Why M3GAN’s PG-13 Censorship Is Killing Horror’s Biggest Thrills

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It’s an exciting period for horror enthusiasts since the genre has been flourishing for quite some time now. Notably, Blumhouse has been delivering top-notch horror films, such as the quirky M3GAN series. While I’ve enjoyed watching the first two movies in cinemas, there’s an issue I have with M3GAN that extends to the horror genre as a whole: Scary PG-13 films tend to lack the intense impact they could have.

The financial performance of M3GAN 2.0 at the box office has fallen short, which is unexpected given the success of its predecessor. Despite high anticipation for the Blumhouse sequel, it appears that enthusiasm among fans has dwindled. Some might argue that a more adult-oriented, R-rated approach could have addressed this issue, although it’s just a thought.

I Need R-Rated Violence In Slashers.

In contrast to earlier PG-13 films like “A Quiet Place” and “The Sixth Sense,” the M3GAN movies are characterized as slasher films. This distinction lies not just in the suspense, but primarily in the gruesome manner in which victims meet their demise. The iconic scene from the first movie where the robot, M3GAN, is chasing someone with a paper cutter is particularly unnerving, contributing to this horror genre association. Besides the popular M3GAN dance trend, it’s the image of a robotic character armed with such a sharp object that is truly chilling.

In M3GAN 2.0, it’s the innovative robot named AMELIA who takes charge of eliminating adversaries right before our eyes. While these instances aren’t exactly terrifying, they certainly catch your attention. As a follow-up to Terminator 2, this character has essentially become a good guy. However, I can’t help but yearn for the classic portrayal of a robot – one that lives up to its role as a relentless killing machine. Is it asking too much to want a true killer robot?

This Isn’t Just A M3GAN Problem

In general, I often approach PG-13 horror movies with a degree of caution due to the expectation that they won’t be as scary or graphic as R-rated films. While some titles have impressed me, this rating in the horror genre is usually a warning sign for me. I find it more suitable for supernatural movies or thrillers, but for slasher films, I typically require more explicit gore. After all, that’s why Scream remains my favorite horror movie.

I’m eagerly anticipating the mature spinoff titled “SOULM8TE”. As per horror maestro James Wan, it promises grown-up themes and is loosely based on “Fatal Attraction”. Instead of a child’s robot, this psychological thriller will revolve around a solitary man who purchases an AI robot to cope with his grief. Given the mature content, we might even witness graphic violence, fingers crossed!

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2025-07-03 14:07