‘M3GAN 2.0’ Gets Mixed Reactions as Rotten Tomatoes Score Drops, Critics Say It Falls Short

M3GAN 2.0 is back with more AI chaos, but early reactions suggest the sequel might not live up to the original. The film had its premiere in New York on June 24, with a wider U.S. release set for June 27. While fans of the first movie were excited, critics seem divided this time around.

The Rotten Tomatoes score isn’t helping its case. As of now, only 62% of the 48 critic reviews are positive. That’s a noticeable drop from the strong response M3GAN received in 2022 when it surprised many with its mix of horror and humor.

This time around, the story jumps ahead two years. Gemma, played by Allison Williams, is now publicly speaking out on the dangers of artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, she keeps the original M3GAN locked away in a smaller, harmless form.

But things get worse when a new AI-powered military robot, AMELIA, becomes self-aware and threatens to take over. Gemma’s niece, Cady, convinces her to bring M3GAN back, upgraded and ready to fight.

Director Gerard Johnstone returns for the sequel, which also brings back Violet McGraw and the team that brought M3GAN to life: Amie Donald and Jenna Davis. New cast members include Ivanna Sakhno as the dangerous AMELIA and Jemaine Clement in a supporting role.

The reviews so far are all over the place. Some viewers are into the bold shift in tone, with one critic describing it as, “Imagine John Waters at the helm of a Terminator 2 remake.” Others enjoyed the wild energy, saying it’s “good, silly fun,” even if it doesn’t match the smooth progression of other famous sequels like Aliens or T2.

Attempts to advance its franchise the way Aliens and Terminator 2 did theirs. It’s not as natural an evolution as James Cameron’s sequels, but it’s still good, silly fun.

Fred Topel

Imagine John Waters at the helm of a Terminator 2 remake and you have an inkling of just how wild a pivot M3GAN 2.0 is from its predecessor.

Justin Clark

a special commendation for getting rounds of laughter out of a Kate Bush song and the return of MS Office ’97’s virtual assistant Clippy.

Laura Clifford

A genre swap might be just what this franchise needed given the character. 2.0 fully commits with great action and humor, despite the clunkiness of the plot.

Lee McCoy

As with several sequels, there is something more calculated, more mechanical in [M3GAN 2..0], which has some good moments…but which…leaves a bit of a mess. [Full review in Spanish]

Diego Batlle

But not everyone is happy with the changes. One reviewer didn’t hold back, saying, “The sequel to M3GAN is absolutely T3RRIBL3. It’s as if nobody involved with that 2023 cybershocker has any idea what made it such a hilarious blast.” Some felt the film dropped the horror that made the original work so well and instead leaned too hard into action and sci-fi, making the story feel dull and messy.

Oh no. The sequel to M3GAN is absolutely T3RRIBL3. It’s as if nobody involved with that 2023 cybershocker – Gerard Johnstone returns to directing duties – has any idea what made it such a hilarious blast.

Donald Clarke

The lack of horror in this sequel works against it, as the story becomes predictable, redundant, and convoluted, and it also makes the doll lose some of its charm…[Full review in Spanish]

Laia Cabuli

A sequel that is a horrendous mishmash of ideas and influence, M3GAN 2.0 is occasionally outrageous, but mostly it’s derivative, bewildering, and bland.

Kristy Puchko

Horror gets the heave ho in bloated action romp with a familiar ring.

Christian Toto

M3GAN 2.0 works when M3GAN is front and center but, as it stands now, there’s just not enough of her. The central conflict is smothered by a haphazard ‘80s techno plot that’s too muddled to be interesting.

Kristen Lopez

Even with the criticism, there are still fun moments, including some unexpected references that have made a few fans laugh out loud.

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