Inspector Gadget 3: System Upgrade (2026)

⭐ Starring: Matthew Broderick, Michelle Trachtenberg, Steve Carell, Rupert Everett

Wowsers! John Brown is back, and this time he’s about to prove that sometimes, being outdated is an advantage.

In the world of high-tech law enforcement and AI-driven solutions, it’s easy to see how someone like Inspector Gadget—once a state-of-the-art bionic detective—could feel like a relic. Now retired and living a quiet life, Gadget’s rusty, glitchy systems are no match for the sleek, modern technology that’s taken over the world of crime-fighting. But when the notorious Dr. Claw (Rupert Everett) returns with a diabolical plan to hijack the global “Smart City” network, turning every device into a weapon, the new generation of police bots proves utterly useless against his sophisticated hack. The future of security hangs in the balance, and the only thing that can’t be hacked? Gadget himself.

Matthew Broderick returns to his iconic role as the bumbling yet determined Inspector Gadget, bringing the character back to life with his signature charm and clumsy ingenuity. It’s a thrilling twist on the idea of being “obsolete”—while everyone around him is upgrading to cutting-edge tech, Gadget’s outdated operating system becomes the one thing Claw can’t control. In a world where artificial intelligence seems to have all the answers, it’s the unpredictable, offbeat human touch that turns out to be the most reliable weapon. This time, Gadget proves that even the most old-fashioned methods can outsmart the sophisticated enemies of today.

Penny (Michelle Trachtenberg), now a high-ranking cyber-security expert, has moved beyond her role as Gadget’s sidekick. She’s a tech genius in her own right and must guide her bumbling uncle through increasingly chaotic missions, working remotely from her secure command center. Penny’s role in System Upgrade is key; her intelligence, calm under pressure, and ability to think outside the box complement Gadget’s well-meaning but often disastrous approach. Together, they make a dynamic duo, though it’s clear that Penny is the brains behind the operation while Gadget is, well, the unpredictable muscle.

Adding to the mix is Steve Carell, whose character, a grumpy robotic dog handler, provides a hilarious foil to Gadget’s antics. Carell’s dry humor and deadpan delivery create the perfect counterpoint to the chaos Gadget seems to create wherever he goes. The dynamic between Carell’s character and Gadget is delightfully mismatched, and their exchanges provide much-needed levity amidst the action.

As the world spirals into chaos under Dr. Claw’s control, the tension builds quickly. Claw’s plan is more dangerous than ever—if he succeeds in turning the global Smart City network into a weapon, the consequences could be catastrophic. The film’s pacing never slows down, each scene building toward a high-stakes finale where Gadget must embrace his own glitchy, outdated nature to outsmart Claw and save the day. From high-speed chases to hilarious misfires, Gadget’s actions are as unpredictable as ever, keeping the audience on the edge of their seat while chuckling at his clumsy determination.

The action sequences in System Upgrade are a spectacle in themselves, with the film blending traditional slapstick comedy with modern, high-tech thrills. While Gadget’s bionic limbs and gadgets may be clunky compared to the sleek designs of today’s tech, they’re just as effective—especially when he relies on good old-fashioned ingenuity to outwit his enemies. The movie’s clever juxtaposition of the old and new is its heart, with Gadget’s nostalgic charm serving as a reminder that there’s more than one way to get the job done.

Visually, Inspector Gadget 3: System Upgrade is a treat, with a futuristic cityscape that’s as dazzling as it is terrifying. The Smart City is a shining example of the technological advancements of the world, but it’s also a place where every device can turn against you at the push of a button. The CGI effects are slick, with high-tech robots and gadgets aplenty, but it’s the film’s commitment to showing Gadget’s reliance on outdated technology that adds both humor and heart to the story.

Ultimately, System Upgrade is a love letter to the classics of the past, wrapped in a modern package. It’s a film that embraces both the old and new, showing that while technology advances at a rapid pace, there’s still something invaluable about human instinct, humor, and adaptability. Inspector Gadget, with all his quirks and faults, is the perfect hero for a world that’s becoming increasingly dependent on machines. Sometimes, being outdated isn’t a flaw—it’s an advantage.

In a world that increasingly relies on machines to do the thinking for us, Inspector Gadget 3: System Upgrade shows that sometimes the most unpredictable, glitchy system can be the key to saving the day. From the hilariously offbeat performances to the high-stakes action sequences, this film delivers both laughs and thrills in equal measure.

Verdict: 8/10 – A hilarious, heartwarming adventure that proves the old ways can still teach us something. Inspector Gadget’s bumbling charm and unpredictable heroism make System Upgrade a delightful and action-packed ride, even in a world that’s increasingly driven by tech.