“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is a live-action globe-trotting and universe-hopping hybrid of computer-generated animation and live action in a feature film that is often as rude, wacky and loud as its title character. The movie is based on the Sega video game franchise.

“Sonic 3” has spectacular animation, special effects and action. The story and plot is convoluted. The third sequel is more violent than its two predecessors. “Sonic 3” could have been a lot more fun. Even so, it’s box-office success zooms the path for “ Sonic 4,” set for theatrical release in 2027.

Jeff Fowler (Oscar nominee, animated short film, “Gopher Broke,” 2005) is back to direct “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” having directed “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” 2022, and “Sonic the Hedgehog,” 2020.

The “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” screenplay is by Pat Casey, Josh Miller and John Whittington (screenwriters, “Sonic the Hedgehog 2,” “Sonic the Hedgehog”) from a story by Casey and Miller.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” is episodic and chaotic. Many of the characters seem disconnected from each other.

The voices of Team Sonic are fine: Sonic (Ben Schwartz), Knuckles (Idris Elba) and Tails (Colleen O’Shaughnessey). The animation of the trio is cute. Their scenes are fun and relatable.

There are two villains in the storyline: Shadow (voiced by Keanu Reeves) is a CGI manifestation resembling Sonic’s evil giant twin alter-ego. The similarity in the characters of Sonic and Shadow is confusing in the film’s many frenetic scenes.

Two live-action characters, the married couple Tom (James Marsden) and Maddie (Tika Sumpter), are likeable and share some enjoyable scenes, yet neither is well-integrated into the plot. Oddly, they morph into Randall (Shemar Moore) and Rachel (Natasha Rothwell), yet another of the film’s bewildering aspects.

Ivo Robotnik aka Doctor Eggman (Jim Carrey) has some of the film’s funniest lines and stunts. For example, after he says, “Set up defense!,” a picket fence appears.

Carrey, who also plays Robotnik’s grandfather, seems to be in a film all of his own making. Then again, isn’t that just like Jim Carrey and why his fans love him?

Supporting characters include Maria (Alyla Browne), Agent Stone (Lee Majdoub) and Director Rockwell (Krysten Ritter, a Bloomsburg, Columbia County, native).

There’s a telenovela (Latin American soap opera) sequence that goes nowhere.

Similarly, The Traveling Wilburys’ “End of the Line” and The Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” are heard on the soundtrack for no apparent reason unlike effective needle drops in many superhero movies.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3” will be of chief interest to children. However, the depictions of violence may be too intense for younger children. Fans of the video game, and fans of Jim Carrey and Keanu Reeves should be pleased. Parents and guardians can enjoy the popcorn.

“Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” MPAA Rated PG (Parental Guidance Suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children. Parents urged to give parental guidance. May contain some material parents might not like for their young children.) for action, some violence, rude humor, thematic elements and mild language; Genre: Live-Action, Animation, Adventure. Run time: 1 hour, 50 minutes. Distributed by Paramount Pictures.

Credit Readers Anonymous: The stars revolving around the Paramount Pictures logo are replaced by Sonic’s golden rings at the start of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” The end credits include video game style scenes. Stay to the very end to see Sonic face an army of Metal Sonic robots and then Amy Rose appears.

At The Movies: “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” was seen in the Dolby Cinema at AMC Center Valley 16. The experience was even louder and more seat-rumbling than imaginable.

Theatrical Movie Domestic Weekend Box Office, Feb. 7-9: “Dog Man,” an animation feature film action comedy film based on Dav Pilkey’s children’s books series, continued at No. 1, with $13.7 million in 3,887 theaters, $54.1 million, two weeks.

2. “Heart Eyes,” $8.5 million in 3,102 theaters, opening. 3. “Love Hurts,” $5.8 million in 3,055 theaters, opening. 4. “Mufasa: The Lion King” dropped one place, $3.9 million in 2,945 theaters, $235.2 million, eight weeks. 5. “Companion” dropped three places, $3 million in 3,285 theaters, $15.4 million, two weeks. 6. “One of Them Days,” $3 million in 2,051 theaters, $39.3 million, four weeks. 7. “Becoming Led Zeppelin,” $2.6 million in 369 theaters, opening. 8. “Flight Risk” dropped three places, $2.6 million in 2,740 theaters, $25.1 million, three weeks. 9. “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” dropped three places, $1.7 million in 2,061 theaters, $233 million, eight weeks. 10. “Moana 2” dropped three places, $1.5 million in 1,785 theaters, $456.1 million, 11 weeks.

Movie box office information from Box Office Mojo as of Feb. 9 is subject to change.

Unreel, Feb. 14:

“Captain America: Brave New World,” PG-13: Julius Onah directs Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Rosa Salazar, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Danny Ramirez and Shira Haas in the Science-Fiction Action film. Sam Wilson is the new Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe who must unravel the latest nefarious plot.

Movie opening information from Internet Movie Database as of Feb. 9 is subject to change.

Two Popcorn Boxes out of Five Popcorn Boxes