Writer, Director Gerard Johnstone brings back the sassy android – cyborg with more terabyte attitude in M3GAN 2.0. The horror aspect of the film was toned down, although it was substituted with the frightening concerns of artificial intelligence and neurotechnology. There are also plenty of action sequences that power up the entertainment value.

This upgraded sci-fi saga introduces a new cyborg, Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), that was designed as a military-grade weapon. Amelia has dark coded secrets of her own and causes chaos in taking over digital intelligence sources. The only solution to annihilate this cyborg is to bring back the original android gangsta M3GAN (Amie Donald, voiced by Jenna Davis). These bot queen b’s battle it out Daft Punk, robot wars style.

The sequel to M3GAN can be a bit farfetched, but the storyline maintains its energy with dark comedy –  M3GAN’s sarcasms, techno outfits and getting down to electronic dance music (EDM). She even sings to Gemma (Allison Williams) when having a bonding moment. M3GAN attests to the main directive of protecting your family – niece Cady (Violet McGraw) – at all costs, while overcoming the fear of taking on the role of a parent.

Don’t be expecting the frightening or terrifying murderous doll as presented in the earlier movie. This version has evolved and matured. Yet, she is still a mean b*tch to be reckoned with. M3GAN 2.0 is still worth watching.

When it was announced that Danny Boyle and Alex Garland were pairing up once again for the third installment of their rage virus film, 28 Years Later, I was ecstatic, especially knowing it will star Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer. However, those expectations fell into a pit of disappointment.

The unique cinematography style of implementing iPhones was not all that thrilling.  It took away from the frightening scenes. The storyline was complicated and did not fully develop, which led this movie to fall deep into a grave. The naked zombie Neanderthals was rather ridiculous. I get that the film’s plot takes place 28 years after the spread of the chaotic infection, but watching a pregnant zombie and a huge male zombie with a swinging dong was not what I had imagined.

Performances from Jodie Comer and Alfie Williams were wonderful – even Swedish actor Edvin Ryding was entertaining as soldier Erik. Sadly, those performances were drowned out with the high-tide, convoluted story.

Ralph Fiennes had a small, yet influential role as the eccentric Dr. Ian Kelson – refrain from getting excited about the symbolism of a spine-chilling mount of skulls and pillars of bones. Though, it seemed a bit too late in the film, Aaron Taylor-Johnson pulled a great performance as Jamie with a dramatic intense final scene.

If you are wondering about where Jack O’Connell fits in the world of naked zombie chaos, wait until the end. At least you will get a good dose of punk music along with a cliffhanger. Perhaps another 28 “something time” Later could be in the works? It would be good to stay hopeful. There is an excellent opportunity for the next chapter to up the ante and include Cillian Murphy as Jim, since the name “Jim” is a popular name used throughout 28 Years Later.

The only thing impressive of this live-action remake of How To Train Your Dragon is Toothless (The Night Fury) and the other dragons flying around in breathtaking scenery. Gerard Butler is always great, no matter what. He was obviously the perfect choice to attain the role of Stoick the Vast, since he was the voice in the original animated film. However, not much can be said about the rest of the cast. It was a shame they were not able to make that connection to the characters of a classic animated movie we have grown to adore.

I really expected more out of Mason Thames since he’s done amazing work in The Black Phone, but he probably was not a good fit for the role of Hiccup. Though, you can tell he did put in great effort towards the last half of the film. As for Nico Parker, she had the opportunity to shine but also fell flat with her performance as Astrid – it lacked her strong-willed attitude.

No doubt there were high expectations for the current live-action remake, which added pressure on the entire cast. However, it looks like they will be getting a second opportunity to refine their acting techniques and redeem themselves. Universal Pictures announced back in April of this year that a live-action sequel, How to Train Your Dragon 2, was in development and scheduled for release in the summer of 2027.

Despite the acting, How To Train Your Dragon has impressive and captivating graphics. It is a good summer movie for the entire family to enjoy. The new generation will definitely fall in love with Toothless, and the previous generation will continue to adore this fiercely loyal, and ferociously loving dragon.