M3GAN 2.0 Review: Is This Sequel More Downgrade Than Upgrade?
M3GAN opens in theaters on Friday, June 27. This much-anticipated sequel is poised to explore whether our beloved android can maintain her status as a horror icon.
A New Chapter in the M3GAN Saga
From her iconic first appearance, where she took down Ronny Chieng, M3GAN immediately became a figure of horror fandom. With her sharp wit and a penchant for song, she captivated audiences and critics alike. M3GAN 2.0 aims to expand on her character while tackling themes of artificial intelligence and its implications. But does it succeed, or does it fall flat?
A Shift in Genre: Welcome to Global Threats
Right from the film’s outset, marked by the provocative words, “Somewhere on the Turkish/Iranian border,” it’s evident that M3GAN’s narrative tone has shifted significantly. Gone are the days of localized chaos as she defends her human companion, Cady (played by Violet McGraw). Instead, we are introduced to AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno), a military-grade android with questionable motives. The contrast between AMELIA’s cold demeanor and M3GAN’s quirky charm sets up an intriguing conflict.
AMELIA: A Villain without Depth
Although AMELIA is introduced as a formidable antagonist, her character development leaves much to be desired. While performer Ivanna Sakhno embodies a chilling presence, AMELIA ultimately lacks the compelling backstory that could have made her a memorable villain. Instead, she emerges as a one-dimensional threat, reminiscent of the T-1000’s relentless pursuit with little to no emotional depth.
Gems of Character Development: Gemma and Cady
While some characters struggle for depth, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady evolve beautifully over time. Living their lives in a more stable environment, they showcase a believable parent-teen dynamic. Gemma’s advocacy for digital detoxing and Cady’s martial arts training add layers to their relationship, grounding the film in emotional stakes.
The Heavy-Handed Tech Allegory
M3GAN 2.0 does not shy away from portraying the dangers of unchecked AI. Through somewhat cartoonish portrayals of tech-savvy villains—like party animal Alton Appleton (Jemaine Clement) and Gemma’s drab AI-watching boyfriend, Christian (Aristotle Athari)—the film presents its message with a heavy hand. While these characters offer some comedic moments, their one-dimensionality detracts from the sophisticated critique of our tech-dependent lives.
Comparing with Classics: A Daring Genre Shift
Strikingly akin to Terminator 2: Judgment Day, M3GAN 2.0 attempts to fuse genres by infusing sci-fi elements into its horror roots. While successfully blending genres can lead to brilliance, this sequel feels more like it’s straining under the weight of its aspirations.
Action vs. Horror: Where Does It Stand?
As the story unfolds into action-packed sequences involving black-ops goons and elaborate tech heists, the horror elements take a backseat. Although there are some clever uses of M3GAN’s and AMELIA’s abilities, the repetitiveness of combat encounters leaves viewers wanting more originality.
The Heart of the Matter: M3GAN’s Enduring Charm
Despite its narrative issues, M3GAN 2.0 manages to redeem itself with its titular character, still embodying the essence of dark humor and sassy retorts. Director Gerard Johnstone cleverly builds anticipation around M3GAN’s return, utilizing innovative smart-home devices to underscore her advanced capabilities.
Emotional Nuance: M3GAN’s Journey Toward Humanity
Though the film could lean into sentimental territory, M3GAN’s grappling with her autonomy is portrayed with unexpected nuance. As she embraces her protective role, the internal conflict renders her more relatable, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of human-machine relations.
Craftsmanship Behind the Creation
It’s worth noting that M3GAN’s allure is supported largely by the talented craftspeople who breathe life into her character. Stellar voice work by Jenna Davis and impressive physical performance by Amie Donald elevate M3GAN into the realm of franchise royalty. Even with its flaws, the film is a testament to human creativity in the world of robotics.
In conclusion, while M3GAN 2.0 attempts to scale new heights, it finds itself teetering between ambitious storytelling and chaotic execution. Fans of the original may find much to love, but the film’s growing pains leave us questioning whether this sequel stands as a true upgrade.
