Editor’s note: There isn’t a spoiler in this story about the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie for those yet to see it.

“Sonic the Hedgehog” as a live action movie had its first showing this Valentine’s Day. Previously known as a popular Sega game character, Sonic the Hedgehog has now progressed past gaming and into the world of film.

The movie aired at Flagship Cinemas in Rutland at 7 p.m. The theater was only about half full, but there were children running and jumping through the aisles. There were excited parents and young adults on dates.

“Sonic The Hedgehog” creators clearly attempted to reach a very wide audience, ranging from those who knew him back in 1991 from the original video games, all the way down to children who admire him as a popular TV show character.

Castleton University resident Ashley Carey noted the age differences.

“We saw kids coming into the theater. They were screaming about Sonic and running up and down the halls,” she said, smiling.

Laughter was common during the movie and there was rarely a joke that was met with silence in the theater.

Jim Carey, a popular comedic actor, was cast as the main villain. Local Castleton resident Collin Stoodley mentioned prior to the movie that he was looking forward to “at least 20 corny jokes.”

Castleton University Sonic fan Sean Sullivan seemed to love it.

“The highlight of the film was Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik,” Sullivan said after the movie had ended.

“Sonic The Hedgehog,” although released on Valentine’s Day, still had a fairly varied audience. On a day characterized by love and romance, Sonic might be an escape.

“People who want a bit of nostalgia on a day that isn’t happy for them,” said Stoodley, who recommended the movie for those looking for a pick-me-up.

The “Sonic The Hedgehog” movie sought to reach both the parents and the kids with adult jokes and pop culture references. And based on the number of families that seemed satisfied, the movie makes for a good family film.

Sonic fan Sullivan agreed.

“Even if you’re not a fan of Sonic The Hedgehog, if you are a parent going to the movies with your child this is a pretty good movie for both of you to enjoy. There’s a lot of adult humor,” Sullivan said.

After the movie had finished, a local Rutland family of four seemed pleased. A Rutland middle schooler, when asked if he would see the movie again said, “Yeah, like 500 more times!” and both children responded immediately with “Sonic!” when asked who their favorite character was.

Their father, however, mentioned, “I liked the donut lord.”

When asked if they wanted a sequel, most interviewees answered with a resounding yes.

“It’s not going anywhere and we have people of all ages backing it up,” Carey said. 

But you’ll have to see the movie for yourself if you want to know how Sonic escapes the government.

Sullivan, for one, is adamant that a sequel is needed.

“If there’s not a sequel I’m going to f****** lose it,” he said while laughing and smiling.