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The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
From killer doll to AI armageddon
M3GAN 2.0 is not the same high-camp horror-comedy that turned the internet upside down in 2023. While the original leaned into its absurdity with razor-sharp satire and meme-worthy dance breaks, this sequel shifts gears both in tone and scale. The upgrade is clear: the story is grander, the stakes are higher and the tone is... surprisingly sombre. Gone are the TikTok-ready theatrics and tongue-in-cheek chaos. In their place: cyber-espionage, global politics and existential debates about artificial intelligence. Yes, the killer doll still kills, but this time she does it in a world that feels more like Black Mirror than Chucky. It is a sequel that dares to be different, but one that might leave fans of the original wondering whether bigger really means better. Short-circuiting expectations It is hard not to admire the ambition. Director Gerard Johnstone and co-writer Akela Cooper clearly decided that a simple 'doll gone rogue' rerun would not cut it. So they dialled everything up: more tech jargon, more military secrets and more philosophical ponderings about man versus machine. However, in doing so, M3gan 2.0 trades in the quirky unpredictability that made the first film so watchable. Where the original thrived on its bizarre sense of humour and satirical tone, this follow-up plays it straighter, attempting to craft a deeper narrative about the ethics of AI control. The problem? It sometimes forgets to have fun. And when your film is built around a robot in a wig who used to twerk before murder, fun is kind of the point. Decent acting, spotty characters The performances are serviceable, if not standout. Allison Williams returns as Gemma, still convincingly neurotic and guilt-ridden, while Violet McGraw shows some maturity as the teenage Cady. Ivanna Sakhno's addition as the new robotic threat is intense, though her character remains more of a symbol than a person. Some returning side characters help ground the plot, but new additions feel like filler there to explain things, run tech or conveniently disappear when no longer needed. That is not to say there is no character development, there is and some of it works. But compared to the first film's tightly focused emotional arc, this one feels scattered. A few roles lack real dimension and even the returning faces struggle to find the same chemistry they once had. The result is a cast that looks great on paper but feels uneven on screen. Bigger budget, smaller charm M3gan 2.0 is certainly more expensive. From high-tech labs to underground bunkers and flashy hacker conferences to militarised AI bunkers, the production value is undeniable. It wants to be a sci-fi thriller and it wears that ambition proudly. But in expanding its world, the sequel loses some of the intimacy and bite that made its predecessor memorable. The original's focus on one girl, one aunt and one malfunctioning doll gave it a relatable, almost claustrophobic tension. Here, the plot sprawls across locations, introduces multiple factions and dabbles in geopolitical drama. It is a lot. For viewers expecting another slice of horror-camp with just the right dose of absurdity, this might feel like a bait-and-switch. The camp is still present, but it is buried under layers of exposition and a tone that occasionally borders on self-importance. Dare to be different To be clear, M3gan 2.0 is not a disaster. It is competently made, moderately entertaining and refreshingly bold in its attempt to avoid being a copy-paste sequel. There are moments of cleverness, a few well-choreographed set pieces and hints of that signature dark humour peeking through the cracks. But the shift in genre from horror-comedy to sci-fi action thriller may alienate those who adored the first film's chaotic energy. The camp is dialled down. The satire is less sharp. And while there is still a killer doll, she is sharing the screen with more traditional blockbuster tropes. Whether that evolution is good or bad will depend on one's expectations. M3gan 2.0 deserves credit for trying something new. But it also serves as a reminder that not every upgrade improves performance. Watch with right mindset M3gan 2.0 works as a sci-fi tech thriller with horror elements, just not as the sharp, meme-ready spectacle that made the original a viral hit. There is enough action to keep things moving and just enough heart to give it weight. But the charm that once defined M3gan feels like it has been written over by code. It is unlikely to inspire a cultural frenzy like its predecessor and repeat viewings might not offer the same payoff. But for those curious to see what happens when a murderous android gets a philosophical upgrade, this sequel might still be worth the runtime. DIRECTOR: Gerard Johnstone CAST: Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, Ivanna Sakhno, Amie Donald, Violet McGraw E-VALUE: 5/10 PLOT: 6/10 ACTING: 6/10
USA Today
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'M3GAN 2.0' review: Killer robot girl gets new foe (but no upgrade) in sequel
In the two years since "M3GAN" came out, AI has become a constant talking point and more a part of our daily life and culture. Yet strangely, the killer robot girl who shimmied and stabbed her way into our hearts is defanged and watered down in her return. Rather than being clever like the original movie, a horror-tinged sci-fi satire/parental cautionary tale, sequel "M3GAN 2.0" (★★ out of four; rated PG-13; in theaters June 27) is the type of combo goofy comedy/undercooked action flick that would earn an epic sick burn from M3GAN herself. She's the needle-dropping, TikTok-ready meme queen who's supposed to slay, and in this one, she just loses her way. It's been two years since inventor Gemma (Allison Williams) created a high-tech companion for her orphaned niece Cady (Violet McGraw) and the overprotective M3GAN went on a homicidal spree. While it got Gemma in a lot of hot water, now she's turned it around and become quite the AI ethicist. Join our Watch Party! Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox But the government would like another word. It seems an earlier model of M3GAN was turned into a military-grade covert operative named Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno) who's now gone rogue, seeking out an old piece of powerful technology that would make humanity expendable. To combat Amelia, M3GAN needs to get back in the game, but Gemma's reluctant to do much more than put her AI attitude in a kids toy, worrying that she'll break bad again. Amelia proves to be such a nuisance that M3GAN gets her wish and Gemma's team creates a stronger, faster, taller body suitable for fighting and dancing. Thankfully, M3GAN is as sassy as ever - otherwise this thing would be far less watchable - but her unhinged spirit that was so delightfully delicious in the first film is sacked in the name of 'personal growth' and Tom Cruise-y airborne action sequences. The addition of Sakhno, last seen as a lightsaber-wielding antagonist in "Ahsoka," is a nice touch. While M3GAN is clearly a creepy doll brought to life, Sakhno's angular face and doe eyes lend a heightened human quality to Amelia, who's also top notch at delivering unnerving death stares. Among the returning crew, Brian Jordan Alvarez gets more to do as Cole, one of Gemma's scientific colleagues, and it feels earned after his hilarious breakthrough FX comedy series "English Teacher." The movie sets up an epic battle between M3GAN and Amelia, and they do have a few good tussles. But what promises to be a battle on the level of the rock-em, sock-em robot action of 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' is overcomplicated by a nonsensical subplot involving another killer machine from the '80s. For real, if a 'M3GAN' movie has one rule, it's don't mess up the fembot throwdown. Writer/director Gerard Johnstone's sequel fumbles quite a few things it shouldn't, though. It feels weirdly dated: There's a running joke involving Cady using Steven Seagal as a role model – good luck explaining him to the kids – and in what's supposed to be an amusing moment that just seems forced, M3GAN serenades a weirded-out Gemma with Kate Bush's 'This Woman's Work.' 'M3GAN 2.0' doesn't do the title character many favors. Still, our girl remains a magnetic presence onscreen – and on computer screens, even when she's being a cyber-nuisance. Let's hope the next time we see her, it's an actual upgrade. How to watch 'M3GAN 2.0' The sci-fi action sequel "M3GAN 2.0" is in theaters June 27. The movie is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association "for strong violent content, bloody images, some strong language, sexual material, and brief drug references."
Time Business News
16-06-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Clipn.ai Launches AI Livestream Clipping Tool
No more endless editing: A new tool creates TikTok-ready clips while you enjoy coffee. Victoria, Canada – May 25, 2025 — Inc. announced the official launch of the world's first AI-powered tool that automatically turns long-form live streams into viral short videos. Designed for content creators, live streamers, and marketing teams to solve their biggest headache. streamlines video repurposing at scale, providing studio-quality clips in minutes, not hours. As short-form video platforms have become more sophisticated, is leveraging advanced AI to detect highlights, generate engaging captions, and optimize clips for multiple platforms—all with just a few clicks. Smart Clipping: Automatically detects and extracts the most engaging moments from live streams and long videos. Magic Subtitles: Auto-generates multi-language subtitles with intelligent formatting to increase viewer retention. One-Click Distribution: Instantly distributes clips to multiple social media platforms and accounts, including TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more. Platform Optimization: Customizes each video for the target platform with optimized covers, titles, and pacing. 'We created to solve our frustration,' said Forrest Qin, Founder and CEO of Inc.. 'After live streams, we wasted hours editing clips manually. Now, produces dozens of viral-ready shorts in minutes—allowing creators to focus on what matters: content, not busywork.' Already established in China, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, is expanding globally to empower the creator economy. Inc. plans to list on the NASDAQ by late 2025, accelerating its mission to democratize AI-driven content marketing. Headquartered in Victoria, Canada, Inc. develops AI tools that transform video production. Its flagship product, allows creators and businesses to scale short-form video operations and unlock AI-driven customer acquisition. Read more: Framed Motion and Spatial Restraint: When Film Limits the Outside TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Extra.ie
11-06-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
Kids as young as five making GRWM videos on Tiktok
Kids as young as five years old are making 'Get Ready With Me' videos on Tiktok, using numerous skincare products surely no five year old child needs. It was always a huge compliment to be told you have 'skin like a baby'. Well, these mini make-up queens would not agree and are using lots of different creams and lotions to try to make themselves TikTok-ready for Kindergarten and school. Pic: Getty Images The GRWM craze was started by teenagers who wanted to show off their skin and hair routines, while getting ready for a night out or a wedding, but now the popular moves are being copied by little tots with plump pink cheeks and gummy smiles, all in the name of 'self care' and 'beauty routines'. However, researchers have found that some of the products the youngsters are using contain an average of 11 possibly irritating ingredients. The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, showed some kids are using on average 6 different products on their young skin, with some using more than a dozen. Pic: Getty Images Researchers found that of all the products being used, only one child in four is using sunscreen, probably the most important product of all. A study by leading dermatologists raised some serious concerns about the GRWM craze, because some of the products may contain the same ingredients and kids are doubling up or even more than that on ingredients like hydroxy acid and anti aging peptides. The doctors pointed out that the products are marketed heavily towards younger consumers and carry a high risk of skin irritation and allergy. One video in the study showed a young girl using 10 products on her face in just six minutes. Pic: Getty Images While a good skincare routine is a healthy thing to have, cleansing with numerous products is surely not necessary for everyone, especially those under the age of 12. The so called SEPHORA kids trend, as its called by social media users, refers to kids and teens who shop at the popular beauty retailer and then post videos on Tiktok showing off their purchases and trying to emulate their favourite influencers, but these mini beauty queens are as young as five years old and some are insisting they need 'anti-aging' creams and serums. A study in the US showed the products aimed at youngsters offer little or no benefit for the kids who are using them, and researchers also believe there is a darker side to this trend, one that will see the self esteem of youngsters plummet if they haven't got the latest skincare product, and in their quest for perfection, the world of social media is setting impossibly high standards for these young girls.
