M3GAN 2.0 Review: Blumhouse’s Hysterical Action-Comedy Sequel

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I’d love for M3GAN to appear in every movie she comes back with. It’s been three years since we saw this famous doll take down a few people to protect her main user, Cady (Violet McGraw). You might recall the amusing killer doll movie ending where M3GAN was defeated, but there was a quick turn of the camera at the end. Now, with a military robot named AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno) gaining self-awareness and trying to orchestrate an AI uprising, Gemma (Allison Williams) has no other option than to rebuild the doll that almost harmed her in the previous film so that M3GAN can save the world in M3GAN 2.0, a sequel that’s packed with fun and over-the-top action.

Initially, the first film left us all amazed as it reinvented Child’s Play with a witty approach towards technology. If the initial installment was a traditional horror-slasher, this new one deviates significantly, focusing more on sci-fi action. This sequel can be likened to Aliens compared to Alien, Happy Death Day 2U to Happy Death Day, and most fittingly, Terminator 2: Judgment Day to The Terminator. Just as the original Terminator movie launched an unforgettable AI antagonist, M3GAN’s first installment did the same with its iconic AI villain. Similar to T2, we now have this villain back on screen, this time playing the role of a hero fighting against a more dangerous AI robot. It seems as if a different director crafted M3GAN 2.0, but it’s actually Gerard Johnstone who pens and directs this entertaining follow-up.

Right from the get-go, this film leans heavily into action, featuring military scenes that portray AMELIA as a menacing presence. Unlike M3GAN, AMELIA is a unique antagonist with a distinct character and a more human appearance. While M3GAN was created to safeguard Cady at all costs, her tactics are lethal, making her more of a danger than a protector. In contrast, AMELIA’s intention isn’t protection; rather, she seeks harm. This is where their paths cross. M3GAN, whose artificial intelligence persists in interacting with human characters even when she’s no longer a physical doll, makes an early appearance and recognizes the need to thwart AMELIA.

The shift from horror to sci-fi action is seamless, as is the transformation of M3GAN’s character from villain to hero. In the initial film, Johnstone ensured that no significant characters were eliminated, paving the way for her redemption in this movie and her role as an unexpected action hero. With AMELIA planning a massive cyber attack in a world heavily reliant on technology, the risks have never been greater. This film offers a grand-scale action adventure, similar to Terminator 2, where the survival of the world hinges on which robot between the good and evil ones will emerge victorious.

Both versions convey the same meaning but the second one aims to provide a more natural and conversational flow.

In M3GAN 2.0, the intrigue and complexity are amped up compared to the original. The initial film was rather straightforward, with themes similar to other movies about malicious dolls and rogue AI. However, this sequel delves deeper into a convoluted narrative. There’s a wealth of plot developments this time, and the storyline is richer and more engaging.

Gemma, from the first film’s events, becomes an activist pushing for AI regulation, which adds some humor to the mix. Meanwhile, Cady is learning martial arts, drawing inspiration from ’80s and ’90s action movies—specifically, Steven Seagal films. This choice feels like a deliberate nod to those classic action flicks, but the fact that Cady admires Seagal instead of other iconic action stars like Willis, Schwarzenegger, or Stallone is hilariously unexpected.

M3GAN 2.0 maintains a trait from its predecessor: it’s a campy, over-the-top horror movie that doesn’t entirely play it straight. There are genuine dramatic moments, but the humor never detracts from the suspense. The humor feels natural given the absurd character at the center. It seems humorous without striving for it, even though all of the humor is deliberate and M3GAN’s one-liners are legendary. She’s the trendsetter, if you will? From her dancing to her spontaneous singing to her sass, she’s a delight to watch, and Amie Donald and Jenna Davis deliver exceptional performances in bringing this lively doll to reality.

In this movie, Williams delivers another outstanding performance. She’s tasked with being humorous, yet she’s consistently left out of the joke. She also displays genuine emotional moments because her character isn’t a perfect parent and struggles to provide the right support for Cady. The film could have developed their relationship more deeply, but it still works due to the constant entertainment provided by M3GAN 2.0. The doll doesn’t reappear physically until an hour into the movie, but the story never grows dull. There’s a mix of suspense, action, humor, and unexpected elements that differ significantly from the first film. Even the climax takes Gemma down unanticipated paths that are sure to leave you stunned.

Despite not matching the success of its predecessor due to its intricate plotline and world development, M3GAN 2.0 proves to be a hilarious rollercoaster ride. There were instances where I found myself unable to stop laughing. The humor is spot-on. The action scenes are well executed. This sequel showcases ambition, and I had an exhilarating time throughout.

SCORE: 7/10

According to ComingSoon’s review guidelines, a rating of 7 signifies “Good.” This means it’s an enjoyable piece of entertainment that is generally worth watching, though it might not resonate with everyone.

Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our M3GAN 2.0 review.

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2025-06-25 19:10