⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Rated PG-13 | 119 minutes

If you thought M3GAN was wild, buckle up. Our favorite killer doll is back in M3GAN 2.0, and this time, she’s got a new mission, a deeper arc, and a whole lot more to say. This sequel is sharper, smarter, and somehow even funnier, delivering on the chaotic thrills while sneakily throwing a pointed jab at Hollywood and our growing dependence on artificial intelligence.

Returning to the mayhem are Allison Williams as Gemma and Violet McGraw as Cady, the aunt-and-niece duo still reeling from the trauma of the first film. Williams leans into her role with even more confidence this time, and McGraw continues to impress, showing real growth in Cady’s emotional journey. Their chemistry is believable and grounded, which keeps the heart of the story intact, even as things spiral into robotic warfare.

Yes, robotic warfare. Enter AMELIA, a new AI creation gone rogue, and M3GAN’s terrifying upgrade has some competition. But here’s the twist — M3GAN is on our side now. Sort of. This redemption arc isn’t just fan service. It’s surprisingly well executed, giving our sleek, sarcastic anti-heroine a new purpose that still lets her serve up iconic lines and jaw-dropping moments. Her fight scenes are as stylish as ever, and yes, the dancing returns in ways you’ll be talking about for days.

Brian Jordan Alvarez returns as Cole and gets a much bigger role this time around. Even amid real-world controversy and allegations, Alvarez’s performance is committed and compelling. Jen Van Epps also returns as Tess, Cole’s lab partner, and their dynamic brings levity and tension in equal parts. Together, they help anchor the science side of the story, which leans into some very timely conversations.

Let’s talk about that. M3GAN 2.0 is no subtle film, and that’s exactly the point. The commentary on AI is crystal clear. From the way CGI is used to the fear that entire performances could be generated instead of acted, the film isn’t afraid to poke at the very industry that produced it. There’s a moment in the third act that lands with a heavy thud, almost breaking the fourth wall with how directly it speaks to studio execs who are happy to replace writers, artists, and actors with code. It’s funny, but it also cuts deep.

Director Gerard Johnstone, returning from the first film, does a masterful job balancing camp and commentary. The tone is self-aware without slipping into parody. The script, co-written by Akela Cooper and James Wan, still lets M3GAN be ridiculous in the best ways — think horror meets tech satire meets Mean Girls — but now she’s standing up for the humans. Well, the ones she doesn’t want to kill.

The supporting cast deserves major props too. Amie Donald, the physical performer behind M3GAN, and Jenna Davis, who voices her, once again bring the character to terrifying life.

Is M3GAN 2.0 perfect? For what it is — a horror-sci-fi sequel with something to say — it kind of is. It’s rare that a second chapter in a franchise feels this confident, this relevant, and this entertaining. You’ll laugh, you’ll gasp, and you’ll maybe think twice before letting your smart speaker update overnight.

M3GAN is back, she’s better, and maybe this time, she’s on our side. Just don’t cross her. Or ask her to write your next screenplay.