‘M3GAN 2.0’ Is A Fun, Hilarious, And Thrilling Sequel – Review

M3GAN IS BAAACCCKKKK!!! Our favourite, iconic killer A.I. android doll has returned, and she is taller. After the events of M3GAN, it was a bit of a mystery what a sequel of this seemingly solid solo film can or should look like. What we do get does in some ways feel like a logical next stop in the evolution of M3GAN’s “personal” journey and general character arc, and that of Cady (Violet McGraw) and Gemma’s (Allison Williams).

In M3GAN 2.0, we have M3GAN getting an upgrade to better protect Cady against a dangerous, A.I. assassin robot who is after something big and earth-shattering.

(Photo courtesy of Blumhouse Productions)

Let’s recap: Gemma is a computer-science genius who has developed a life-like doll designed to help raise and befriend children. Her test model M3GAN was initially a hit, but once the doll gained self-awareness and autonomy, her primary objective, protecting Gemma’s orphaned niece Cady, became a lot more perilous for anyone who might harm Cady. After some unfortunate choices made by the doll resulted in numerous deaths and a dead dog, she is “decommissioned” by Gemma, who has since taken that experience to become an advocate for AI regulation and laws. Cady has grown a bit, but is at odds with her aunt, who struggles to communicate with the fledgling computer scientist. Gemma is also in a relationship with Christian (Aristotle Athari), a former cybersecurity analyst who shares Gemma’s crusade. As she fights for a better future, Gemma is working on new technology designed to help people, but with severe limitations regarding AI.

Our story begins with a military project that involves an infiltration and assassination android going rogue. The FBI intervenes in Gemma and Cady’s lives because the new military-grade AI-driven android, AMELIA, shares similar characteristics with M3GAN, and they believe Gemma can assist. But, surprise, surprise, M3GAN didn’t “die.” She resurfaces when her calculations reveal that AMELIA poses a threat to Cady, and only she can stand against it. Now the battlefield has been set, and two killer robots are set to fight. Who will reign supreme?

M3GAN 2.0 is a blast. The stakes are moderately higher, but there isn’t any doubt that the grander issue will be resolved. M3GAN is in great form here; her wit, charm, and attitude add to the complexities that make her so entertaining. The film, written by director Gerard Johnston and Akela Cooper, doesn’t shy away from the bigger ethical questions surrounding M3GAN, especially concerning her relationship with Cady. Additionally, the film picks up the thread about parenting and has some decent insights into raising a young woman in the digital age. M3GAN herself is critical in hammering this fact home, which in turn changes her relationship with Gemma from one that is adversarial to one that is more ambiguous. Writing-wise, the film doesn’t balk under the pressure of matching the first film. It is reasonably bigger than the first, but the core characters and story elements from the first remain intact, leaving us feeling like this is truly a family adventure despite the world potentially being in crisis.

M3GAN 2.0 - Review — (Photo courtesy of Blumhouse Productions)

The film’s highlights are the characters; the casting is impeccable. Although Gemma is a bit dry, Allison Williams is the right person to accentuate the little things that make Gemma a neurotic, conflicted, and loving parent. Gemma has a more proactive role here, shifting into lead territory, and Williams is up for the challenge because she is rather entrancing. Cady, on the other hand, has hit a growth spurt and is much the same with a touch more confidence and assertiveness. The ensemble is small but efficient, with familiar faces returning from the previous film and a few new faces added to bring some colour to the current adventure. The standouts are Ivanna Sakhno and Jemaine Clement, who exist on the opposite end of the ethical and moral spectrum of AI, with Gemma and Cady on the other end.

Sakhno’s AMELIA is a dangerous machine built with little to know regard for the moral implications of its existence. Sakhno nails her performance as the perfect android that is ruthless and scarily too humanized, and in the moments when the mask slips, figuratively speaking, she nails the mannerisms of a being that is entirely not human. Clement on the other hand is a heavy-handed reference to all the tech bros that turn to questionable tech advancements for their personal gain and ego. He is laughable but not in the least bit empathetic, which is important because who wants this archetype to appear likeable? Not me, that’s for sure.

All in all, the film is very entertaining. It moves at a brisk pace but doesn’t skimp on the emotional points that are the foundation for M3GAN’s creation. The evolution of M3GAN’s approach to fulfilling her primary directive is presented compellingly, facilitating an engaging conversation about parenting in the digital world. The story essentially closes the loop on M3GAN and Cady’s story, although there is room to explore further in a sequel if this film performs well enough. That aside, the film’s overall appearance, style, and the action are elevated to be more engaging, funny and thrilling. Simply put, the production put the newfound success of M3GAN to good use. It helps that Johnstone directed the first because the cohesiveness from film to film aids in the overall experience.

Where M3GAN 2.0 loses points is in the character design of our titular character. AMELIA is not robotic-looking, except for what lies beneath the wig; what you see is Sakhno acting robotic. In comparison, M3GAN is still very much a doll; kudos to Amie Donald, who returns to perform M3GAN’s physical movements. However, M3GAN’s face and sometimes her entire body appear to be CGI. I am not sure if it is simply a trick of the eye, with the practical and CGI elements not meshing well, or if the financial upgrade was entirely allocated towards M3GAN’s appearance. The novelty of the practical effects used to create M3GAN appears to have run its course, and this production has adopted the convenience of CGI. Which is a massive bummer, because so much of the emotional heft and comedic backbone rests on M3GAN looking like an actual doll. Ultimately, this is a mistake in the larger picture.

M3GAN 2.0 expands further while maintaining the heart and sincerity of the original film. There is an uncomfortable push for acceptance of AI, a reality that is more detrimental to society than good. However, there are key points made that do urge regulation and common sense…though these are buried under a fun romp about a killer AI robot that we like and serves as a genuinely compelling advocate for herself. That being said, audiences should keep in mind that this film is intended for entertainment purposes, not as a source of actionable ideas for the real world. There is no push to make your own M3GAN or to encourage some pea-brained billionaire to do so. What is asked of the audience is to enjoy themselves. And folks, you will enjoy this. It is hilarious, heartwarming and thrilling.

Did we need a sequel to M3GAN? No. Am I glad that this creative team took the gamble with M3GAN 2.0? Hell yeah! Do we need another sequel? Please, no. It is always better to end on a high note and not try another gamble with an uncertain outcome.