#REVIEW: “M3GAN 2.0”

Review by Justin Waldman for Mr. Will Wong

When a Director gets a chance to write and direct, there is always hope that the sequel will be just as entertaining and engaging as the first. Thankfully, Gerard Johnstone manages to create similar magic in the M3gan sequel even if the genre takes a slight turn (sorry Horror fans, this is far from a Horror film). Our co-lead Gemma (Allison Williams) gets more to to do this go around and gets her flowers too. Truly M3gan 2.0 might not be the sequel we expected, but its certainly a killer good time.

The Movie starts off introducing the audience to Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) a new killer robot which the military is using to weaponize. Everything is going according to plan, until she becomes essentially sentient and goes rogue. Eventually the FBI tracks down Gemma as Amelia was based on her M3gan (Amie Donald and Jenna Davis [voice]) code, as they need help trying to find am way to hack Amelia and stop her from going on another killing spree. Gemma is not alone. Dhe’s joined by her niece again, Cady (Violet McGraw) and her two co-workers Cole and Tess (Brian Jordan Alvarez & Jen Van Epps).  Christian (Aristotle Athari) enters the scene and he wants to work with Gemma to have safety regulations for AI and the alike.

While the fight for AI safety is on the line, with Gemma’s progress being halted, there is the alternative fight of stopping Amelia and reluctantly and begrudgingly having to rebirth M3gan to accomplish this. The fight against the world ceasing to exist, ends up ultimately being in the hands of a former killer robot that wanted Gemma and her team dead ultimately. While the chaos unfolds, we do get some new character development and growth, a turn that can be seen from miles away. A wonderfully unhinged performance from Jemaine Clement – makes M3gan 2.0 a blast that will surely delight audiences, even if it is a departure from what made the original standout.

Johnstone knows how to deliver – he made a genre-bending Horror movie the first time around that was zany and insane, delighting audiences with M3gan’s no f**ks given attitude and cadence. With the sequel, it of course had to be amped-up. While the dancing is certainly missing here (sadly), there are some scene-stealing moments, specifically between Williams and McGraw that will have people laughing until their ribs hurt.

While M3gan 2.0 is a departure from what we know of the Franchise, and perhaps some will react to this like Windows 11, there is no reason to not embrace the change and tonal shift, as it truly works better and reaches a wider audience. We do wish there were more blood and kills though! Ultimately, M3gan 2.0 is a fun popcorn flick.  Welcome back, B!

Universal Pictures Canada release M3gan 2.0 in theatres Friday, June 27, 2025.