Sega!

2020’s Sonic the Hedgehog is the first film adaption of the video game character. This movie had a lot of controversy when Sonic’s design was revealed. I think it was for the best here that this movie was delayed to redo Sonic’s design because the original design was awful and I am not alone here because so many people thought it was awful too. Thankfully his design now looks so much better and more true to his video game counterpart.

In terms of characters, Sonic the Hedgehog has the same pros and cons as Birds of Prey. Ben Schwartz does a good job as Sonic. He has a lot of energy and Jim Carrey is delightfully devious as Dr. Robotnik and while his doesn’t exactly resemble his video game counterpart his performance help make fun to watch. It’s a nice return to Jim’s cartoonish performances like the Mask, the Grinch, the Riddler, Count Olaf etc. etc.  The supporting cast much like Birds of Prey are not really interesting and feel more like they were added because the movie didn’t have enough characters.

The story I also think is pretty standard for a movie. It follows the same story beats and clichés you’d find in other kids movies. The comedy can be good at times but sometimes the jokes are like ones you’ve heard in other kids’ movies. Sonic’s super speed does lead to some really fun visuals like in the bar scene or when he’s hanging out at his cave. I think this might be closet were getting to a Flash movie for the time being.

There’s not many references to the games but I assume there saving a lot of them if it gets a sequel. Fans of the Sonic the Hedgehog character and video games and kids who are looking for a fast paced family flick (pun intended) to watch will enjoy this. Now where the heck is my Sly Cooper movie?! That’s the real quesiton I’m asking.

Verdict:
+ Ben Schwartz as Sonic
+ Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik
+ Super speed
+/- Comedy
– Standard story
– Standard supporting cast

Score: B

Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) is the first of three superhero movies of 2020 to have a female protagonist (the others being Black Widow and Wonder Woman 1984). Birds of Prey surprisingly hooked me with its opening. One little thing that stood out to me was the opening which shows Harley’s backstory in 2d animation. It’s not that important but for someone that enjoys 2d animation this was really cute.

Harley Quinn who was one of the only enjoyable characters from Suicide Squad is again wonderfully played by Margot Robbie here. She’s crazy, funny, and doesn’t apologize for it. The other Birds of Prey members such as Huntress, Black Canary, and Renee Montoya however are not that interesting. They don’t even join forces until the climax. Ewan McGregor who is one of those actors that I see in a lot of movies lately is so much fun as the villain Black Mask. He’s hammy, threatening and enjoys every minute of it. There’s literally a scene where there about to torture Harley and he’s just sitting down watching while eating popcorn, if that doesn’t overly villainous I don’t know what is. Heck he should have been the villain of Suicide Squad instead of Joker or that stupid Enchantress.

The actions scenes aren’t really that special and just seem like actions scenes that we’ve seen in other vigilante movies such as Kickass or even Suicide Squad. I guess the climax at the carnival is kind of fun since a carnival in general is a fun location for any climax and the car chase afterward was fine too. What is entertaining is the comedy, especially this running gag where whenever we see a new character Harley shows their name, description and grievance (why they hate Harley). There’s also a bunch a fourth wall breaking jokes that would make Deadpool proud.

Birds of Prey is better and more enjoyable than Suicide Squad (even more enjoyable than most of the other DC movies). I do think this should have been called Harley Quinn and the Birds of Prey since she’s the real star. It’s not a ground breaking DC films like last year’s Joker (congrats on the Oscars btw) but it’s a small fun movie if you like Joker’s favorite girl.

Verdict:
+ Animated opening
+ Harley’s exposition scenes
+ Ewan McGregor as Black Mask
+ Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn
– Meh action scenes
– Undeveloped birds of prey

Score: B-