When the first trailer for Sonic the Hedgehog was released it's safe to say that the internet collectively said 'no thank you'.

Not because they didn't want a Sonic movie, but mainly because the design of the iconic video game hero was downright nightmare-inducing.

And for once the big mega-corporation that is Paramount listened. They delayed the film and set about redesigning the furry hero. Now here we are.

After a four month delay the film finally released on Valentines Day. But if you used this as a first date movie then I'm sorry it didn't work out.

Swindon Advertiser:

A good 'kids' movie is when everyone can find a laugh. Whether it's grandma, dad, or the five-year-old that's spilt their popcorn all over the floor everyone should be able to get at least something out of it.

One of the best examples of this is Shrek 2. That clearly has something that is suitable for everyone and can be enjoyed for years to come.

I worry that Sonic the Hedgehog doesn't fit that description.

Some of the jokes got a slight chuckle out of me and there was only a handful of jokes that made me outright laugh - although they were all at the hands of one character - and the movie already feels dated.

At two moments Sonic flosses. No, not the dental hygiene practice (unfortunately) but the dance from the popular game Fortnite.

This was clearly included to win over the children that might think they're too cool for a talking hedgehog but it didn't work. The audience - many of which were children - all sighed.

Swindon Advertiser:

Most of the cast were okay. Unfortunately I found Sonic, played by Ben Schwartz, to be quite annoying.

For an inter-dimensional being who has supposedly been watching humans for a long time, he was quite naive and very fish-out-of-water. This may have worked if he had only just come to earth, but it is made clear that he didn't.

I will, however, concede that the redesign has done wonders for the character. He looks like he's straight out of the game. Slightly cartoon-y but not out of place in the real world.

The other two actors who have large roles to play are James Marsden and Tika Sumpter who are likeable if a bit one-dimensional.

The stand-out, and by far the saving grace for this movie, is Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik.

Swindon Advertiser:

He delivers one of his iconic, whacky performances, similar to what made him famous with Ace Ventura and The Mask.

He's cartoon-y and very over-the-top but it works. You believe he's a mad scientist that will stop at nothing to capture Sonic and harness his speed energy for his own nefarious needs.

He delivered many of the jokes that I enjoyed including a stand-out dance sequence and the way he treats his government lackey.

When it comes to video game movies, it's very well documented that they're difficult to pull-off and while I didn't enjoy this one as much as I hoped I would, it is one of the better.

It looks nice, the direction and soundtrack are pretty good and some of the fight sequences are genuinely well shot - even if it does feel like they've ripped off an X-Men film (not helped by the fact that co-lead James Marsden played an X-Man).

Swindon Advertiser:

The actors do a good enough performance and Jim Carrey is really what elevates this above the rest.

I wouldn't mind seeing more from this universe as it does open some interesting possibilities for a future sequel or even spin-offs but I just hope that any follow-ups take some notes from other children's movies.

If your kids are begging you to go to the cinema then I would recommend this film.

It's only 90-minutes long and I'm sure it will keep them entertained even if you won't be - sorry.