'M3GAN 2.0' review: The demon doll goes full hero in a bigger, longer, and less fun AI action sequel
Over 50 years ago, 2001: A Space Odyssey introduced HAL 9000, the eerily calm computer that hinted at a future dominated by artificial intelligence with murderous tendencies. That theme—AI turning on its creators—has since become a sci-fi staple, and M3GAN 2.0 is the latest to run with it.
'M3GAN 2.0.'
Universal Pictures
Unlike its predecessor, which blended horror and satire with campy flair, M3GAN 2.0 aims for a more serious tone. It sheds much of the original’s playful absurdity, evolving into a straight-faced sci-fi action thriller with cautionary overtones. The android M3GAN returns, but this time as the film’s unlikely heroine—chattier, sassier, and strangely sincere.
She’s not alone. Enter AMELIA (short for Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android), a government-designed war machine gone rogue. Created from M3GAN’s original code, AMELIA is her cold, militarized counterpart—less wisecracking, more tactical menace.
The film positions itself as a “2.0” upgrade in every sense—bigger, more ambitious, and determined to make A Statement about AI. Director Gerard Johnstone, returning from the first film, also pens the screenplay this time, but in the process loses much of the original’s charm. Gone is the bizarre fun of a killer robot dancing to pop songs while defending her child companion with a nail gun. Instead, we get an overlong, over-serious follow-up that feels a little too self-aware of the real-world AI boom.
Allison Williams reprises her role as Gemma, M3GAN’s creator, now wracked with guilt and on a tech-skeptic apology tour. She’s written a book (Modern Moderation), joined a watchdog organization, and vowed to control the dangers of AI. But when AMELIA threatens global security, Gemma finds herself forced to resurrect M3GAN—this time to stop a bigger threat.
Initially, M3GAN’s consciousness is uploaded into a janky prototype (mockingly dubbed a "Teletubby"), but she’s soon restored in all her glossy, animatronic glory. Played again by Amie Donald with Jenna Davis providing that sugar-slick voice, M3GAN struts back into action—witty, verbose, and nearly indistinguishable from her human counterparts.
M3GAN still has that eerie, 60%-real look. AMELIA, by contrast, is about 95% human—especially when she attends a tech convention in a gold lamé dress, exuding glamor and danger. Portrayed by Ivanna Sakhno, she’s a femme-fatale android who evokes both RuPaul and classic Swedish screen sirens.
The plot swirls around corporate conspiracies, long-dormant robotics programs, and tech bros with brain implants. One of them, Alton Appleton (Jemaine Clement), invites AMELIA back to his sleek bachelor pad—bad idea. Another, even more sinister villain lurks in the background, steering the AI chaos.
Meanwhile, Violet McGraw returns as Cady, M3GAN’s former child companion, now 12 and sidelined in the story. Her presence mostly serves to remind us of the emotional link that once grounded the first film.
So, does M3GAN 2.0 commit cinematic blasphemy by turning its villainous doll into a sympathetic heroine? Maybe, but not entirely. M3GAN’s actions were always a reflection of her programming—and this time, her directive is to save the world. Her standout moments include infiltrating a tech expo in full anime cosplay, dancing the robot onstage, and even singing Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” to calm a panicked Gemma. It’s both ridiculous and kind of touching.
Yet for all its polish and high-concept upgrades, M3GAN 2.0 lacks the scrappy spirit that made the first film a surprise hit. It’s competent, occasionally clever, but weighed down by its own aspirations. Let’s hope M3GAN 3.0 dials up the madness, amps the satire, and remembers how to have fun.
