65. M3GAN (2023) dir. Gerard Johnstone

M3GAN takes the concept of the killer doll movie into the 21st Century, improving on plastic and AA batteries with ever-learning AI, a world-class wardrobe and a fuckton of sass. What starts out as an emotional therapy robot for recently orphaned Cady (Violet McGraw) turns horrific as M3GAN (Amie Donald & Jenna Davis) takes her directive to protect Cady at all costs way too literally. M3GAN creator and aunt-turned-guardian Gemma (Allison Williams) is the only one who starts to see the cracks in M3GAN's otherwise flawless exterior, worrying for Cady's safety.Yes, this sounds like a Chucky ripoff, but director Gerard Johnstone and crew, operating from an Akela Cooper (Malignant) script, know the exact approach needed for this kind of movie: a winking, gleeful romp that blissfully indulges in stupidity. It's a goddamn ridiculous blast and man, is this movie (and this year) so much better for it. Long live the new titanium flesh.---------------------------Follow The Movies on ⁠⁠Instagram ⁠⁠& ⁠⁠Letterboxd⁠⁠Financially support the podcast via the ⁠⁠tip jar!