Will redesigning Sonic the Hedgehog fix what looks like a terrible adaptation?

While it’s harsh to judge a movie on the basis of a trailer, it’s also hard to look past the shortcomings on display

When it comes to video game adaptations, it has to be said that Hollywood has failed miserably at cracking the code. For some reason, the producers and money men in Tinseltown can’t seem to understand what it takes to take a narrative that has been very successful with a particular video game and make it work as a feature length film.

The list of bad video game adaptations has gotten pretty long at this point, with several big screen adaptations already in the pipeline. By the looks of it, the list may only get a little longer with the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog.

Based on the iconic SEGA video game that gained prominence in the 80s, Sonic the Hedgehog had drawn ire from its fan base even before the trailer released. Fans mocked the frankly repulsive look and design of Sonic (particularly the creepy looking human teeth) while others questioned whether the hybrid of live-action and animation was the best way to bring the character to the big screen.



Judging by the trailer though, it seems that fans were not wrong at all in having such reservations. The trailer does not inspire much hope and if anything, only amplifies the fears that some of its fan base had.





From its highly dated sense of humour to the randomness of the plot (something, something about saving the world maybe?) and the overly cartoonish tone on display; just about everything seems out of place in the first trailer. The trailer is filled with throwaway one-liners that are supposed to make you laugh and yet fail at even eliciting a mere chuckle.

The presence of Jim Carrey as the evil Dr Robotnik is perhaps something to look forward to in this film. Even though he is playing a cartoonish, over-the-top villain, few people can pull off such a shtick and make it funny the same way that Carrey can.





In a surprising turn of events since the release of the movie’s trailer, director Jeff Fowler has in fact promised to bring changes – which will likely also include redesigning Sonic – amid backlash from disgruntled fans. So maybe the changes the studio and the team will now make will help salvage the film.

Thank you for the support. And the criticism. The message is loud and clear... you aren't happy with the design & you want changes. It's going to happen. Everyone at Paramount & Sega are fully committed to making this character the BEST he can be... #sonicmovie #gottafixfast 🔧✌️

— Jeff Fowler (@fowltown) May 2, 2019

On the flip-side, movies that get redone, whether it’s through re-shoots, editing or whatever changes the producers of Sonic are looking to bring in, rarely end up working. And while it’s perhaps a little harsh to judge a movie so deeply on the basis of a two-and-a-half minute long trailer, it’s also hard to look past the glaring shortcomings on display.

Gif: Giphy

Besides Carrey, Ben Schwartz voices Sonic while James Marsden and Neal McDonough are also part of the cast.



Sonic the Hedgehog releases on November 8, 2019.

All photos: IMDb