Gerard Johnstone’s “M3GAN”

M3GAN (2023)

Competent but predictable satirical “horror” that never quite rises to the quality of the design and performance of the robot at its centre

It should be noted that most of the film’s best moments and key plot points are revealed in the trailer which I unfornately saw prior to watching “M3GAN”. The star of the show here is M3GAN with the design and performance of this AI robot really stealing the show. Taking bits of “A.I.”, “Terminator” and “Child’s Play” among others, the script from Akela Cooper and James Wan has few surprises bringing up themes that it never really develops.

Closer to Frankenstein than Pinocchio, M3GAN as a character is solid but potential in delving deeper into her existence is somewhat squandered perhaps to be explored in the sequel? The cinematography from Peter McCaffrey in his feature premiere is good, suitably building up the mystery around M3GAN, keeping her half hidden in key scenes. In terms of the pacing, the whole thing moves quickly and there are scenes that would have benefitted from slowly down the pace to build tension.

As for its genre, it’s not quite horror focussing instead on the satirical element. Though there are horror scenes, the gore is mostly absent and the tone is more akin to “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”. As suspense, the time isn’t really given for that to build. As science fiction, it doesn’t really dig into its subject like “Ex Machina”.

Again, proceedings are raised by the sheer charisma and uncanny character of M3GAN. Without her, this probably wouldn’t have received the attention it has. Thinking of the b-movie classic Pumpkinhead, that too was a terrific monster in a film which didn’t quite meet its potential.

In the end, it’s a fun popcorn flick that never quite meets its true potential.