M3GAN: Unseen Edition (2022) (film review).
Given a choice between two versions, I opted for the 102-minute unrated version, despite the fact that both are identical in length, making it difficult to discern any changes.
After Cady’s (actress Violet McGraw) parents die in a car accident and she survives, she ends up living with her Aunt Gemma (actress Allison Williams), who specialises in AI in toys. Her boss, David Lin, played by actor Ronny Chieng, shows less interest in her private projects, despite her finding the creation of a robotic doll to be complex and challenging to replicate. She successfully completes her work on M3GAN, which is a combination of Amie Donald’s body and Jenna Davis’ voice, and Model 3 Generative Android, a four-foot-tall robot that serves as Cady’s companion. Her boss and the committee are impressed with her demonstration, but she is unaware of her side activities. The need to protect Cady at all costs is extreme; otherwise, it wouldn’t be a horror film, and everything else would be considered a spoiler.
The plot has elements of ‘The Terminator’, probably ‘Chuckie’ and ‘Small Wonder’ (looks, not violence), and even a touch of the original ‘Dead of Night’ film. Whether it’s a direct homage or a deliberate embrace of the elements that make those films successful, I anticipate that the new audience may not have noticed the examples I’ve provided.
As a learning AI, M3GAN has far too much latitude. Gemma certainly didn’t have enough protocols engaged, nor was her programming checked by anyone else. I believe that anyone involved in AI robotics should use this as a training film to avoid overly empowering their creations.
The extras span 14 minutes, clearly a result of the crew and cast working together. If you wish to avoid spoiling the details of how the scenes were created, avoid watching them. Professionally, its fascinating.
I’ve been wondering why a doll featuring M3GAN hasn’t been available for purchase. Indeed, it hasn’t deterred Chuckie from pursuing this path. The Connie doll used in the Argos ads is probably the closest. All you’ve got are the M3GAN costumes for Halloween. Maybe manufacturers are waiting for AI to catch up. Would we want a protective robot like her? will be something open to discussion.
GF Willmetts
September 2024
(pub: Universal, 2023. 1 blu-ray disk unrated version: 102minute film 102 minute theatrical version with extras. Price: varies. ASIN: 5000304860)5
cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Ronny Chieng, Lori Dungey and many more.
check out website: www.universalpictures.co.uk
