MOVIE REVIEWS

Super Sonic Friends

Facing the evil drones.

Paramount Pictures Rated: PG Now in theatres

It’s been a long, slow road to the big screen for the little blue hedgehog known for his high-speed antics in the gaming world. For the legion of loyal Sonic the Hedgehog fans, it was a challenge to get it right. And there were major stumbles along the way. Like the original trailer, which was panned so badly online that Paramount Pictures completely redesigned the film. Thankfully, they came up with a cute, cuddly, irreverent, and likeable hedgehog who keeps his human counterparts on their toes and gives the villain exactly what he deserves.

And what a fantastic villain he is, played to the hilt by Jim

Carrey. But chasing Sonic, the extraterrestrial hedgehog , becomes extremely complicated for the evil genius because Sonic has unexpected help from his human friends, Tom and Maddie Wachowski. They’re determined to see Sonic to safety after his golden transporter rings are accidentally left in San Francisco. The question is, who will get there first? Dr. Robotnik and his

army of vicious machines want to capture and dissect Sonic to steal his source of super speed. Sonic, however, just wants to find a forever family and end his loneliness. From Montana to San Francisco, Dr. Robotnik ratchets up the danger until he finally surrounds Sonic with lethal drones and the ultimate battle begins. Little does Sonic know that Dr. Robotnik stole one of his quills and harnessed the same super blue power for his machines. But in the end, Tom and Maddie come to Sonic ’s rescue, and Dr. Robotnik is transported to the distant Mushroom Planet to contemplate his evil ways. So, pass the popcorn and enjoy the adventure! Also be sure to watch the credits for hints that Dr. Robotnik will have his revenge and Sonic can expect some extra help in his sequel.

FOR THE PARENTS

Merciful Justice Just Mercy Warner Bros Pictures, Rated: PG-13 Now in theatres N ot much compares to the moral weight of Just Mercy, the new biographical drama starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan, but I wish it were a better movie with as much conviction as consternation. Based on the true story of a wrongly convicted African-American man in rural Alabama, Just Mercy uncovers the worst case scenario of justice gone wrong. Unfortunately, the movie’s extremely slow pace, the dispassionate performances, and a series of highly predictable actions carried out by stereotypical characters removes it from the company of more notable death row films like Dead Man Walking and The Life

Praying for a new trial. of David Gale. Of course, we’re aghast that the local sheriff and district attorney stand by their mistaken verdict, and no doubt , the naïve Harvard lawyer seeking justice will be harassed at every turn. Evidence gets lost, an eye witness changes his testimony, an alibi proves a man’s innocence, but a judge refuses to see the truth. Been there, done that. Just Mercy demonstrates that a true story, however compelling and heart-wrenching, may not be strong movie material. That said, the epilogue of real photos and follow up narrative are as compelling as the ninety minutes of the movie itself.