M3GAN 2.0. Harder, better, faster, stronger

M3GAN 2.0 is a delightful cinematic surprise. After a decent but somewhat underwhelming first film—a summer (in terms of temperature) horror flick about a killer doll who, while trying to protect her charge, “accidentally” murders innocent people—the sequel takes a completely different direction. Turning the follow-up into a charming action-comedy with strong sci-fi elements was a brilliant move. Here’s my take on the sequel to the 2022 hit. M3GAN 2.0 takes place two years after the events of the original. Despite the dramatic shift in tone and narrative direction, the new movie remains a true sequel.

Not only do all the key characters from the first film return, but the plot frequently references and builds upon the themes that drove the original story. The film kicks off with the U.S. military acquiring a prototype android designed for special missions. The catch? On its first live assignment, the robot goes rogue and starts working toward… world domination by Artificial Intelligence. Since the prototype bears a striking resemblance to Gemma’s (the ever-solid Allison Williams) original M3GAN doll, the government turns to her for help.

She soon realizes that the only way to stop the android—codenamed A.M.E.L.I.A.—is to bring M3GAN herself back into the fight. What follows is a surprising and uneasy alliance between former enemies who must join forces to take on a greater evil. The result is unexpectedly full of sharp humor.

M3GAN 2.0 Review: Snappy one-liners and breakneck pacing

Without giving too much away, it’s enough to say that the new film is packed with witty one-liners, funny situational gags, and fast-paced action sequences reminiscent of the best in the genre.

The cast is excellent—clearly enjoying themselves and breathing real life into their characters. Ivanna Sakhno shines as “Amelia,” and Jemaine Clement steals a few scenes with his over-the-top comedic timing. Nearly everything works in M3GAN 2.0. It’s clear the creators had a blast crafting this action-comedy, loading it with various types of humor. The screenplay is playful and self-aware, remixing some of the memorable elements from the first film. A heartfelt ballad sung by M3GAN lands as both hilarious and unexpectedly touching—more surprising than her “Titanium” performance. There’s even a new dance sequence—this time onstage and with less daring choreography, but still a fun nod to one of the first film’s most viral moments.

That said, I do miss the iconic hallway dance scene that went viral even before the original premiered. Still, the full-length movie here tells a much more engaging story than its trailer suggests. The problem with the first film was that the trailer promised more than the movie delivered. M3GAN 2.0 does the opposite. If there’s one shortcoming, it’s the rather generic and uninspired soundtrack. Some action scenes could’ve used energetic radio hits or classic anthems—something like Charlie’s Angels (2000), which nailed the music-video-within-a-movie vibe.

Even the original M3GAN did this better. I won’t lie—I was a little disappointed that Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon,” which was teased in trailers, didn’t make the final cut. But that’s a minor flaw in an otherwise well-oiled machine that tells its story well and has a great time doing it.

M3GAN 2.0 – A Worthy Sequel

This new chapter in the “killer doll” saga is a major improvement over the first. It’s easygoing, summer-appropriate cinema that’s sure to put a smile on your face and pull you into its fast-paced narrative. A more interesting, polished, and satisfying experience than the already-solid original, M3GAN 2.0 plays with its format beautifully and gives us a cast of characters we can root for.

It’s also a heartfelt ode to unexpected motherhood and a wholesome message: the most important thing we can give to another person is love and the will to act in their best interest. https://youtu.be/DTAYuj8K7YE A fun, engaging movie that makes for a delightful time at the theater. A perfect summer hit!