The sequel to the sleeper hit “M3GAN” is here, but it fails to recapture the campy fun of its predecessor. Director Gerard Johnstone returns with a new script and a more ambitious tone, making the android assassin even more formidable.
In “M3GAN 2.0,” M3GAN’s creator, Gemma, teams up with her AI counterpart, AMELIA, to take on a rogue military bot that threatens world peace. The two androids engage in a heated battle, with M3GAN using her wit and charm to outsmart the enemy.
While Gerard Johnstone knows what he’s doing, he strips away much of the cleverness and kitsch that made the original movie enjoyable. Instead, “M3GAN 2.0” tackles the theme of AI as a serious issue, which comes across as heavy-handed at times.
The new film boasts bigger budget and longer runtime, but it feels overlong and cumbersome. The movie tries to balance action, drama, and humor, resulting in a messy narrative that struggles to find its footing.
Despite this, “M3GAN 2.0” still manages to deliver some entertaining moments, such as M3GAN’s dancing sequences and a climactic fight scene. With its dedicated fanbase, the movie will likely do well, but it falls short of being a truly great sequel.
One question lingers: did making AMELIA the main android sacrifice the campy charm of M3GAN? The answer remains unclear, but one thing is certain – “M3GAN 2.0” is an action-packed ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/megan-2-review-1236438992