The promotional materials for M3GAN 2.0 feature taglines that resemble playful text messages from an overly confident teenager. Phrases like “HEY, QUEENS,” “MISS ME?” and “I’M STILL THAT B.” capture the character's cheeky essence, while one tagline humorously reads: “THIS BITCH.” Accompanied by the titular robot, who bears an uncanny resemblance to an Olsen twin while sporting oversized circular sunglasses, these posters set a lighthearted tone for the film. This character, who made a splash with her murderous tendencies in her 2023 debut, is now being marketed with a big dose of child-star energy.
In M3GAN 2.0, the titular character undergoes a significant transformation, shifting from a villain to a hero. The story reunites major players from the first film, including the brilliant coder and toy designer Gemma, portrayed by Allison Williams, and her adopted niece, Cady, played by Violet McGraw. In the previous installment, Gemma witnessed the disastrous consequences of excessive screen time combined with an overly powerful A.I. Now, she has become a public advocate for technology moderation, penning a book aptly titled Modern Moderation.
The plot of M3GAN 2.0 is an intricate web of conflict and redemption, featuring a new killer robot named AMELIA, portrayed by Ivanna Sakhno. This government-developed A.I. goes on a rampage, leading Gemma to fear for her life and the lives of her team, all of whom may become AMELIA's next victims. Meanwhile, M3GAN returns, acting as an e-poltergeist who haunts Gemma’s smart home and communicates through the television. M3GAN seeks to re-enter a physical body to protect Cady and help combat AMELIA, which prompts Gemma and her team to construct “a deranged robot to kill another one.”
Just as friendships evolve into romance in films like When Harry Met Sally, the transition from hero to villain becomes blurred in M3GAN 2.0. This evolution results in a film that leans more towards action than horror, with a running gag involving Cady’s attempts to emulate Steven Seagal's aikido fighting style. Despite her murderous past, M3GAN has always displayed main-character attributes. Charismatic horror movie monsters often tread the thin line between humor and horror—M3GAN embodies this template, much like Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, who delivers witty one-liners while committing his imaginative kills.
Franchises like Child’s Play have similarly thrived on the contrast between the seemingly innocent appearance of their villains and their underlying bloodlust. Chucky, the Good Guy doll, is known for his catchphrases, which add humor to his horrific persona. While iconic horror figures such as Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th and Michael Myers from Halloween remain firmly in the villain category with minimal characterization, M3GAN's character development allows her to straddle both sides of the spectrum.
The narrative of M3GAN 2.0 closely parallels that of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, where the T-800 transitions from a hunter to a protector. In this sequel, M3GAN is determined to shield Cady from AMELIA’s destruction, employing a range of high-tech tricks, including a thrilling car chase reminiscent of Knight Rider. “Hold on to your vaginas!” she quips as she speeds through a cityscape, showcasing the film's blend of humor and action.
However, some critics argue that this shift from horror to action dilutes the film's intensity. M3GAN 2.0 presents a lighter narrative compared to its predecessor, which was a cautionary tale about the dangers of technology. The sequel’s message suggests we should befriend A.I. to ensure its allegiance rather than fear it. This direction may appeal to a wider audience, but it also risks compromising the sharp edges that made the original so compelling.
Director Gerard Johnstone infuses M3GAN 2.0 with humor and charm, evident in memorable lines, such as M3GAN's witty take on a robotic dance troupe at an A.I. convention. The film attempts to preserve the unique blend of earnestness and absurdity that characterized the first entry. In a standout musical moment, M3GAN performs a cover of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work,” celebrating Gemma’s efforts as an inventor and mother.
Despite its entertaining moments, many fans feel that M3GAN 2.0 marks a downgrade from the original. The film's attempt to transition a once-menacing character into a more relatable figure requires the removal of some of the traits that initially endeared M3GAN to audiences. Ultimately, while the sequel explores new territory, it also sacrifices the darker elements that made the franchise so captivating.
In conclusion, M3GAN 2.0 offers a fresh perspective on its titular character, showcasing a journey from villainy to heroism. This sequel presents a blend of action, humor, and technology that aims to entertain audiences while navigating the complexities of A.I. relationships. However, it remains to be seen whether this new direction will resonate with fans of the original film.
