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| The Hail Mary Project |
Universal Pictures
- Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Arnie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivanna Sakhno
- Music: Chris Bacon
- Cinematography: Toby Oliver
- Producers: Jason Blum, James Wan, Allison Williams
- Duration: 119 Minutes
- Screenplay: Gerard Johnstone and Akela Cooper
- Director: Gerard Johnstone
Against all expectations, M3GAN (2023) managed to capture the public’s attention with its mix of thriller, science fiction, and its commentary on the use of technology. Sure, the result wasn’t as gratifying as one might have hoped, but it gave us several moments that have become iconic or viral—paving the way for an inevitable sequel. So, what brings us back this time?
Gemma (Allison Williams) has become one of the leading advocates for the regulation of artificial intelligence, working alongside tech-ethicist Christian (Aristotle Athari) to push the government into establishing guidelines for the ethical handling of AI. She has tried to instill her own views in her niece, Cady (Violet McGraw), by imposing screen-free time and enrolling her in aikido classes for self-defense—though Cady would prefer to follow in her aunt’s STEM footsteps.
When a team of FBI agents infiltrates her home, Gemma discovers not only that M3GAN’s technology was stolen to create a super-soldier named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno)—who has gone rogue and killed everyone involved in her creation—but also that M3GAN’s consciousness has been watching over both her and Cady. Having M3GAN on their side may be the only chance Gemma and Cady have to survive Amelia. But can they trust M3GAN again, even if she seems to have changed?
Where have I seen this before? Where? Oh yes, I remember it well—this looks exactly like Terminator 2 (1991).
Director Gerard Johnstone and his co-writer Akela Cooper take the essence of that Oscar-winning film and transport it to modern times in an adventure that now shifts from thriller (though it’s still lightly present) to action, once again embracing science fiction and offering a more direct critique of artificial intelligence—both its potential good and dangerous consequences for humanity. But the wrapping around M3GAN 2.0 (2025) is pure, delightfully camp. That’s how it should be seen and understood.
And the filmmakers are fully aware of this—just like they were in the previous film. As the movie progresses, it’s impossible not to recall those intense chase scenes between Robert Patrick and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Only now, we see our automaton-turned-heroine engaging in hand-to-hand combat with Amelia. Some dialogue sparks debate, while several fight scenes tip into the absurd (and they are absurd)—turning the film, perhaps unintentionally, into the best comedy of the year so far.
M3GAN 2.0 (2025) doesn’t take itself seriously for even a second. Don’t look for deep philosophical discourse here. Gerard Johnstone made this film for one purpose: to entertain. And it ends up being the perfect excuse to bring audiences back to theaters. They’ve pulled it off. And that’s what audiences want: fun. After all, isn’t that what movies are for? To entertain—that’s what they’re made for!
RATING FOR "M3GAN 2.0" (2025): GOOD
★★★