M3GAN 2.0 Grows Up

M3GAN 2.0 Grows Up

The terrifying, robot playmate (M3GAN) returns (as does director Gerard Johnstone) in the sequel, M3GAN 2.0, and the result is an entertaining thriller depicting an expanded world of artificial intelligence run amuck.

An expert in robotics, Gemma (Allison Williams), and her niece, Cady, have moved on from the murderous robot companion, M3GAN, who was apparently destroyed. When the U.S military attempts to demonstrate a new robot operative, AMELIA, on a deadly mission, things go awry in the worst possible way and threatens the country. When Gemma and others are at a loss in stopping the killer robot, M3GAN becomes a possible solution, just maybe. Can a resurrected M3GAN be trusted or even have a chance against the all-powerful AMELIA?   

It’s an interesting take on the potential dangers of AI in the future and who really is in control.  At times recalling the films, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines, Ex Machina, and Westworld, the plot is at times confusing with red herrings and twists, but the narrative moves along rapidly with escalating action scenes. 

Just when you think the film is losing steam, it gets back into gear and becomes exciting with some surprises.  Can M3GAN change or even be rehabilitated? This film has a different tone from the previous one which had plenty of scares and focused more on the relationship between Cady and M3GAN.  Here, the robot has evolved, and the storyline becomes more about what form and mission M3GAN may inhabit. Despite these changes, the film remains engaging with some unexpected subplots and even humor. (There is an amusing scene involving martial arts and Steven Seagal movies.)

Less horror (from two studios renowned for the genre), this film leans into its science fiction premise, and results are no less entertaining. 

***1/2 of ***** stars (for M3GAN fans)