In 2022, M3GAN became a phenomenon that took the world by storm. This summer, director Gerard Johnstone is back with writers Akela Cooper and James Wan with M3GAN 2.0, the follow-up to the original. And while it doesn’t quite hit as hard as the original, this sequel has enough going for it that fans will likely enjoy what’s going on.
After realizing that M3GAN (voiced by Jenna Davis and portrayed by Amie Donald) was a shortcut for connecting with her niece, Gemma (Allison Williams), she embarks on a crusade against technology and AI, joining a non-profit organization with her new love interest, Christian (Aristotle Athari). While Cady (Violet McGraw) understands that her connection with M3GAN was dangerous, she also misses the companionship that they shared.
Meanwhile, “somewhere on the Turkish-Iranian border,” a new superweapon named AMELIA, or the Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android (Ivanna Sakhno), is hunting down people with a connection to M3GAN. When it looks like she has set her sights on Gemma and Cady, the long-dormant M3GAN must make her return to save the child she bonded with, and make a few quips along the way.
M3GAN 2.0 abandons any pretext of being a horror movie, which is disappointing because part of what made the original film work was its decent horror elements. This film is much more sci-fi action in its ambitions; kind of a Terminator 2 vibe, but with more vagina jokes. That doesn’t make it bad, but if you enjoyed the creepy vibe that the first film had, prepare yourself to miss that.
Another somewhat disappointing aspect of M3GAN 2.0 is that M3GAN isn’t featured in it very much. There’s a lot of bringing M3GAN back to life, and a lot of times when her “essence” is on-screen, but in terms of actual screen time with that icon we all know and love from the original, she only gets a couple of scenes. Fortunately, Davis and Donald absolutely tear it up, even with the limits placed on the character.
Despite some minor complaints, there is a lot to enjoy with this sequel. While it is more action-oriented than horror, the action sequences are well-executed. Johnstone knows right where the line between PG-13 and R-rated amounts of gore lies and manages to completely nail it. There are some delectable moments, particularly the inevitable demise of Jemaine Clement’s Elon Musk-type character.
The performances in M3GAN 2.0 are overwhelmingly good. Williams is given a much meatier role this time, and she rises to the occasion. McGraw is growing as an actor, and her work in this film showcases that growth, leaning into the tweenage angst that makes her character interesting. Gemma’s sidekicks Tess (Jen Van Epps) and Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) are given some choice moments, and they provide some of the most fun in the movie.
But the stars are unequivocally Davis and Donald in the role of M3GAN. Davis’s voice work as the android is spectacular, bringing so much life to the character and making her as iconic as she is. That is matched perfectly with the movements that Donald provides. The two work together seamlessly to bring us a genuinely magical character who is somehow right in the pit of the uncanny valley while also remaining miles away from it.
Because this is a sequel, there will be callbacks, and they are well used in this movie. There is an entertaining dance scene, and M3GAN’s choice of song this time was just as perfectly deadpan and goofy as it was in the original, providing probably the biggest laugh from the audience at the screening I attended.
This iteration of M3GAN goes a lot harder with the jokes than the original did, and while most land, the self-awareness feels just a little bit too cheeky at times. Part of the charm of the original was that most of the humor worked effortlessly. This time, it all felt more forced, which does temper the effect to some degree. But when the jokes hit, they hit hard.
Thematically, M3GAN 2.0 is also weaker than its predecessor. The original was a surprisingly insightful look at the way parenting can be handed off to accessories and tech. This time, AI is in the crosshairs, but it remains a concept that no media is yet fully equipped to address, so the overall effectiveness feels muted.
Despite not reaching the heights of the original, M3GAN 2.0 is a good time at the movies. The action is fun, the performances are top-notch, and the humor is solid. This woman’s work isn’t finished – she has a little life in her yet.
Rating: 3.5/5
M3GAN 2.0 is now in theaters.
Learn more about the film, including how to get tickets, at the title’s official website.
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