SONIC PRIME -- No James Marsden

Reviewed by Adam Donato

Image courtesy of Netflix.

Sonic has been experiencing quite the Renaissance during the 2020’s. Paramount produces a live action/animated feature film called Sonic the Hedgehog. The movie stars a CGI Sonic voiced by Jean Ralphio from Parks and Rec because you need a celebrity to voice a character that has had an iconic voice for decades or else the movie will not succeed at the box office. That’s not enough assurance, though, so Jim Carey stars as Dr. Eggman and James Marsden plays the audience insert character. You can’t tell a story about Sonic in Greenhills. It’s too different and expensive. There’s no way a narrative can be produced about Sonic that closely resembles the video game. 
​
Sonic Prime is a television show made for Netflix. The show stars *throws up* professional voice actors. The plot follows Sonic and his friends in their never ending battle to thwart Dr. Eggman. Somehow, Sonic finds himself trapped in another dimension not too dissimilar to his own. He has to rally his friends from multiple dimensions to come together to prevent a world where Dr. Eggman reigns supreme. The entire show is 3D animated and will run for 24 episodes.

Image courtesy of Netflix.

It’s funny that the Sonic movie franchise is heralded as this big success from a quality standpoint. After watching this show, it’s beyond annoying that they didn’t go this route. James Marsden is really cute and funny, but there’s no need for him in a Sonic movie. For all the heat that the Super Mario Bros. movie has been catching, at least it’s set in a Mushroom Kingdom and not Iowa. Sonic Prime has everything you’d want from a Sonic narrative series. All the characters and situations feel authentic to the source material. The humor is intended for children, but has the capacity to play for adults who are fans of the games. The relationships between the characters seems to be a focal point during the first eight episodes. There’s a lot of heart here.  The story takes us through a wide variety of set pieces. It’s not Shakespeare, but it’s everything a Sonic television show for Netflix should be. 

It’s hard to say if Sonic Prime should be recommended for adults without children. Kids will love this show, but it’s hard to see regular adults becoming avid fans of this show like they do with Star Wars and Marvel shows. Nevertheless, it’s a fun and high octane adventure with all your friends. Check it out on Netflix. 

Sonic Prime streams on Netflix beginning December 15.

Rating: 4/5