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“M3GAN”: A Comedic Example of AI Gone Wrong

By Scarlett Downes 

The new horror-comedy, M3GAN was recently released to theaters on January 6, 2023, and has been receiving impeccable reviews. 

M3GAN is about a life-like robot doll created to be a child’s loyal companion, and a great helper for a busy parent. Through artificial intelligence, the doll can quickly get to know its assigned child, and become the child’s play mate, teacher, and caretaker. When an aunt pairs her young niece with a M3GAN doll, it reaps many unexpected consequences and wrecks havoc. 

The film is different from other horror movies in that it has a comedic twist. Megan breaks into song at hilariously random times, which creates a more lighthearted feeling among the audience. Despite this, it is certain that you will still be on the edge of your seat with your heart racing throughout the entire movie. 

One of my favorite moments in the film was when M3GAN attempted to comfort her assigned child with an unintentionally comical rendition of the popular 2011 song, “Titanium” by David Guetta. This was a popular highlight among viewers due to the unique delivery and performance of the song, as well randomness of its occurrence. Part of the obsession of the film stems from the unpredictability of M3GAN. You never know what M3GAN’s next move will be, or when she will break into song or dance. 

As viewers exit the theater, they can’t help but think about artificial intelligence in the real world today. The film is a great reminder that new technology isn’t always the easy way out, and can sometimes cause more harm than good. 

Credit for the film belongs to the director, Gerard Johnstone. He has worked on a few other movies in the past, but none of Johnstone’s other work hold a candle to this brilliant production. 

With its impressive 93% Rotten Tomato score, a Chicago Sun-Times critic says, “This cheerfully dark social satire is the year’s first terrific movie ride.”

Seeing M3GAN in theaters is definitely a worthwhile activity, and guaranteed to be entertaining.