Movies

Watching M3GAN Made Me Relive My Terrifying Childhood Toy Nightmare—You Won’t Believe This!

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The reason why stories about “sinister toys” are common in horror films like Chucky from Child’s Play, Annabelle, and M3GAN (including its sequel, M3GAN 2.0, scheduled for release on June 27, 2025) lies in their ability to transform the seemingly harmless playthings of our youth into containers for pure evil. A small shift can make one’s cherished childhood toys feel unsettling and potentially dangerous. Watching M3GAN recently brought back memories of a similarly chilling encounter I had as a child.

I didn’t intentionally delay watching one of the best horror movies of 2023 featuring Allison Williams and Violet McGraw until now. It wasn’t until I was compiling a list of films to watch in cinemas that I discovered I had missed it. Ultimately, this experience has further solidified my belief that even inanimate entities require constant vigilance.

Teddy Ruxpin Was No M3GAN, But He Was Fine For An ‘80s Toy

When I mention “long-held belief,” I’m referring to a span of approximately decades. Let me transport you back to an era that was truly magical, the 1980s. On my birthday, which I believe was when I was around 4 or 5 years old, I received a Teddy Ruxpin doll as a gift. Looking at it now, the technology would undoubtedly provoke laughter, but in my simple, analog world, that not-so-cuddly bear was an absolute dream come true.

Initial thoughts? To be honest, I was a bit disheartened. I’d seen the ads where, in my imagination, Teddy Ruxpin would engage in lively, two-way chats with his young friend, so when I opened that box and said “Hello Teddy!”, I expected more interaction than what I eventually received.

Let’s not rush, dear Heidi. First, we need to put in four AA batteries, afterwards, slip the cassette tape into the slot at the back of Teddy, and only after that, you can listen to the pre-recorded phrases and stories.

Hi, I’m Teddy Ruxpin! Can you and I be friends?

Sigh. Yeah, you’ll do.

In the ’80s, I yearned deeply for an M3GAN doll, but alas, all I could get my hands on was a Teddy Ruxpin. And you know what? A Teddy Ruxpin turned out to be quite delightful.

Until The Day Teddy Ruxpin’s Batteries Ran Out

Based on the signs, it appears I had a strong affection for Teddy Ruxpin. The indication lies in the fact that I ran through multiple batteries playing with the cassette player on his back. At that young age, however, I wasn’t fully aware of what would transpire when the batteries ran out. It was a weekend morning (presumably, as the sunlight streamed in and my parents were still asleep). I stirred awake, pressed Play on my teddy bear, and…

This version maintains the original meaning but is rephrased to sound more conversational and natural.

Then it happened.

As I watched, Teddy Ruxpin’s voice changed and slowed during his story or greeting, and when the AA batteries ran out, so did his life. His voice became deeper and distorted, almost growling like a dying bear.

As a film aficionado, I couldn’t help but freeze in fear when I glanced at Teddy, only to witness his eyes rolling back slowly yet strangely, with the painted irises fixed and staring blankly in opposite directions. The majority of his eye sockets were now hollow white voids. The ghastly sounds emanating from him lingered in my ears as I hastily sought refuge beneath the covers.

Was it straight away that I called for my parents, or did I wait until I was certain the bear wouldn’t break through my fortified blanket? To be honest, I can’t recall exactly, but if you remember the moment in the movie M3GAN when water splashes on her and she malfunctions, jerkily chasing after her target, that’s somewhat similar to what I imagined would happen if I dared to look outside the orbs that had once been eyes.

Eventually, I mustered enough courage to speak up to my parents about something, and I believe they casually told me that the batteries were dead as they discarded the remnants of what used to be my friend’s shell. To confirm this story, I reached out to my mother this morning by text and asked if she remembered this significant incident in my life, and she kindly replied with a sympathetic message.

🤣 Yes

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, it seems she wasn’t quite as shaken by the villainous conquest as I was. You know, considering we got our My Buddy and Kid Sister dolls shortly after, it’s evident that no hard-hitting lessons about evil were absorbed that day.

M3GAN May Be An A.I. Cautionary Tale, But Let’s Not Underestimate Simpler Technology

Today, there’s no lack of films cautioning us about the risks of artificial intelligence. Although M3GAN may not hold Five Nights at Freddy’s in high regard, the upcoming sequel of this franchise focused on animatronics is a testament that I’m not alone in my apprehension towards modern-day electronic chatterboxes.

Indeed, I may be overstating things slightly (just a tad). To clarify, I don’t hold the belief that horror movies serve as conduits for demonic energy (with all due respect to those who do so believe), and even my own offspring have had their share of rather frightening toys. However, upon first watching the killer doll movie, I would concur that the Purrpetual Petz seemed more terrifying to me in the film M3GAN than the main character itself.

On Starz, you’ve got an amazing lineup of films such as M3GAN and many others, typically costing you $10.99 per month. However, we’re offering you a fantastic deal! For the initial three months, you can enjoy it at just $3 per month. Hurry and lock in this price now! Check out the offer.

After catching a glimpse of those chilling Furby-like beings and their enticing fake advertisement, I had high hopes that the sequel would continue in a similar vein. Yet, upon learning about the storyline of M3GAN 2.0, it appears that won’t be the case. Instead, the antagonist from the original film is recruited to battle against a new menacing android named AMELIA. (Our own Sarah El-Mahmoud gave it a 3.5 out of 5 stars in her TopMob review of the sequel.)

This franchise primarily explores the themes of Artificial Intelligence and potential perils of the future, rather than the malevolence associated with past toys. However, it still managed to trigger memories of my personal terrifying experience with a talking doll.

You can start streaming the movie “M3GAN” right now on Starz, and there’s even an uncensored, bloodier version available if you prefer. Don’t forget to visit the cinemas from Friday, June 27, for the release of “M3GAN 2.0”.

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2025-06-27 00:10

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