Meg 2: The Trench continues the story of deep-sea diver Jonas Taylor (played by Jason Statham) and the Zhang Institute, which discovered the existence of the prehistoric predator known as the Megalodon in the first film. The sequel reveals that the institute has kept one in captivity for further study. However, things go awry when the megalodon escapes, leading Jonas and his team deep into the ocean to the trench where these creatures have called home for centuries. Along the way, they encounter not only other megalodons but also an evil underwater drilling operation.
Movie Review: Meg 2: The Trench
Themes:
- Survival: The characters face life-threatening situations as they navigate treacherous waters and battle both the giant sharks and human adversaries.
- Environmental Impact: The film highlights the consequences of reckless resource extraction and the exploitation of natural habitats.
Character Development:
- Jonas Taylor remains the stoic hero, trying to protect Meiying (Sophia Cai), the main creature he aims to keep alive.
- Jiuming (Wu Jing), the head of the Zhang Institute, grapples with the consequences of his actions.
Director’s Style:
- Ben Wheatley’s direction lacks the exuberance seen in his previous films. He mostly phones it in, especially until the chaotic final half-hour.
- The underwater sequences suffer from poor lighting and execution.
Performances:
- Jason Statham appears visibly bored, lacking the winking fun he brings to his best action roles.
- Sophia Cai’s portrayal of Meiying adds some emotional weight.
Technical Aspects:
- Visual Effects: Unfortunately, the big-budget CGI graphics fall short, especially during underwater scenes.
- Cinematography: The murky ocean shots are poorly executed, making it hard to appreciate the underwater world.
Strengths:
- The film picks up some fun momentum in the final act.
- The premise of exploring the trench and encountering multiple megalodons is intriguing.
Weaknesses:
- Lackluster dialogue and poorly executed underwater visuals.
- Disjointed storytelling that drifts before delivering campy thrills.
Recommendation:
Meg 2: The Trench isn’t without its moments, but it suffers from significant flaws. If you’re a fan of creature features and can overlook its shortcomings, you might find some enjoyment. Otherwise, consider swimming in different cinematic waters.
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Suggestive Material, Action/Violence, Language, Some Bloody Images)
Release Date: August 4, 2023
Box Office (Gross USA): $82.6M
There are no reviews yet.