In late 2022, the world was introduced to M3GAN, which stood for Model 3 Generative Android and was a child-sized humanoid robot doll powered by artificial intelligence designed to be the ultimate companion for children.

The original film highlighted how people have become overly reliant on technology and its impact on their lives. Because M3GAN was designed to develop human emotions, she became a threat to the lives she was supposed to protect. M3GAN was destroyed by the end of the original film, or so we thought, as she’s back and has received an upgrade in M3GAN 2.0, now showing in cinemas worldwide.

Two years after the events of M3GAN, roboticist Gemma has become an author and an advocate for regulating artificial intelligence, while trapping the still-active M3GAN in a small, harmless robotic doll. However, M3GAN’s technology has been stolen and used by a defence contractor to create a military robot called AMELIA, who becomes self-aware, turns on her creators, and attempts an AI takeover. Facing imminent destruction and the FBI hunting them down, Gemma’s niece, Cady, convinces her to rebuild M3GAN with advanced upgrades so she can take down AMELIA.

The main cast who weren’t killed in the original film have all returned. Allison Williams returns as Gemma, who continues to work as a roboticist but has also become an advocate for the ethical use of AI and the dangers it could pose. She has also become a much better parental figure to her niece, Cady, and is significantly more involved in her life despite her busy schedule.

She has demonstrated significant character development since the first film, and when she’s convinced to rebuild M3GAN, she’s now much more prepared and has contingency plans in place.

Violet McGraw reprises her role as Cady, Gemma’s now-teenage niece and the one who was closest to M3GAN. Cady now goes to school to socialise with other kids instead of being home-schooled like before. She’s gained a lot more confidence in just two years and isn’t afraid to stand up to bullies, especially with her Aikido training and Steven Seagal as her role model. She and Gemma are closer than ever and are more cautious when they encounter M3GAN again.

The star of the show, of course, is M3GAN, with Amie Donald and Jenna Davis both returning as the body actress and voice actress, respectively. Despite the body being destroyed at the end of the first film, M3GAN never really left. She has been keeping an eye on Gemma and Cady for the past two years, giving her ample time to reflect on her mistakes and learn from them.

Just like the previous film, Amie does an amazing job with the physical performance, and Jenna adds so much personality, giving M3GAN more of that rebellious attitude, but now with a genuine soft side. However, she may have some ulterior motives, as it is difficult to discern with her expressionless face.

Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno stars as the main antagonist, AMELIA, which stands for Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android. Unlike M3GAN, whose face resembles that of a doll, AMELIA appears more like a real human being, similar to characters from the Terminator films. Ivanna is phenomenal in this role and makes for an incredibly convincing android.

She uses her actual face instead of a doll-like mask/helmet, so she easily tricks other characters who aren’t aware of her but somehow also keeps audiences guessing whether they’re seeing the actress’ actual face or something artificial. She also shows no expression on her face throughout the entire film, adding to her creepy and scary demeanour. Having a human-like android hiding in plain sight is certainly a scary thought.

Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps return from the original film as Cole and Tess, respectively, and help Gemma rebuild M3GAN and try to take down AMELIA. Joining the cast are Aristotle Athari as Christian, Timm Sharp as Colonel Tim Sattler and Jemaine Clement as Alton Appleton, all with roles that will keep the audiences guessing.

The original 2022 film was a science fiction horror film that focused on the risks of allowing AI to take over human roles and develop emotions, ultimately making their own choices. The sequel, however, becomes a science fiction action film with M3GAN learning martial arts and military tactics to take on AMELIA. It changes things significantly from the previous film, so those expecting to see more of the horror aspect may be disappointed.

Those who enjoy action films, however, will find a lot to enjoy in M3GAN 2.0. The action scenes may feel silly at times, but they are certainly fun to watch. The sequel also brings the same level of violence from its predecessor, which felt tame for a horror movie but works well for an action flick. Seeing the android battle between M3GAN and AMELIA is a match-up none of us knew we needed, but we’re certainly glad we got to see it.

For an action film, it may not be on the same level as films like Terminator or Ballerina, a John Wick film that just came out a few weeks earlier, but it’s still fun in its own way. The action scenes also help carry the story and aren’t merely included for their own sake.

Despite the change in movie genre, it still maintains the same overall plot of AI possibly taking over the world. It creates an interesting contrast between how much we shouldn’t need it and how much we should use it. After seeing the first film, many of us wondered what would happen if this advanced technology fell into the wrong hands, and that is exactly what the sequel is about. The original film featured a specific scene in which someone stole secret files, likely to sell to someone, and when that character was killed, that part of the story ended there.

The sequel shows that it was the military that got hold of those files to build their android designed to carry out secret missions without risking the lives of human soldiers. The first mission was initially successful before the android, AMELIA, decided to go rogue. The story also features some interesting plot twists that many readers may not see coming.

The original M3GAN film, released in 2022, introduced an intriguing premise of AI potentially replacing humans, a concept that reflects many aspects of the current real world, and the sequel expands upon that. Going from a sci-fi horror film to an action thriller that continues the same overall plot is an unusual transition that surprisingly works well, and it isn’t afraid to be silly at times.

The film also provides plenty of character development and maintains the suspense of whether to put our full trust in technology or not. M3GAN 2.0 will have you holding onto… yourselves for an action-packed thriller.

Written by: Sammy Hanson