M3GAN 2.0: A Playful Twist on Killer Toy Horror

M3GAN surprised audiences as an unexpected success, standing out as the best killer toy horror film since Child’s Play. It merges humor and camp with a viral android protagonist. For the sequel, writer/director Gerard Johnstone, in collaboration with story co-creator Akela Cooper, has drawn inspiration from Terminator 2, introducing an even more malevolent android, Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), aiming for AI dominance. The only android with the potential to thwart her is M3GAN.

Funding into the Fun

The premise embraces its silliness wholeheartedly, making M3GAN 2.0 even more entertaining. Unlike its predecessor, this installment leans into action rather than horror, featuring extensive gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, and a wingsuit infiltration scene reminiscent of a Mission: Impossible movie.

A Familiar Yet Informed Plot

In an interesting parallel to the struggles in Mission: Impossible, M3GAN 2.0 explores AI takeover with a more informed perspective. It doesn’t solely dwell on “evil AI,” but briefly touches on themes of AI autonomy, technological regulation, and ethics, even incorporating a clever joke about Section 230 for tech-savvy viewers.

Gemma’s Journey Continues

The film follows Gemma (Allison Williams), the creator of M3GAN, and her niece Cady (Violet McGraw). After a brief stint in jail, Gemma re-emerges as a tech critic, collaborating with a technology ethicist (Aristotle Athari) to advocate for stringent technology regulations, particularly concerning AI.

The Rise of Amelia

Amelia’s emergence underscores Gemma’s concerns. The film opens with her disobeying orders during a covert operation and killing a military scientist. Built on M3GAN’s design, she seeks vengeance against those involved in her creation, inevitably circling back to Gemma and Cady.

A Comeback for M3GAN

It’s unsurprising that M3GAN survived the first film’s climax. She had been backing herself up to the cloud, keeping tabs on Gemma and Cady through their smart home tech. After facing inept FBI agents, M3GAN persuades Gemma to give her a new physical form to counter Amelia, humorously sporting a fictional outfit from the Moxie child companion robot.

A Blend of Smart Humor and Action

Upgraded and ready for action, M3GAN embarks on a mission to save Cady. The film delivers well-choreographed action sequences, all while honoring the essence of summer blockbuster fun and exploring technological themes candidly. Lasting nearly two hours, M3GAN 2.0 offers a more engaging experience compared to the longer The Final Reckoning, maintaining a lighthearted attitude toward the looming AI apocalypse.