if done wrong, but the studio and Sega pull it off fairly well. They don’t go overboard with the CGI, only using it when necessary, mostly involving Sonic.

In the film, Sonic has been living on Earth for years near the town of Green Hills, Montana, trying to keep his powers a secret. Trying to keep Sonic under wraps, though, is like trying to give a cat a bath. Next thing he knows, he’s attracted the attention of the US Government, who send in Dr. Robotonik to capture him. Add in a local sheriff who wants to leave Green Hills, and you got a buddy-road-trip-action film.

Supersonic Cast

Now, the story itself isn’t that original: quirky character and a straight man go on a life-changing trip. What makes this film work, though, is the execution. More specifically, how its stellar cast plays off each other.

Playing the lead role as Sonic is the lovable Ben Schwartz. Most people know him from Parks and Recreations; I just know him as the voice of Dewey Duck in the reboot of Ducktales. Ben brings the same energy and self-confidence he shows as Dewey and channels it into an accurate portrayal of Sonic the Hedgehog. He’s energetic, playful, likes saying one-liners and telling jokes. At the same time, though, we see how lonely he is and how much he wants to have a real friend. By the end of the film, he ends up getting one in the form of Tom Wachowski, played by James Marsden. The duo have a genuine chemistry as friends and seem to play off each other fairly well.

Of course, the one who manages to steal the show is Dr. Robotonik, played by Jim Carrey in his best performance in years. He plays the Eggman with the same manic fervor and body language that made him a hit in 90s films like The Mask and Ace Ventura. It’s almost like the 90s Jim Carrey came twenty years into the future to play Dr. Robotnik. Underneath the manic behavior, though, we see he’s already the mad scientist fans know. He knows he’s smarter than anyone else, he’s used to being on top, and is utterly ruthless in his desire to remain there. In short, he’s a good villain.

Where To Now?

So, now that Sonic’s managed to have a hit movie, where does Sega take him? In an ideal world, this would be the start to rebuilding Sonic’s reputation, marred by games that range from average at best to garbage at worst. Or Sega could try and make this a multiple film series and see how well it goes. The ending provides enough sequel bait!

Me, I’m just hoping that Sega doesn’t waste this opportunity for the blue blur. Their star character now has a second lease on life, and they shouldn’t waste it. If you’re a hardcore Sonic fan or only casually know, then I recommend you got see this movie. Gotta Go Fast!

I Give “Sonic the Hedgehog” a 4/5

Click here to see my reviews for various films.

One Piece, Chapter 971 Review/Recap

At twelve chapters and still going, this flashback to the life of Oden Kozuki may be one of the longest in One Piece history. It’s been fun getting to see what Oden was like, his adventures with the Roger Pirates, and how Orochi came to power. However, it would seem that Oda’s getting ready to end this story and bring us back to the present day. In the manga’s defense, though, Oden’s set to go out in a very heroic manner. All while being boiled alive, no less.

Recap

Following their failed rebellion against Orochi and Kaido, Oden and the Nine Red Scabbards are sentenced to death. Rather than a quick beheading, they will die by being boiled alive in oil. Oden, however, refuses to die and strikes a bargain with Kaido. If he and the others can last an hour in the oil, they can go free. Not only does Oden withstand the heat, but he also carries the Scabbards atop a plank the whole time.

As the minutes pass, the spectators grow bored and begin to ungratefully speak about how they’ll be rid of the “Idiot Lord”. Shinobu then proceeds to blow her cover in the crowd to berate the people of Wano and let them know how indebted they are to Oden. Five years ago, Orochi reveals that he always intended to destroy Wano for hunting his family down; he had even sent its people to be used as Kaido’s playthings. Every time Oden made a fool of himself, he saved all those lives. Oden had been carrying the burden of Wano all on his shoulders.

Review

What little sympathy I had for Orochi’s freudian excuse is gone. I understand wanting revenge for the way people treated you for something he didn’t actually do. But, to destroy the whole country over this? I don’t even know the words to describe how petty and vindictive this is.

Anger aside, I knew that Oden was being blackmailed by Orochi and Kaido. Otherwise, he would have killed both right away. So hearing what Shinobu said is no surprise. What is surprising is how the chapter establishes how the Scabbards will survive. Rather than escaping being boiled alive, Oden seems set to sacrifice himself to save his retainers. Either way, I think this flashback will end by the start of March. After that, I’m looking forward to seeing Orochi and Kaido get what they deserve!

I Give “Condemened to Boil” a 4/5

By the way, I was very disturbed by the sight of Oden and that other schmuck being burned by the oil.

Click here to see more animanga stuff.