Youth Talk

A trailer for the Sonic the Hedgehog movie preceded this YouTube video I clicked on and unlike usually, I decided to keep watching rather than reach for the ‘skip ad’ button the instant it appears, curious to see what the bipedal blue hedgehog would look like.

Being one who has never really been into gaming, I don’t care much for film adaptions of video games, and certainly not this one, although I do remember being a bit disappointed about the way the trainers adorned hedgehog was portrayed. Its creepy resemblance to a little human was slightly unsettling and far from the 1990s classic fans know and love, and that in my childhood I too happened to be quite acquainted with (it was unavoidable!)

So I kind of agree with the fans that took to Twitter to express their shock at the ridiculously anthropomorphised Sonic with his human teeth, a major cause for the backlash, and weirdly shaped body that looks nothing like the original loved, even cute, character. 

I’ve since learned that film adaptions of popular video games seldom turn out successful, and for several reasons: apparently, it is hard to incorporate cinematic elements while still being faithful to the game, not to mention, develop for an audience that consists of both longtime fans and non-gamers as well.  Furthermore, the loss of the ‘player’ aspect means that a movie will fail to live up to the engagement, and thus appeal, a game has to offer.

Regardless, those waiting to catch Sonic in movie theatres may have some hope as director Jeff Fowler promised to take people’s displeasure into consideration when he released a Twitter statement last Thursday, saying:

“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...”

As mentioned, bringing popular video games to the big screen often fall short ... will this upcoming movie beat the odds and provide fans with a satisfactory trip down memory lane?