M3GAN 2.0

 

“Alright meat sacks. Let’s get to work.”

Sassy, unsubtle and synthetic, M3GAN 2.0 is a camp sci-fi satire that has almost zero horror appeal, instead delivering a heavy handed bloodless PG-13 killer robot action attempt at being a contemporary T2 for the TikTok generation to mixed meme results. 

Discussion Points:

Whilst the first M3GAN was a relatively bloodless affair compared to other Blumhouse horror films, it still had some gnarly kills and a general air of unease surrounding the immoral AI doll with a dangerous directive. But for the sequel, any veil of horror goes out the window, and instead M3GAN 2.0 is a bloodless action sci-fi social warning about the dangers of AI weapons. Whilst the first was a comment on iPad parenting and the impact technology was having on children, the sequel is far more concerned with being a broad condemnation of vague big tech AI and its military contractors. With even more plot armour this time around Allison Williams’ Gemma, her niece Cady and her colleagues Tess and Cole bumble around with the help of a redeemed M3GAN who’s gone from primary antagonist to protagonist in a fight against a rogue AI soldier AMELIA. Whilst the film does feel self-aware and leans into some of its sillier moments, it feels at odds with its origins and like it’s reaching for a new digital demographic. Which makes the Knight Rider theme needle drop when M3GAN hacks into an electric car an interesting albeit personally delightful highlight - because it will likely be completely missed by the TikTok generation in the theatres. However, despite its synthetic sheen and algorithmic approach, M3GAN 2.0 still has its enjoyable moments with some entertaining action and a kitsch comedic tone which make it enjoyable enough as a Terminator 2 pastiche for the Instagram girlies.