"Everyone deserves a second chance."
It's been two years since M3GAN shocked the industry, sending audiences to the theater in droves and providing that original IP could, in fact, be a financial success. It has been one of Blumhouse's biggest triumphs. A sequel was inevitable. A spinoff was nearly guaranteed. And while the appropriately titled M3GAN 2.0 detours from the horror, it more than satisfies as it reinvents itself into a legitimate franchise, one that understands its role within society and the tech-heavy sector.
Aptly set two years after the conclusion of the original film, 2.0 presents an evolved world. Gemma (Allison Williams) is busy working to educate society on the power of technology, pushing for governmental change while pivoting her company to acknowledge the importance of integration. She's working to prioritize smart, resourceful progress, but finding the balance between profitability and community safety is a difficult one to achieve.
Enter M3GAN. Who, as you can probably guess, never actually left.
Although traditional in every aspect, you cannot deny the self-awareness the creative team felt in crafting this highly anticipated follow-up. Forgoing the horror, the film plunges head-first into the action. As a result, we find ourselves immersed in a political thriller that exhibits an unusual sense of self-awareness and situational comedy.
Predictable to the nine, M3GAN 2.0 never ventures from the expected as it expands its universe by introducing us to Amelia, a rogue government robot that is rooted in M3GAN's genetic makeup. Through the new narrative, the film absorbs the nuances, playing its hand early as our titular robot receives less screen time while still proving an inescapable influence on the story. And though nothing comes as a shock, you can't help but enjoy the thirst of it all as our dancing (and now empathetically singing) robot navigates the nuances of growth and connection.
Allison Williams returns as Gemma, a tech genius who has pivoted her career and seen unexplainable success from both the industry and the outside world. But money is drying up. When the FBI breaks into her new, unusually affordable home, she is forced to resurrect her robotic nemesis in hopes of clearing her name and saving the world from itself.
Sound familiar? Trust me, you've seen this film before.
However, despite the high level of predictability, M3GAN 2.0 proves exciting and fun. Messy? Naturally. But who isn't here for the mayhem?
Pulling inspiration from the likes of Mission Impossible, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, and the Austin Powers trilogy, there is no denying the loose approach that writer/director Gerard Johnstone took with the script. And it's befitting the desired tone. Those looking for scares will undoubtedly be disappointed. Unlike its predecessor, this film is not a horror tale. Instead, the film leans heavily into its core, focusing on the technology and providing viewers with a fun, action-packed thrill ride designed for a theatrical experience.
That said, M3GAN 2.0 does struggle with some painfully bland dialogue and a slew of uninspiring performances. Williams, the undeniable star of the newly minted franchise, does fine, but few others over-index on the source material. A theater seat with access to an adult beverage is, in context, a strong recommendation. However, the film overcomes its apathetic qualities to present a satisfying sequel that, while a strong pivot in tone and context from its original, is worthy of a watch. And in a summer filled with placid, insidious material, this one will generate just enough laughs and excitement to satisfy even the most reluctant viewer.
