Sonic the Hedgehog Smashes Box Office Expectations, Holds Record for
Highest Opening Weekend of Any Video Game Movie Ever

Paramount Pictures surpassed expectations with Sonic the Hedgehog this weekend, which opened to high praise from audiences and a gross of over $70 million domestically. 

Creators of the movie faced internet backlash last year when they revealed the initial design for the titular character. Director Jeff Fowler was quick to answer fans on Twitter after the initial backlash, saying “The message is loud and clear… you aren’t happy with the design & you want changes. It’s going to happen.” 

Although the redesign delayed the film’s release by 3 months, the gamble appears to have paid off for the Sonic team. With box office sales exceeding expectations and also beating out the recent Detective Pikachu (which grossed $54.3 million its opening weekend), the film has received a powerful 94% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes and currently holds the highest grossing opening weekend for a video game movie of all time. 

Sonic the Hedgehog met with lukewarm reviews among critics, whose opinions were divided on the film’s charm and Jim Carey’s portrayal of the evil Dr. Robotnik. Brian Lowry from CNN.com says, “Sonic the Hedgehog might move like a bolt of lightning once his feet start flying, but even with the orthodontia done to correct his chompers, the movie bearing his name still goes nowhere, fast.” Mark Kennedy from Associated Press offers a different perspective in his review, stating, “‘Nailed it!’ screams Sonic at one point and that might be a fitting summary for the film.”

Have you seen Sonic the Hedgehog yet? What’s your favorite video game movie ever?