--- title: "Sonic the Hedgehog: the reviews" canonical: "https://film.one/film/sonic-the-hedgehog/reviews" title_page: "https://film.one/film/sonic-the-hedgehog" critics_score: 56 critics_reviews: 23 licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL." --- # Sonic the Hedgehog (2020): what the critics said Critics' score 56 from 23 reviews: 10 positive, 5 mixed, 8 negative. The reviews split down the middle, with a slight lean towards forgiving. Most critics arrive braced for the worst after the trailer and the redesign, and find a light, inoffensive family caper that is better than they feared. Praise clusters almost entirely on one man: Jim Carrey’s Dr Robotnik, described as the film’s only real energy, a return to his 1990s mode that several critics call the funniest he has been in years. James Marsden’s sheriff gets a few kind words, and the redesigned Sonic is generally judged an improvement. The reservations are about everything else. The script is called generic, derivative and predictable, and several reviews file it alongside the forgotten live-action adaptations of the 2000s. The spread is wide, from warm four-star notices to outright dismissals. The British broadsheets are cooler than the American trade press, and Slant Magazine is the rare dissenter on Carrey himself, finding his mugging buries whatever the film had to say. ## Little White Lies — Anton Bitel Rating 3/4/3. 13 February 2020. The critic finds the film fast and fun but forgettable, sustained mainly by Jim Carrey's scene-stealing performance as Robotnik. It praises the energetic pacing and pop-culture references but notes it leaves little lasting impression. [Read the review](https://lwlies.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog) ## Evening Standard — Charlotte O'Sullivan Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 14 February 2020. The film avoids the pitfalls of other video game adaptations like Cats thanks to fan feedback on the design and Jim Carrey's cartoonish energy as Robotnik. It delivers cool effects and a fun car chase despite some unoriginal moments. [Read the review](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-hyper-hero-escapes-the-curse-of-cats-in-big-screen-debut-a4362011.html) ## Los Angeles Times — Katie Walsh Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The critic is pleasantly surprised that the film is legitimately funny, heartwarming and entertaining after the redesign. Jim Carrey's campy, over-the-top performance as Dr. Robotnik is singled out as the standout element that elevates the odd-couple road movie. [Read the review](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-02-13/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-jim-carrey) ## The Hollywood Reporter — John DeFore Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 12 February 2020. The film is a light-hearted, inoffensive throwback kids' adventure that hopes nostalgia for the Sega character will draw audiences. Flesh-and-blood performers like Jim Carrey's full-tilt Dr. Robotnik and James Marsden's genial sheriff help keep the simple story afloat despite its video-game origins. [Read the review](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/sonic-hedgehog-review-1279100/) ## Vulture — Bilge Ebiri Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The movie is a modest, unassuming throwback to simpler blockbusters that feels like it could have been a hit in 1996. Jim Carrey's wildly committed, golden-era performance as Dr. Robotnik is the standout delight that makes the routine endeavor worthwhile. [Read the review](https://www.vulture.com/2020/02/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-review-jim-carrey-is-back.html) ## Total Film Fi1m's normalised score 65/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The film exceeds its initially low expectations with frenetic fun for younger viewers and nostalgic Jim Carrey as Robotnik. VFX work salvages it into something enjoyable though it will not top any best-of lists. [Read the review](https://www.gamesradar.com/sonic-movie-review/) ## Screen Daily Fi1m's normalised score 60/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The review describes it as mildly entertaining but weighed down by an overbearing central character; it singles out Jim Carrey and James Marsden for praise while criticizing the protagonist's tiresome humor and derivative nature. [Read the review](https://www.screendaily.com/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/5147066.article) ## Empire — Amon Warmann Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The new Sonic design improves on the trailer but the film remains largely forgettable. Jim Carrey's Robotnik is note-perfect and the funniest he has been in years, but the bromance and emotional beats fall flat. [Read the review](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/sonic-hedgehog-review-2/) ## The New York Times — Ben Kenigsberg Fi1m's normalised score 50/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The critic finds that the redesigned Sonic and improved visuals do little to salvage a generic script in this video-game adaptation. The film is seen as a missed opportunity that fails to rise above standard family fare despite the director's efforts. [Read the review](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/13/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-review.html) ## Slant Magazine — Jake Cole Fi1m's normalised score 40/100 (inferred from the text). 12 February 2020. The film feels like a 1990s throwback focused on Sonic's loneliness and desire for friends but is let down by condescending storytelling, awful jokes, and Carrey's over-the-top mugging that buries any subtext. It shows some understanding of the source material but lacks greater depth or meaning. [Read the review](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/review-sonic-the-hedgehog-doesnt-rock-even-after-a-new-paintjob/) ## The Telegraph — Robbie Collin Rating 2/5. 13 February 2020. The film sidelines Sonic’s distinctive speed and fun for a drab ET retread with bland real-world settings. Jim Carrey’s 1990s-style Robotnik provides the only real energy amid mostly joyless choices. [Read the review](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/0/sonic-hedgehog-review-video-game-speed-freak-slowed-drab-joyless/) ## The Times Rating ★★. 14 February 2020. The film returns to cursory plots and cartoonish characterisation typical of poor video-game adaptations. It offers enough to divert children briefly but is bland and unengaging for parents. [Read the review](https://www.thetimes.com/culture/film/article/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-a-big-blue-blur-of-blandness-xnmvk36n5) ## The Guardian — Peter Bradshaw Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The film is a predictable, derivative caper that feels like a rush job after the trailer redesign. Jim Carrey’s over-the-top Robotnik is the standout, far more animated and entertaining than the charmless hero. [Read the review](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2020/feb/13/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-jim-carrey) ## The Independent Fi1m's normalised score 35/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The redesign makes Sonic look like the character but too sharp and artificial to feel real. It is filed alongside other forgettable live-action video game adaptations like Alvin and the Chipmunks, relying on dated jokes and product placement. [Read the review](https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-cast-director-redesign-video-game-sega-character-a9333101.html) ## HeyUGuys — Emily Breen Rating 4/5. 13 February 2020. The film succeeds in balancing nostalgic appeal with new elements through clever storytelling and strong performances. It stands out for its energetic action sequences and chaotic mayhem that provide silly, entertaining fun. [Read the review](https://www.heyuguys.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/) ## The Wrap Fi1m's normalised score 80/100 (inferred from the text). 14 February 2020. The critic finds the film a delightful surprise and solid family entertainment despite initial skepticism. They single out Jim Carrey's energetic, comedic performance as Dr. Robotnik for particular praise. [Read the review](https://www.thewrap.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-film-review-2020-movie-jim-carrey/) ## The Playlist — Asher Luberto Rating B. 16 February 2020. The movie overcomes its troubled production history to deliver a kinetic buddy comedy full of charm and heart. It excels thanks to Jim Carrey's manic energy and the heartfelt friendship at its core. [Read the review](https://theplaylist.net/sonic-hedgehog-review-20200216/) ## Digital Spy — Ian Sandwell Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. It's a diverting and entertaining family watch aimed at kids, with a good redesign of Sonic and fun elements, but predictable plot and broad humor that won't stick in memory; better than feared for a video game adaptation. [Read the review](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a30890397/sonic-the-hedgehog-review-sonic-movie/) ## Polygon Fi1m's normalised score 70/100 (inferred from the text). 13 February 2020. The movie is a weird kids’ film elevated by Jim Carrey’s chaotic performance and some audacious gags like a prominent fart joke. It entertains with Saturday-morning-cartoon energy and a message about loneliness but is not aimed at longtime fans. [Read the review](https://www.polygon.com/2020/2/13/21136742/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-review) ## Collider — Matt Goldberg Rating C. 13 February 2020. The film is a safe, palatable buddy road-trip comedy suitable for kids but not the first great video game adaptation. It benefits from a redesigned Sonic who is funny and cute, along with a solid mismatched friendship arc. [Read the review](https://collider.com/sonic-the-hedgehog-movie-review/) ## Den of Geek — David Crow Rating 2 out of 5. 13 February 2020. The critic finds it a disposable, mediocre family film reminiscent of 2000s adaptations, with bland gags and dated Jim Carrey performance, though it satisfies young fans and nostalgists with its visuals and some moments. [Read the review](https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/) ## /Film — Josh Spiegel Rating 3/10. 13 February 2020. The film struggles with an identity crisis and fails to land its constant quips and pop-culture references. It improves the character's CGI but remains exhausting due to weak humor and scripting. [Read the review](https://www.slashfilm.com/572299/sonic-the-hedgehog-review/) ## The Ringer — Miles Surrey Fi1m's normalised score 30/100 (inferred from the text). 17 February 2020. The film is a formulaic, boring, and bland disappointment rather than a memorably bad classic. It sticks to a by-the-numbers fish-out-of-water tale instead of embracing its potential weirdness. [Read the review](https://www.theringer.com/2020/02/17/movies/sonic-the-hedgehog-review) --- © Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Our review: https://film.one/film/sonic-the-hedgehog.md