Back in the winter of 2022, we got a weird and eye-catching horror film about a toy that went off the rails. M3gan was a mostly by-the-numbers horror film that had a unique antagonist, some memorable moments, and generated plenty of buzz. It makes sense that we’d get a sequel.

Said sequel dropped to end the month of June. Getting a prime summer slot is a recognition the film hit with audiences, but this new film also seemed to steer away from the original formula and into something different. Gone is the horror element, in is an increase in humor, action, and heart.

But does it work?

The new film picks up two years after the events of the first film. Now Gemma (Alison Williams) is an advocate for restricting the use of AI. She’s also become a safe parenting advocate in the aftermath of what happened to Cady (Violet McGraw). But their relationship remains a little rocky.

Gemma is working with an activist, Christian (Aristotle Athari), to limit the reach of AI. Meanwhile, she’s working with Cole (Brian Jordan Alvarez) and Tess (Jen Van Epps) to use technology to make the world a better place. All that changes when a new AI weapon, Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), pops up based on the technology that Gemma and her team created.

While the government believes that Gemma is responsible, she soon realizes she’s a target. She also soon learns that M3gan (Jenna Davis) is still alive. M3gan has kept herself alive online, keeping vigil over Cady and Gemma. And now she needs Gemma’s help to regain a physical form to prevent Amelia from ending the world.

This new film comes from Gerard Johnstone, who also wrote the screenplay this time. That explains some of the new direction. Rather than a horror film, this is something of an action and thriller. It also has a lot more comedy and winking nods. While that happened at times in the first film—memorably in the dance sequence—this feels more like an intentional choice.

That actually works better for the material. M3gan is a lot of fun this time, and she plays something of the hero. That also works a lot better. I enjoyed M3gan and the way she played off Williams and McGraw. Williams gives a strong anchor performance. I also enjoyed Alvarez a lot more, with the comedy sequences playing better to his strengths.

The plot here is a little ridiculous. The twist is a bit obvious, too. But this isn’t about the destination, it’s about the journey. And the journey here is more fun than the last time.

M3gan 2.0 isn’t an incredible film, but it’s a fun ride. It’s a sequel that goes in a completely different direction and is a better, more enjoyable time because of it. I had fun with this.

M3gan 2.0 is now playing nationwide.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.