M3GAN 2.0 Review: A Hilariously Entertaining Sequel
Two years after M3GAN (brilliantly portrayed by Amie Donald and voiced by Jenna Davis) wreaked havoc on unsuspecting victims, her creator Gemma (Allison Williams) has turned into a fervent activist against AI technology. But when a new militarized robot named AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno) goes off the rails, guess who’s back to restore order? That’s right—M3GAN is back, and she’s ready to save the day!
Riding the AI Wave
In 2023, the cultural fascination with AI (thanks to the launch of ChatGPT) colluded perfectly with a renewed interest in plastic dolls, heralded by Greta Gerwig’s Barbie release. Enter M3GAN, the AI doll with an affinity for pop music and a penchant for mayhem, which struck a chord with audiences. What began as a viral sensation—a robot doll who could dance and deliver killer one-liners—quickly transcended its initial horror roots and became a cultural phenomenon. Now, Blumhouse has sped to deliver a follow-up that promises even more chills and thrills in M3GAN 2.0.
Familiar Faces, New Challenges
Nearly the entire creative team from the first film is back, including director Gerard Johnstone and key actresses Violet McGraw and Allison Williams. However, you’ll notice a significant tonal shift. The sequel kicks off like a cross between a James Bond movie and Austin Powers, setting the stage with a “somewhere on the Turkish/Iranian border” prologue that screams ‘90s sci-fi flair.
Now, M3GAN faces a formidable adversary in AMELIA—an "Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android"—who possesses some seriously intimidating capabilities, including the ability to punch a man’s head clean off. It’s as outrageous as it sounds. And yes, she has gone rogue.
The Battle of Bots Begins
In this new chapter, M3GAN, presumed destroyed after the chaos of the previous film, re-materializes in an array of enticing forms—from cloud-based AI to a playful toy reminiscent of a “plastic Teletubby.” The parallels to Terminator 2 are unmistakable: if AMELIA is the villainous T-1000, M3GAN steps up as the transforming T-800, turning from villain to hero. Gemma takes on the role of the tech-wary Sarah Connor figure, who must confront her previous mistakes and learn to embrace her former creation.
“We are following Terminator 2 rules here.”
Highs, Lows, and Laughs
While Johnstone’s script is packed with energy, it occasionally leans too hard into convoluted storylines—almost drowning in expositional intricacies before hitting the delightful chaos. There are engaging commentaries on tech addiction and the unchecked dominance of Silicon Valley, yet it also features gems like the line, “Hold onto your vaginas.”
When the film embraces its ridiculousness and leans into camp, it truly sings. Expect whimsical nods to Steven Seagal’s Above The Law and delightful references from Wallace & Gromit. And let’s not forget a whimsically bizarre musical number that seems to have been pulled straight from the mind of Tim Burton.
Conclusion: Can’t Wait for More!
Though one could debate the plausibility of certain plot points—Gemma’s sudden pivot from Luddite to tech enthusiast feels abrupt at times—all qualms dissipate when you’re watching two animated dolls wreak havoc and serve justice. The absurdity is part of the charm, making M3GAN 2.0 a dazzling display of timely tech paranoia stitched together with comedic brilliance.
M3GAN 2.0 proves to be even more absurd than its predecessor, delivering a riot of laughter with minimal horror. So, here’s to hoping for future updates because we can’t get enough of this delightfully unpredictable robot queen!
