Reviewed by Ken Carman

Like a mix between a classic Hitchcock movie and a classic Twilight Zone episode. Almost all the violence is suggested. You don’t see the person hit or stabbed, but you think you do. You do see an ear stretched to the point of absurdity.

Also Spielberg classic science gone mad, sans the evil government. Evil authorities replaced by evil, nasty, greedy business owner.

M3gan, pronounced as one would expect like the name “Megan,” is a girl sized toy that walks, tanks, thinks independently and learns. No surprise things get out of control. A movie that relies more on a classic definition of “horror,” not blood and guts. But expect to be startled. Some of the script so predictable I’d rather not get into it. No spoilers provided here. The script was handled well enough to make it still worth the watch.

When it comes to raising children, there’s even a touch of thoughtful psychology here.

Odd side note: the star (the mother), who starts this mess, looks a lot like the female lead in the new Quantum Leap. Sometimes I wonder if up and coming actors study the expressions of current stars and mimic them. Great tactic but does seem to avoid what really makes for interesting stars: uniqueness and “true” emotions. The little girl, whose parents died and falls in love with the doll, is an amazing actress.

You could wait to see this movie on a smaller screen. It worked for TZ and Hitchcock. I could also see a Mel Brooks, or Brooks-like, spoof in the making.

Seen at The Strand, the incredible theater in Old Forge, NY owned by Bob and Helen. If you haven’t been you are really missing an incredible experience.

This would have been a 4 out of 5, but a few minor issues pulled it down a tad.

3.8

Welcome to Our End of the New movie reviews. One star: don’t bother. Two: eh, OK, but a lot of problems here. Three: Good movie, just at least one problem. Four: very good. Five: if you don’t go you’re missing out. Added comments at the end: “you could wait for it to come on TV,” “best seen on the big screen” and “good for all screens,” unless other comments are added, refer mainly to the nature of the movie such as special effects, incredible sound or scenery that might make it best seen in a movie theater depending on your set up at home.