A research team encounters multiple threats while exploring the depths of the ocean, including a malevolent mining operation.
In the realm of action-packed aquatic thrillers, Jason Statham's charismatic presence has often provided a life raft for even the most implausible plots. From his iconic roles in The Transporter to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Statham has been a go-to star for delivering high-octane, adrenaline-fueled entertainment. However, even his undeniable magnetism can't fully salvage the sinking ship that is Meg 2: The Trench.
Directed by Ben Wheatley and penned by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris, Meg 2 attempts to continue the saga of gigantic prehistoric sharks, but it stumbles far off course. While Statham's presence is a welcome sight, the film's disjointed narrative, muddled character dynamics, and overblown plot elements make it a tedious and ultimately unsatisfying sequel.
From the outset, it's clear that Meg 2 struggles to find its footing. The film opens in the Cretaceous period with a convoluted chain of events involving bugs, lizards, and apex predators, all leading up to the return of the Megalodon. While the idea of going bigger and grander than its predecessor seems appealing, the film's execution falters as it introduces a trio of increasingly larger Megalodons and a slew of other aquatic creatures. This surplus of monstrous entities dilutes the impact of the titular shark, leaving it feeling like an afterthought rather than the central focus.
One of the film's major shortcomings is its lack of clear direction. Instead of embracing its B-grade roots and delivering the kind of self-aware, mindless entertainment that viewers might expect from a movie of this nature, Meg 2 takes itself too seriously. The attempts at weaving in a subplot involving unauthorized mining and environmental concerns in the Mariana Trench fall flat, bogging down the pacing and overshadowing the potential for thrilling underwater action.
One of the most disappointing aspects is the lack of chemistry among the cast. Despite Statham's efforts to inject charisma into his role as Jonas, the chemistry vacuum among the ensemble casts a pall over the interactions. Even the inclusion of Jing Wu and Shuya Sophia Cai fails to add depth to the relationships, leaving characters feeling one-dimensional and difficult to invest in.
While the film's visuals do offer some moments of excitement, the CGI often falls short of the mark. The Megalodons, although impressive in scale, lack the uncanny realism necessary to elicit genuine fear. The murky underwater sequences further hamper the visual experience, robbing the film of the vibrant aquatic allure that could have been a saving grace.
Yet, despite the myriad of flaws, Meg 2 does manage to salvage some semblance of entertainment in its final act. The last 40 minutes or so finally deliver the kind of heart-pounding action and suspense that viewers might have hoped for from the start. The use of colours and the adrenaline-pumping pace create a much-needed jolt of energy, briefly rekindling interest. The inclusion of an imperilled canine companion might be a transparent emotional manipulation, but it's a touch of sentimentality that does manage to pull at heartstrings.
Ultimately, Meg 2 struggles to justify its own existence. Despite the admirable attempt to expand the scope of the story, the film's failure to maintain a cohesive narrative and its unwillingness to fully embrace its campy potential result in a lacklustre experience. Jason Statham's charismatic presence and a handful of thrilling moments can't save the film from sinking into the depths of mediocrity. For fans of mindless aquatic thrillers, this sequel offers little more than a disappointingly diluted rehash of its predecessor's formula. As the credits roll, it's hard not to feel that this is one franchise that should have stayed submerged.
Meg 2: The Trench was released in NZ cinemas on August 3, 2023