Review by Jon Donnis
Directed by Ben Wheatley, "Meg 2: The Trench" takes audiences on a thrilling and heart-pounding deep-sea adventure, delivering a captivating blend of science fiction and action. The film is a sequel to the 2018 hit "The Meg," and it successfully builds upon the suspenseful premise of its predecessor.
Overall
The story transports viewers five years after the events of the first film, introducing us to the now-seasoned diver Jonas Taylor, portrayed brilliantly by Jason Statham. Taylor's involvement in fighting environmental crimes meshes seamlessly with his role in exploring the uncharted depths of the Mariana Trench. The film kicks into high gear when a malevolent mining operation jeopardizes the mission, thrusting Taylor and his team into a desperate battle for survival against the formidable Megalodons.
The cast's performances are commendable, with Statham reprising his role with the perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability. Wu Jing as Jiuming Zhang brings depth to his character, and Sophia Cai as Meiying Zhang shines as Jonas' step-daughter, adding emotional resonance to the film. The ensemble, including Page Kennedy, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Skyler Samuels, Cliff Curtis, and Sienna Guillory, contributes to the film's dynamics and tension.
Director Ben Wheatley masterfully keeps the pace tense and the stakes high, skilfully blending action-packed sequences with moments of emotional connection and light-hearted banter. The underwater scenes are visually stunning, immersing the audience into the perilous world of the trench. The filmmakers' attention to detail is evident, enhancing the authenticity of the deep-sea environment.
The screenplay, penned by Jon Hoeber, Erich Hoeber, and Dean Georgaris, adeptly weaves a complex narrative that involves illegal mining, personal vendettas, and the unpredictable behaviour of the Megalodons. This intricate web of elements keeps the audience engaged throughout the film's runtime.
While "Meg 2: The Trench" maintains the suspenseful and thrilling tone of its predecessor, it also introduces new dimensions to the story, such as the dynamic with the trained Meg, Haiqi, whose erratic behaviour adds an element of uncertainty.
The Good
With a big budget, the film is strong on the visual effects, everything looks great, and if you can ignore some of the science of it all, this is a fun action film that never takes itself too seriously, and delivers on the most important part, lots of Megalodon action.
The Bad
The film does introduce some other creatures, which I thought was a bit much, keep it to the giant sharks and I am happy. As mentioned above some of the science is a bit iffy, and I imagine deep sea divers etc will be shouting at the screen.
"Meg 2: The Trench" is a must-watch for fans of the science fiction and action genres. With a decent storyline, captivating performances, and breathtaking visuals, the film successfully carries the torch from the first installment and delivers an exhilarating cinematic experience. Whether you're a fan of deep-sea adventures, monstrous creatures, or heart-pounding action, this film offers something for everyone.
I enjoyed Meg 2, and yes it does get a bit silly at times, but what do you expect, it is a film about a giant ancient shark!
I score Meg 2: The Trench a solid 8/10
In Cinemas Now!
And coming soon to Apple TV at https://apple.co/43X3Bmu