M3GAN 2.0: A Dreadful Return to the Screen
When it comes to sequels, they can often soar or sink, and unfortunately, M3GAN 2.0 embraces the latter with open arms. This follow-up to the original M3GAN is not just a disappointing revisit but an exhausting slog that leaves audiences wondering why they came back.
A Lackluster Sequel in a Bloated Package
Have I ever used the phrase "unspeakable dreck" before? Well, if not, now feels like the perfect time. Though it isn’t the absolute worst film I’ve ever seen, it ranks among this year’s most soulless offerings. The first M3GAN had its moments—a light-hearted sci-fi horror flick peppered with dark humor and plenty of meme-worthy scenes. It was a self-contained story, swiftly told in just 102 minutes. However, as the domestic box office approached the remarkable $100 million mark, the studio’s original vision for a stand-alone film evaporated. Thus, we now have the cumbersome and floundering M3GAN 2.0.
Nostalgia Meets Confusion: The Director’s Vision
Director Gerard Johnstone clearly adores classics like Terminator—and it shows. In true sequel form, we find M3GAN reinvented as an anti-hero and face a new turbocharged adversary determined to thwart her protective instincts. The familiar tropes of AI rebellion echo throughout the film, yet the fun is sadly absent. It’s as if Johnstone mistook M3GAN 2.0 for a nostalgic homage instead of a fresh narrative. Without the thrill of Arnold Schwarzenegger or time travel, the film becomes an awkward imitation of its predecessors.
Rushed and Overstuffed: Plot and Pacing Issues
Clocking in at two hours, M3GAN 2.0 wastes precious time with unfunny subplots and awkward exposition. Rather than adhering to the golden rule of “show, don’t tell,” Johnstone seems to preach, “tell, don’t show.” This decision results in a bewildering blend of boredom and confusion. The horror elements we loved from the first film have largely vanished, leaving a concoction of messy science fiction and poorly executed comedy.
The plot takes its sweet time to get going—45 minutes of tired humor and clichéd warnings about AI domination fills the screen. Unfortunately, these elements do little to add substance, and the film’s pacing suffers immensely. Viewers came to witness M3GAN slay foes in creative ways, but instead, we’re greeted with pseudo-philosophical musings that feel outdated.
Characters That Fall Flat
The acting in M3GAN 2.0 runs the gamut from wooden to laughably bad. Allison Williams’ portrayal is eerily lifeless, and Aristotle Athari’s sleazy character adds little to the film’s already shaky premise. Even comedic relief from Brian Jordan Alvarez fails to land, leaving only Jermaine Clement’s brief moments of authenticity.
As for our robotic leads, they are unsettling more than they are engaging. The so-called ‘uncanny valley’ is ever-present, making it difficult to connect with characters that are supposed to invoke sympathy or humor.
An Excruciating Experience
My tolerance for meaningless sequels is low, and M3GAN 2.0 has pushed me to the brink. Just as I thought it might be nearing its end, I found myself trapped in a film that simply would not conclude. Johnstone’s mistaken belief that viewers are invested enough in this story to overlook its flaws is an oversight we cannot forgive.
Fans hoped for graphic showdowns featuring M3GAN and her monstrous counterpart, AMELIA. What we end up with, however, is a lack of the thrilling content that the audience came craving. The anticipation of clever kill sequences gives way to an underwhelming PG-13 romp that leaves little to be desired.
Conclusion: A Franchise on the Verge of Collapse
In the end, I can only hope that this franchise won’t make it to M3GAN 3.0. What started as an intriguing premise has devolved into a disappointing sequel that completely misses the mark. While the first M3GAN film thrived on a unique blend of horror and humor, this latest offering is a stark reminder of how quickly a successful concept can spiral into mediocrity.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of a killer AI doll, you may be better off revisiting the original. M3GAN 2.0 may hold onto the gleam of success, but it’s barely hanging on.
For more information on the original M3GAN, check out Reelviews.
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