M3GAN 2.0 (dir. Gerard Johnstone)
By Dave Hughes

In 2022, Blumhouse Studios unleashed M3GAN onto the screen—and to the surprise of many, she was a hit. The film exceeded box office expectations and quickly built a cult following. Now, the killer robot is back and upgraded in M3GAN 2.0.

This time around, familiar faces return, including Allison Williams (Get Out) as Gemma, the tech genius whose AI creation spiraled wildly out of control in the first film. M3GAN 2.0 picks up in a world that’s grown even more dependent on artificial intelligence—an appropriate and timely setup that gives the sequel a relevant edge. The story explores how society continues to push boundaries with AI, even after very public disasters (like, say, a child-sized robot going on a murder spree). Early on, a new character robot named Amelia is introduced—taken from the original M3GAN’s design and upgraded. Amelia has become self-aware and is now seeking revenge against those who stand in her way. Unlike M3GAN, who was driven by protective programming gone wrong, Amelia’s motivations are colder and more mysterious—giving the sequel a different kind of threat.

What works well in M3GAN 2.0 is its confident shift in tone. While the original film walked a fine line between action, horror, and comedy, this sequel fully embraces its comedic side—with just enough action sprinkled in to keep things moving. The script is self-aware, and the film clearly understands what kind of ride it’s offering. M3GAN herself remains a wickedly fun character, full of biting one-liners, unsettling stares, and perfectly timed dance breaks. The film is at its best when it leans into the absurdity and lets M3GAN just be M3GAN.

That said, the action sequences feel underwhelming. There are moments when the stakes seem low or the choreography lacks impact. Viewers expecting a horror-action hybrid in the vein of Upgrade (2018) may walk away disappointed. It’s hard not to wonder if the PG-13 rating holds the film back from delivering more compelling action. When action scenes do occur, the film leans more on characters' reactions than on the action itself. While it's fun to see other characters get in on the chaos this time around, there’s still a lot left on the table.

The biggest issue with M3GAN 2.0 is the runtime. At a full two hours, the film begins to drag in spots. This story could have been told more effectively in a lean 90 minutes. Some scenes meander or feel like filler, especially in the second half when the narrative direction becomes less clear. However, just as interest starts to wane, another standout M3GAN moment pulls things back on track.

Target Score: 6.5/10
M3GAN 2.0 knows exactly what it is—and that’s part of the fun. It’s not here to terrify; it’s here to entertain. For fans of the original or anyone who enjoys action with a heavy dose of satire, this sequel delivers just enough. M3GAN is back to have a good time... and take a few lives along the way.