Sonic The Hedgehog 3 is by far the best film in the series. Sonic, Knuckles and Tails come together for the exciting mission to take on Shadow. The dynamic trio (voiced by Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba and Colleen O’Shaughnessey) team up with Robotnik (Jim Carrey) in defeating this new mysterious rival.

Sonic 3 is full of thrilling action, comedy and many Easter eggs! Director Jeff Fowler did an excellent job explaining Shadow’s origins, which is intriguing and heartbreaking at the same time. Keanu Reeves was amazing projecting that gravelly voice that emits Shadow’s emotional pain and suffering. Shadow is one based character, especially when he is riding that awesome BMW – The Dark Rider that was so a-la John Wick. If John Wick were to be an animated character, he would definitely be Shadow.

Jim Carrey brought constant entertainment with his characters Ivo Robotnik and Grandpa Gerald Robotnik. The rolling laughter begins when an out of shape, depressed Robotnik is watching a telenovela about Gabriella (Sofia Penas) caught in the middle of having to decide between the twin brothers Pablo and Juan (Cristo Fernández). This telenovela plays a key component for Robotnik and Shadow when they have to come to terms in deciding who they want to be.

Carrey’s classic comedic side totally dominated the screen with that iconic Robotnik mustache. The Robotnik grandpa, grandson villain duo’s tech weapon gadgets and suits were over the top clever and hilarious. Carrey is indeed his own special effect; however, the additional enhancements take the action to another level of interplanetary visual experience.

The movie would not be complete without the supporting characters, Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter). It was pure amusement when they had to disguise themselves as Randall (Shemar Moore) and Rachel (Natasha Rothwell) to avoid being detected by Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter). The special cameo from Cristo Fernández contributing that innocent humor in the telenovela was absolutely a treat.

Go Fast! and see Sonic The Hedgehog 3. It is totally a blast of a movie. Stay at the end for two post credits. You will not be disappointed!

A nice tribute to beloved James Earl Jones is displayed before the movie begins, setting up the nostalgic tone. The screen then lights up with a majestic panorama of the “Pride Lands”. Director Barry Jenkins delivered a majestic vivid quality of live animation, which were absolutely stimulating on an IMAX screen. His style of imagery had wonderful depth perception of the rugged mountains, valleys, and waterfalls. Plenty of work went into the details of the animal characters – from their body movements, fur, mane, jaws and claws. The facial expressions on the animals were adorable, I just wanted to reach out and touch the screen.

The screenplay was well written but lacked creativity. It’s the typical story, told in flashbacks, about a pair of loners (Taka and Mufasa) that need each other in order to survive from Kiros and his clan of white lion outsiders. They make new friends along their way to the land of abundance, Milele. Mufasa (voiced by Aaron Pierre) learns what it takes to become a great leader – strong natural skills, conquering fears, and not being afraid to ask for help from others (animals). As for Taka (voiced by Kelvin Harrison Jr.), since he was raised by an egotistical father, his basic survival skills are weak. Taka considers Mufasa a brother but treats him more like a buddy. Tensions arise when Sarabi (Tiffany Boone) comes into the picture. The fate of these characters is foreseeable, but enough to keep me engaged to watch it unfold.

I wanted to see more of Timon and Pumba, but they were more of comedic support characters to Kiara (voiced by Blue Ivy Carter). They did tease us with a snippet rendition of “Hakuna Matata”. Seth Rogen was the perfect fit for Pumba’s character. It was interesting to see how Zazu (voiced by Preston Nyman) becomes part of the clan and always irritating others with his sarcastic humor. However, the real star of the show is Rafiki (voiced by John Kani). He plays a key role in Mufasa’s life. The best part was how Rafiki ends up with a walking stick. Another notable scene was how pride rock got formed. I was overcome with nostalgia.

Lin-Manuel Miranda, who wrote the majority of the songs, added a unique gospel hip-hop sound that brings out that wilderness passion. Miranda’s music always gives that special note to films. It was a relief to know that Blue Ivy Carter, Beyonce (Nala) and Donald Glover (Simba) did not take away from the movie. They were more like cameo voices. Although Mufasa: The Lion King was a bit longer that what it needed to be, it was overall enjoyable.

Does The War of the Rohirrim live up to Peter Jacksons Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit? The answer is Yes and No. This film was made from a different point of view than its predecessors, one big indication is that is an anime. But also, it still connects to Peter Jacksons version of Middle Earth. How does this film connect to the original films though?

This story takes place 183 years before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring. We follow the main character that was specifically made for this story Hera, whom is not part of Tolkien’s writings, is the daughter of Helm Hammerhand, who is the Ninth king of Rohan. There is struggle of authority when Frecca shows up to Edoras and challenges Helm for the right to rule. The conflict that follows, moves the plot forward in a direction that fans may or may not agree with.

The first half of the story lives up to hype of the original films. We dive deeper into the lore and history of Rohan, the continuous anger towards the Kingdom of Gondor, and of the course battle that creates mayhem for Hera and her family. Hearing classic themes from Howard Shores score from the original films, takes us back to that first time we saw Edoras on screen!

The films pacing is questionable. After the end of the first half of film the pacing slows down. The second half of the film feels like a tv show, where each small story that occurs, ends like a tv show would. There are also certain scenes that contradict different parts of the original LOTR Trilogy. However Helm Hammerhand lives up to his name in the end. Brian Cox brought this Character to life in such a spectacular way, he is one of the best parts of the film!

Even though Hera’s character was made for this film, and not from any Tolkien lore, she still makes an impact on the future kingdom of Rohan. To the relationship with her father, and her involvement in the events in this story, rhyme with the character Éowyn which we first meet in The Two Towers. She’s headstrong and helps set the course of history of where we see Rohan in the future.

With all that being said it is a great addition to Peter Jacksons Middle Earth franchise. It shows the depth of loyalty and honor in King Theodens bloodline, and what sacrifices and consequences might happen as a leader. From exploring more of the lore of Rohan, seeing familiar locations, and familiar faces, this story is great on its own, but also adds an amazing backstory to one of the greatest kingdoms and bloodlines to Middle Earth. If you are fan of Lord of the Rings and want to feel nostalgic, this is the film for you. Go see The Lord of the rings: The War of the Rohirrim, in theaters now.