M3GAN
2022
**½
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Jenna Davis, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Stephane Garneau-Monten, Lori Dungey
When robotics engineer Gemma cannot connect with her 8-year-old niece Cady, who is now in her care, she gives her M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), an overly protective A.I.-powered robot doll. Akela Cooper's script mixes elements from I, Robot, A.I.– Artificial Intelligence, and a number of creepy doll horror movies. The story offers some nice satire on modern tech-dependent parenting, but otherwise it is maddeningly predictable. Once we see M3GAN's emotionless face, it is clear what is going to happen, and once we are introduced to the rest of the characters, it is obvious who will not have a happy ending.
