HCA Gradebook: “M3GAN”

Movie: M3GAN
Plot: When Gemma suddenly becomes the caretaker of her orphaned 8-year-old niece, Cady, Gemma’s unsure and unprepared to be a parent. Under intense pressure at work, Gemma decides to pair her M3GAN prototype with Cady in an attempt to resolve both problems—a decision that will have unimaginable consequences.
Cast: Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, and Jen Van Epps
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Release Date: January 6, 2023
Studio: Universal Pictures
Number of Graders: 34
HCA Overall Grade: B+

Rachel Leishman says, “M3GAN is a perfect answer to the world of A.I horror, and she’s the best friend everyone will want!

Grade: A+

Maggie Lovitt says, “M3GAN isn’t just killing the competition with creative marketing tactics and catchy trailers that feature a darker version of Taylor Swift’s “It’s Nice to Have a Friend,” Blumhouse’s latest killer doll movie is killing it. Period. Despite the PG-13 rating (which slashes the gore in half) and the comedy-horror label (which veers more into ironic humor and palatable scares), M3GAN lives up to the hype.”

Grade: A

Zofia Wijaszka says, “M3GAN is a bonkers, bloody slasher packed to the brim with campiness. It’s not always logical & it takes its time, but once M3GAN starts dancing through the second half, you won’t have enough of it. It’s. A. Titanium. Rollercoaster! Violet McGraw is a treasure.”

Grade: A

Destiny Jackson says, “Akela Cooper and James Wan have done it again by creating another spectacular unhinged horror movie with M3GAN. Following in Malignant’s footsteps, M3GAN offers bonkers thrills that easily translate into a fun time at the movies solo or with friends.”

Grade: A

John Nguyen says, “M3GAN is a chilling, fun film with a lot of laughs, and you’ll be rooting for this deadly, adorable yet creepy doll. It’s a great way to start the new year at the theaters.”

Grade: A-

Kit Stone says, ” M3GAN is the perfect horror film to jump-start your year. At 102 minutes, it gets in and out without wasting a moment. In the midst of this viral sensation is a message on the impact too much screen time can have on children. There is no substitution for human connection and no shortcuts for relationship building.”

Grade: A-

Rachel Smith says, “M3GAN is wildly entertaining & fun to see with an audience in theaters! A fun mix of horror & comedy, the movie never takes itself too seriously, and this creepy doll will be a viral sensation… especially that signature dance; she’s got killer moves! ”

Grade: A-

Jana N Nagase says, “M3GAN is brilliantly entertaining with a lot of creepy moments and jump-scares. I loved the critique about technology becoming a companion for kids. Violet McGraw is a scene-stealer is. M3GAN taught me some dance moves too!”

Grade: A-

Alex Billington says, “M3GAN is hilarious! A massively entertaining, wickedly fresh update on the killer doll horror concept – balancing the humor and the horror just right. Pretty much the best Child’s Play movie since the original Child’s Play movie. This is the kind of modern evolution of the horror genre that we need more of, not more sequels and remakes of existing IP. The script is so sharp, and the dialogue works so well in making it all believable but also freaky. M3GAN is perfect!! She’s the modern horror villain we all need right now.”

Grade: A-

Chris James says, “M3gan is the birth of a new horror monster that will hopefully become a mainstay. It has all the camp appeal promised in the trailer but also features a effective family drama at the core. Allison Williams is perfectly cast as a toy inventor tasked with caring for her orphaned niece. I cannot wait for more sequels.

Grade: A-

Mike Manalo says, “M3GAN is a comedy first, and a horror film second, satirizing the evil robot/evil doll subgenre lovingly. Its acknowledgment of the absurdity of the concept is what makes it quite brilliant. With a smile, a wink, and several nods, M3GAN manages to charm us with its hilarious self-awareness and ultimately brings us the first fun film of 2023.”

Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “Killer doll movies are a dime a dozen, with most of them banking on the enduring success of Child’s Play. M3GAN might not be as revolutionary as its titular character, but it is among one of the most unique entries in this horror subgenre. It’s just as much a sci-fi film with elements of RoboCop. M3GAN is another satire of consumerism, opening with a commercial for a modern Furby. It’s also a sharp commentary on parenting and its substitutes. For generations, the TV was the perennial babysitter. In recent years, the iPad has usurped the boob tube’s position. M3GAN is the next step in the evolution of pawning your kid off on a device.

Grade: B+

Samuel Leggett says “M3GAN is one of the most entertaining thriller horrors that I’ve seen in a while. It’s all due to the title character, who is as dedicated as she is deadly. Even with all the cheese and campiness, M3GAN totally works!”

Grade: B+

Terence Johnson says, “There’s so much fun built into this movie that some parts that feel dull or restrained fade into the background. M3GAN is crowd-pleasing entertainment at its finest. The scares are effective, but the filmmakers and cast know it’s the foolishness we’re here for. Akela Cooper is completely demented as a writer, and I will look forward to whatever she’s got coming up next. Whether it’s the witty comebacks or the completely unnecessary yet amazing dance in the hallway, M3GAN’s antics know no bounds, and routine provides the movie its highest highs. She might be a menace, but damn, was she a delight to watch.

Grade: B+

Abbie Bernstein says, “This is YA horror that doesn’t exclude adults. One of M3GAN’s greatest virtues is that we never quite know what’s coming next, but we’re always made to feel like we’re a welcome part of a conspiracy with the filmmakers.”

Grade: B+

Demetri Panos says “M3GAN is a bit of Child’s Play, a dash of Deadly Friend, and a huge heaping of Michael Crichton tech commentary. Can you remember when parents were criticized for having television babysit their kids?  Today, it’s a tablet OR Worse, M3GAN! A technologically twisted tale of our time. M3GAN is a SciFi satire filled with thrills and self-reflecting dark humor.

Grade: B+

Griffin Schiller says, “M3GAN had no right being this good. A far superior version of Child’s Play that functions as a clever satire on modern-day “iPad parenting.” This a surprisingly effective look at child psychology in the face of grief and the role parents play, good and bad, in shaping us into who we are. Yes, M3GAN is a hilariously campy horror film with some shocking kills (should’ve been R rated); it’s 100% the James Wan brand of genre, but it’s more than just “bonkers,”, and THAT’S the most impressive feat. Such a FUN communal experience that’s sure to become an instant classic. 2023 is off to a KILLER start!

Grade: B+

Heather Wixson says, “M3GAN is a darkly humorous take on the dangers of allowing technology to take over our interpersonal connections. A film that thoughtfully examines the difficulties many parents face these days while trying to raise their kids in such a tech-forward society. M3GAN delivers a wickedly fun viewing experience and a new horror icon to boot.

Grade: B+

Ricky Valero says, “M3GAN is exactly what it needed to be, a fun, wild, and killer ride that will be a cult classic for years to come. I look forward to checking out more of these in the future. Brilliant.

Grade: B+

Sara Clements says, “M3GAN is peak comedy, and I doubt any other scene in a film this year will make me laugh as hard as her randomly singing “Titanium” like a lullaby. Like Malignant, James Wan has once again mixed horror and comedy to a bonkers degree. While its themes on the effects of AI and technology, in general, aren’t new, it remains unpredictable with surprising depth. You can’t help but wonder how much more terrifying it could have been with an R rating. PG-13 holds it back, and you can feel it.

Grade: B+

Kolby Mac says. “We bear witness to the birth of a Horror Icon. Everything with M3GAN on-screen works. The movie firmly knows what it is, and what it’s going for, and thrives in it. However, when this killer doll isn’t on screen is where there’s much to be desired. Nonetheless, the foundation is built solidly for a multi-movie franchise to push the envelope with its murderous robo tongue pressed firmly in its campy horror cheek!”

Grade: B+

Scott Menzel says, “M3GAN delivers exactly what you expect it would from its marketing. Bizarre and totally bonkers, M3GAN is a darkly comedic tale about modern technology and how it can consume and take over our lives. While M3GAN delivers kills, chills and laughs, it is M3GAN’s singing and sweet dance moves that make for film’s most memorable moments. I think it is safe to say that a new cult classic has been born.”

Grade: B

Dan Murrell says, “While January is usually a dumping ground, M3GAN transcends the usual early horror fare thanks to a talented cast and an interesting twist on an old premise. M3GAN is at its best when it’s truly outlandish, but feels held back by the PG-13 rating and often falls into tropes and cliches. But when it works, it really works and is sure to be headed for classic cult status.

Grade: B

Tony Toscano says, “M3GAN is a fun-to-watch horror thriller that combines elements from “Frankenstein” and “Chucky.” Don’t take this one too seriously and have a good time.”

Grade: B

Mara Knopic says “M3GAN may not be a horror home run, but it’s certainly not a strike-out at bat. The film possesses several elements that feel very paint-by-numbers or like the genre cliches horror fans have come to expect. What is left, however, is entirely original in its tone and execution. From the advertisement-style opening, it is clear that M3GAN is making a concerted effort to differentiate itself from other ‘creepy doll’ films. The statement the movie makes about connection, attachment, and where technology fits into those relationships is very timely. It will be interesting to see how it ages as humans continue to innovate.

Grade: B

Nate Adams says “Step aside, Chucky, Annabelle, and Slappy (where are my “Goosebumps” kids at?), there’s a new girl in town, and her name’s M3GAN (short for “Model 3 Generative Android”).  M3GAN is not only serving up viral dance moves, but she could also slice your head off. Another low-budget chiller from the folks at Blumhouse, M3GAN delivers plenty of meme-worthy moments and will likely gain a second life during October when everyone and their Aunt molds their costume after the sophisticated lifelike robot. The movie itself is pure camp, not meant to be taken seriously, which should garner howls of laughter among moviegoers. M3GAN is a fierce creation, one that is tailored made for the TikTok generation, and when she’s not acting creepy or murderous, you almost want to dish the tea with her.”

Grade: B

Zachary Pope says, “M3GAN is precisely what the trailer sells you on and more. M3GAN is a completely self-aware insane horror movie with some great social commentary on parenting, AI, & death. You’ll laugh, you’ll jump, and you’ll go home thinking that you will never want your kid to play with a toy again.”

Grade: B

Scott Mendelson says, “M3GAN needs a little more money and should have gone for an R-rating, but it’s a lot of fun. M3GAN is funny and on-point in its (not subtle) themes about technology supplanting human relationships. My 11-year-old laughed his butt off throughout.”

Grade: B

Landon Johnson says, “M3GAN is this generation’s Chucky. The film is equal parts horror and comedy. Highly intelligent, witty, and vehemently dangerous, she’s one bad bot. From an entertainment perspective, Megan is a one size fits all doll that almost everyone will likely enjoy.”

Grade: B

Aaron Neuwirth says “Blumhouse’s M3GAN is delivering on both in a film that may lack narrative innovation but still delivers on being a crowd-pleasing riot in the realm of high-concept horror. This is the sort of movie that sets up so many irritating characters doomed to meet a terrible end that one can’t help but get a kick out of the way the evil robot doll goes about its business to complete the task, as obvious as most of the outcomes may appear. At the same time, Akela Cooper, writer of the gonzo James Wan flick Malignant, puts plenty of intentional dark humor on top of everything to make M3GAN fun enough to outweigh its predictability.”

Grade: B-

Anthony Digioia says, “M3GAN is a comically creepy thrill ride with precision self-awareness. It has some heart at the plot’s core as it explores grief, human interaction, parenting, and A.I. The consistent balance of sadistic laughs with suspense is a joy. It’s slow out of the gate, possibly limited by its PG-13 rating, but the delightful kills and twisted humor make this movie a treat.”

Grade: B-

Josie Meléndez says, “M3GAN is a unique feature from Gerard Johnstone, Akela Cooper, and James Wan. A sci-fi horror that plays less into the horrific side of things and more into suspense and thrills. Equipped with dark humor and convincing performances from Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Amie Donald and Jenna Davis, M3GAN delivers when it comes to redefining the conversation on how much technology is too much for kids when they’re still developing. However, its satire plays more like a parody, but it seems self-aware and is all the more entertaining for it.”

Grade: B-

Nancy Tapia says, ” Move over Wednesday because M3GAN is here with the new cool moves. Her facial expressions intrigued me. It’s a fun film, with comedy but zero horror. Perhaps it would’ve had potential if they had toned down the humor and stepped up with some jump scares.”

Grade: C

Monica Gleberman says, “While the technology that is proposed in M3GAN is something that should make us all concerned, the film struggles to prove it deserves to be in the horror genre. If you look at it from a thriller perspective, it offers some twists and turns but overall falls flat and will always be compared to its predecessors like Chucky and Annabelle. The only redeeming quality are the performances by Allison Williams and Violent McGraw. Both Williams and McGraw help to keep this movie afloat as it sinks to the finish line.”

Grade: D+