M3GAN 2.0 reunites us with the lovable and diabolical robot doll M3GAN (Jenna Davis). In the sequel, we see that a lot has changed since M3GAN went on a murderous rampage in the previous film. Gemma (Alison Williams) is trying to bring forth a new age where she is against A.I., while Cady (Violet McGraw) is still reeling from the loss of her parents and M3GAN. They don’t really get much time to think about where they are mentally until a new robot threat emerges in the form of AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno), forcing them to confront a lot of buried feelings. They soon find out that there’s only way to survive, and that’s by bringing M3GAN back from the dead.

I was curious as to how they would be able to follow up M3GAN without feeling like that same film again. I was surprised to see just how different but familiar the film was to its predecessor. M3GAN 2.0 is by no means a straight horror film. The movie has so many layers as it presents an ambitious sci-fi plot and loads of action sequences. We even get a couple of Steven Seagal references in this one. It’s going for that cheesy action flick but with all the things you loved about M3GAN. All of this makes M3GAN 2.0 a very refreshing film in an age where a lot of films take a more serious route.

I’m not saying that M3GAN still doesn’t have some serious moments in its run time. The film dives deep into the dangers of A.I and what it means to be alive. Of course, it’s not a deeply philosophical dive but for a movie about a doll that kills and sings “Titanium”, it was a surprise. I honestly did feel myself a little emotional watching the final act. As a society we have to reckon with our relationship and codependency on technology. It also highlights the need for that human connection that only can be shared between ourselves.

Of course, I loved so much about the film, but I do feel it takes a bit to get the wheels turning. M3GAN 2.0 really starts going once M3GAN comes back into the fold. It’s not a knock to the other actors but there’s a charm and energy that wasn’t there prior to M3GAN. Once the killer doll is back it seems to energize the rest of the cast and we get a ton of memorable moments. I also feel that AMELIA didn’t get as much time to shine as I would have hoped. The moments between both robots were genuinely interesting and something I wish got explored more. M3GAN feels like it rushes to the end and can feel a bit hollow but certain key moments bring it together.

All in all, I think M3GAN 2.0 is a great addition to the already expanding universe that will continue with SOULM8TE next year. We see that M3GAN is not afraid to change and continue to shine bright in different genres. M3GAN 2.0 is cheesy and nonstop fun from beginning to end. If you loved M3GAN then you’re probably going to come out of this one with a smile. An action-packed roller coaster that is charged with just enough emotion to have you wanting to come back for another one.