The blue blur races back into theaters in Sonic the Hedgehog 4, a high-octane multiversal adventure that stretches the boundaries of time, space, and speed. Blending thrilling action with heartfelt character arcs and some surprising emotional weight, this fourth installment in the wildly successful franchise proves Sonic is far more than just a nostalgic icon—he’s a hero for every timeline.
Set just months after the events of Sonic 3, peace in Green Hills is shattered when a shimmering rift appears in the sky—ripping apart the boundaries between dimensions. From that portal spills not only strange energy but something even more alarming: a twisted version of Dr. Robotnik (played once again by a brilliantly unhinged Jim Carrey), now fused with the Chrono Core, a cosmic relic that lets him rewrite history itself.
This isn’t your average Robotnik. Wild-eyed, unshaven, and godlike in power, this variant has traveled the timelines, stealing knowledge, eliminating his past failures, and reshaping reality to his whims. His goal? To create a world where Sonic never existed—and his domination was never challenged.
To stop him, Sonic (voiced with witty charm by Ben Schwartz) must gather a team across the fractured multiverse. Tails and Knuckles return, stronger and more bonded than ever, but it’s the newcomers who add fresh energy. Echo, a sleek silver-blue speedster from a future timeline (voiced by Ayo Edebiri), brings attitude and insight—and a personal vendetta against Robotnik that adds sharp emotional tension.
Perhaps most intriguing is Sonic’s encounter with himself—or rather, a future version known as Sonic Prime. Stoic, scarred, and slower due to the passage of time, this older Sonic acts as both mentor and mirror, challenging the impulsive hero to finally grow into the leader the multiverse needs. Their dynamic is a highlight, offering both fan service and surprisingly mature storytelling.
The action, of course, is blistering. From a gravity-warped version of Green Hill Zone to a dark Eggman-dominated metropolis bathed in neon tyranny, each universe offers jaw-dropping set pieces. Directors Jeff Fowler and crew pull no punches with the visual effects—there’s time-warped combat, high-speed quantum tunneling, and one unforgettable chase through collapsing realities that rivals anything in Into the Spider-Verse.
And yet, beneath all the chaos, Sonic 4 remains grounded in heart. The bond between Sonic and his friends is tested as timelines diverge and sacrifices loom. Echo’s origin story—of a timeline where Sonic was erased and Robotnik ruled unchecked—delivers some of the film’s most poignant beats. There’s even a subtle but powerful thread about accepting change, letting go of past mistakes, and the courage it takes to shape a better future.
Jim Carrey once again steals scenes with manic energy, yet adds chilling depth to his multiversal variant. His final confrontation with Sonic is a cerebral and emotional clash as much as a physical one, culminating in a sequence that’s both dazzling and deeply cathartic.
By the time the credits roll—with a mid-credits scene teasing a fan-favorite character’s debut—the message is clear: the Sonic franchise isn’t slowing down. It’s accelerating into bold, ambitious territory, unafraid to evolve alongside its characters and fans.
⭐ Final Verdict: 9.1/10
Fast, funny, and unexpectedly profound, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 delivers the most ambitious chapter yet—turning nostalgia into mythology and proving that sometimes, the fastest way forward is to embrace every version of who you’ve been.
💬 “Every world needs a Sonic. But this time, all of them are counting on one.”
Watch movie:
*Content is hosted on a partner site.
