Movie Review: ‘M3GAN 2.0’

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Those looking for straight-up horror will be disappointed by the new M3GAN movie. However, anybody that enjoys action, sci-fi, comedy, light drama, and a touch of the creepiness from the first M3GAN will enjoy seeing the new M3GAN 2.0. If you saw the trailers, it should have been clear that the franchise was shifting closer to action rather than horror and I enjoyed the shift (I do enjoy horror, but PG-13 horror & jump scares get old), though I am curious what an unrated M3GAN 2.0 would contain (maybe not cutting away to a shadow of a man losing his head). M3GAN 2.0 was entertaining with a timely story about the potential effects of AI and the overuse of technology. I thought it was a worthwhile follow-up, and it was nice to see more character development for the characters we loved in the first movie.

The sequel picks up two years after the first movie with Gemma and Cady living somewhat comfortably in a new house though still adapting to their family dynamics with Gemma learning how to be a good mom to Cady. Gemma has become an author and an advocate for AI regulation; even limiting Cady’s use of digital devices. They are unaware that M3GAN’s consciousness has been hiding in cyberspace still evolving and still following her primary objective- to protect Cady by any means necessary. Meanwhile, AMELIA, a new military AI robot (because of course the military is experimenting with advanced technology) created using stolen designs for M3GAN, begins her own rampage targeting those involved in her creation.

The movie escalates from there, leading to all sorts of fun and unexpected twists. I enjoyed the movie overall, notably the action/fight choreography and the increased humor. It was fun and largely fast-paced with edge-of-your-seat action. The music was nice, too. There is a good amount of technobabble (which may or may not be realistic, I couldn’t say) that might weigh down some scenes for some viewers. Also, a lot of “just go with it” plot points (M3GAN has basically been able to do anything over the last two years except rebuild her original body) that stretch believability (in a movie about AI robots fighting over the fate of the world). As I said in the intro, if you are looking for horror, you may want to wait to see if they release an unrated version like the first movie. Otherwise, most audiences will find something to enjoy.