There are some weird moments in the new Sonic The Hedgehog film, released this week. Like, a strange and completely forced Zillow advertisement at one point happens in the film. But a strange moment happens at the beginning of the film and involves a new character not seen in Sonic games.
If you haven't seen anything new Sonic film and don't want to be spoiled by the opening minutes that are revealed, go now. I will not judge you.
So Sonic's new film begins with a beautiful world-inspired classic Sonic levels, especially the Green Hill Zone. Sonic is zipping around this island paradise as a kid. Yes, another child. Add it to the kids' pop culture list, alongside Baby Yoda and Baby Mr. Peanut.
Eventually, Sonic returns home, which is a small house at the top of a forested hill and inside that house is a large, evil photographic crook. Which … was a little confusing. Then the owl started speaking and got a name, Longclaw and it was like a parent figure and mentor to Sonic.
All of this was overwhelming. I looked at my girlfriend, to see if she remembered the giant owl who was talking about Longclaw Sonic games. Instead, he was looking at me, trying to find the same thing. Someone recorded an opening story involving Longclaw, but issues are high this will end soon.
This is the new setting made for this film. With so many characters the Sonic Franchise has, it doesn't seem to be interesting to create a new one. Or how to make this new character a photographer the owl.
This large owl also carries a bag of magical, gold rings. When thrown into the air, these rings can create a temporary portal in the new world. This is used moments after meeting Longclaw because Sonic has exposed himself to danger and his immediate power to a group of enemies who all look a lot like Knuckles wearing masks.
Enemies chase after Sonic and Longclaw, who carry Sonic on their big feet and fly away. Then Longclaw was shot with arrows. A few arrows. On the screen. It was, uh .. not what I was expecting in a kids movie about a cartoon hedgehog.
Longclaw throws a magical ring and Sonic flees to Earth and the last time we see Longclaw hold a line against the invaders. Did Longclaw survive or die? I have no idea. But it was a unique way to start a film that never quite matched the rest of its launch time.
I really enjoyed Sonic's film, more than I expected. The kids at our theater also enjoyed it a lot. How many of them care about Longclaw, I don't know. But if you wanted a big owl to be worn with arrows in a Sonic movie, congratulations! Your strange and certain dream has come true.
Read Our Review Sonic Movie