About the film (courtesy of Universal Pictures):
M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a life-like doll programmed to be a child’s greatest companion and a parent’s greatest ally. Designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma, M3GAN can listen and watch and learn as she becomes friend and teacher, playmate and protector, for the child she is bonded to.

Happy 2023 and welcome to the first review of the year. In years past, what movie I happen to have been tasked with screening and reviewing has pretty much ended up being a flavorless boat anchor. And each year I hope that it would be the year that a studio has the balls or brains to start off strong. Up until this point it’s been like Groundhog’s Day with the same disappointment year after year. For whatever reason, this really does feel like it could be different. Maybe M3GAN can finally buck the trend by giving us a reason to head to the theaters for a new release.

M3GAN feels like an updated, more relatable version of the Child’s Play franchise, but with about 75% more human connection and 100% less demonic possessions. This story, written by horror heavy-hitter James Wan, feels much more like something written specifically for today’s younger horror demographic fandom and, as such, should be well-received by this base as well as many of “more tenured” folks that enjoy a good scare every now and again.

Now I need to be a bit careful here with my words and expectations because M3GAN much more of a thriller than a horror film. Director Gerard Johnstone does a solid job meshing different layers of heartfelt emotion together with thrilling sequences along with a few splashes of fear and, yes, comedy. And by keeping this in the PG-13 rating area, more of its intended audience should be able to go see it in theaters without much difficulty. Although what’s seen as the lesser preferred rating by most hardcore horror films fans (I’m definitely guilty of this), nothing of quality was sacrificed by going with the softer rating.

Allison Williams does a great job portraying a someone instantly thrust into the role of fulltime parental supervision when, up until that instant, only had to worry about herself which includes advancing her career, which happens to be a major plot point of this film. Her young niece, played by Violet McGraw, is in dire need of love and support, which ultimately arrives in the form of M3GAN.

It is very interesting, enjoyable and compelling to watch the evolution of what transpires during the 100 minutes of M3GAN. As far as entertainment value goes, this one has what it takes to be given a strong advisement to invest time and money to go see. The fact that it isn’t too frightening should open the door for some of the more reluctant type when it comes to this genre. With it being well-written and smartly executed, those that prefer more a bite to their horror thrillers won’t be disappointed either.

M3GAN is flat out entertaining and is a very welcome surprise that’s here to help kick off the new calendar year. This happens to be one of the best movies to kick off the year that I’ve seen in recent memory. You can also see this one only in theaters right now. Enjoy!