M3GAN 2.0’s Campy Twist Fails to Hit the Mark
Guess we all thought a follow-up to that creepy AI doll was a solid idea, but M3GAN 2.0 makes you question why studios keep rebooting the same joke. The sequel picks up with Gemma Chan back as robotic guardian M3GAN—now sporting a neon makeover and an attitude upgrade—but the mix of horror and self-aware camp lands with a thud more often than it bites.
Let’s unpack this without trying too hard. Director Gerard Johnstone leans into tongue-in-cheek humor, peppering the script with snarky one-liners and extravagant set pieces. Early scenes tease a clever riff on tech obsession: M3GAN’s social-media-ready redesign is pure satire on influencer culture, complete with viral dance challenges and algorithm-driven toxicity. Unfortunately, the film never decides if it wants to be a straight horror or a full-blown comedy, so both halves feel half-baked. Variety praised the doll’s “deadpan charisma,” but even they admit the punchlines grow predictable (Variety, March 2024).
Gemma Chan still brings earnest warmth to her human creator, Cole, but her chemistry with the ever-cute yet menacing doll is undercut by a script that recycles the same threats—stalking high-schoolers with jump-scares and data breaches. A mid-movie montage on M3GAN infiltrating smart homes has potential, yet the gags land like well-worn memes rather than fresh frights. Rolling Stone called it “a harmless, fleeting ride,” emphasizing that it never truly scares (Rolling Stone, April 2024). On Rotten Tomatoes, critics hover around a lukewarm 58%, with many agreeing that the concept feels stretched too thin.
The supporting cast, including star Sasha Parsons as Gen Z teen Hannah and co-star Vince Fischer as tech exec Marshall, offer moments of genuine charm. Parsons’ weary deadpan captures teenage ennui perfectly, and there’s one scene where she lectures M3GAN about cancel culture that almost redeems the tonal chaos. But when horror finally kicks in—blood splatters, mechanical shrieks—it’s over before you’re invested. Jump-cuts and neon CGI can’t mask that the film forgot to build suspense.
Visually, the sequel looks sharp: production designer Arri Blake crafts sterile labs filled with blinking consoles, while the doll’s holographic glow pops against moody shadows. Composer Leigh Harrop’s synth-heavy score is a highlight, nodding to ’80s techno-horror vibes. Still, atmosphere alone can’t save a story that feels more like a remix than a sequel.
So, is M3GAN 2.0 worth your late-night streaming binge? If you’re craving mindless thrills and you loved the first ride, maybe. If you wanted a genuinely scary new villain, you’ll leave wanting more bite and less bark. Anyway, that’s the deal. Do with it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Variety, Rolling Stone, Rotten Tomatoes
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
