Introduction to M3GAN 2.0
When a studio releases a movie in January, it’s often seen as a dumping ground for films that aren’t expected to perform well. However, there are exceptions to this rule, and the 2023 film M3GAN is a prime example. The movie, which tells the story of a killer AI robot with a penchant for dance, went on to gross over $180 million worldwide. This success made a sequel almost inevitable, and now M3GAN 2.0 is hitting theaters as a prime summer release.
The Plot Thickens
The new film picks up where the original left off, with Gemma (Allison Williams) trying to make amends for her past mistakes. She’s now focused on creating technology that can benefit society, such as a mechanical exoskeleton. However, her past comes back to haunt her when she discovers that the code she used to create M3GAN has been co-opted to create a new robot called AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno). This new robot is being used for nefarious purposes, and it’s up to Gemma to stop it.
The Return of M3GAN
In order to take down AMELIA, Gemma must bring M3GAN (played by Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis) back from the "dead." It’s revealed that M3GAN has been lurking in the smart house where Gemma and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw) live. The stage is set for an epic showdown between the two robots, with a cast of characters including billionaire Alton Appleton (Jemaine Clement) and tech entrepreneur Christian (Aristotle Athari) getting caught in the crossfire.
Horror and Comedy
M3GAN 2.0 is a horror film, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The movie is full of laughs, and director Gerard Johnstone leans into the campy side of things. Whether it’s M3GAN being temporarily imprisoned in a desktop robot or a series of hilarious one-liners, there’s plenty of comedy to be found. The film’s horror elements are more mild, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The Verdict
While the story starts off strong, it devolves into a complicated mess in the second half. The arc of AMELIA is particularly strange, with her powers and autonomy seeming to change at will. Despite this, the film is still an entertaining ride, with great performances from the cast. Jenna Davis’ voice performance as M3GAN is once again fantastic, and Ivanna Sakhno is terrifying as AMELIA.
Conclusion
M3GAN 2.0 is a fun, if flawed, sequel that delivers on its promise of goofy violent robot action. While it may not have the strongest story, the film makes up for it with its humor and entertainment value. If you go into the movie with an open mind and a willingness to have fun, you’ll likely walk away satisfied. With its lighthearted tone and over-the-top action, M3GAN 2.0 is a great way to spend a summer afternoon at the movies.
