Meg 2: The Trench (2023) Movie Review

Back in 2018, Gravity Pictures, a renowned production powerhouse, embarked on reviving a timeless narrative centered around the terror of a shark attack. Their creation was a film meticulously crafted within the thrilling survival genre, immersing viewers into a world inhabited by the ancient megalodon, a colossal fish that should have faded into oblivion by the conclusion of the Pliocene epoch, approximately 3.6 million years ago, during a period marked by the onset of glacial conditions.

What makes this cinematic masterpiece truly captivating is the promise of an experience akin to the awe-inducing Jurassic Park, only this time set against the breathtaking backdrop of the ocean’s mysteries. From bone-chilling horror to heart-racing suspense, every facet that can elicit a gasp is masterfully woven into this film’s fabric, a narrative tapestry drawn from the pages of Steve Alten’s enthralling novel series, aptly named “Meg.”

Directed by Jon Turteltaub, this cinematic endeavor emerged as a testament to creative prowess, magnificently translating Steve’s literary vision into a mesmerizing visual saga that managed to rake in a staggering $530.2 million in collective box office revenue from theaters across the globe. Riding high on the waves of this monumental success, the next chapter was born: “Meg 2: The Trench.”

However, this leads to a burning question that lingers in the minds of eager audiences: Can this sequel capture the same magic and intrigue as its predecessor? This query arises as if a haunting refrain from history, as the annals of cinema are rife with instances where sequels falter in the shadow of their progenitors. What compounds this uncertainty is the myriad of changes that have swept over the landscape: not just shifts in production dynamics, but alterations to the very core players, from the director who first breathed life into the megalodon’s tale to the production house itself.

As the tide of anticipation continues to swell, the answer remains elusive. Yet, within this uncertainty lies the captivating allure of the film world, where each new installment holds the potential to shatter expectations or propel a saga to new heights. The stage is set for “Meg 2,” the enigmatic sequel that stands on the precipice of cinematic history, poised to either defy the odds or become another enigmatic footnote in the complex tapestry of filmmaking.

Megalodon and Its Representation in Hollywood

• Year of Release 2023
• Genres Action , Adventure , Horror
• Director Ben Wheatley
• Cast ∙ Jason Statham ∙ Wu Jing ∙ Sophia Cai ∙ Page Kennedy ∙ Sergio Peris-Mencheta

As we all know, the Meg film presents Megalodon as the main star. Even though this kind of film has been around in the film market a lot, I think this is the first time a film about monsters has been made public. In the story, Megalodon lived in deep ocean waters and did no harm to humans.

The area where Megalodon was located was covered by a layer known as the hydrogen sulfide thermocline, so Megalodon couldn’t pass through it. Despite the fact that this shark does not live in deep water, but above the dark zone. Well , I think the production team forgot about this.

Even though a lot of information is not very accurate, Hollywood is able to resurrect this ancient animal very well. Provides information about how the sea monster became the top of the food chain of all earth creatures; and how aggressive is also vicious. Applause for the creators involved in this film.

Meg 2 Review

Jason Statham Returns to Fight

Within the narrative’s intricate web, Jason Statham reprises his role as the seemingly indestructible Jason Taylor. A curious dichotomy unfolds as his comrades, unfortunate enough to cross paths with the Megalodon, meet a swift demise within mere seconds of direct contact.

The unfolding events beckon Jason to align his fate with the marine institution under the stewardship of the Zhang family. For those unfamiliar, the first film’s narrative spotlighted the Marine Institute Zhang, a pivotal player responsible for extricating the Megalodon from its watery lair, a triumph in which Jason played a crucial role in vanquishing the predatory menace.

Yet, this endeavor proves to be a multifaceted challenge. Among the Zhang family members, Jiuming Zhang (portrayed by Wu Jing), stands as a notable figure who retains a Megalodon for the purpose of research and exploration, veering the narrative into uncharted waters fraught with potential pitfalls.

From this juncture, an intuitive observer might surmise that the conundrum’s origin stems from this scientific endeavor. However, appearances can be deceiving, for the tale is a labyrinthine amalgamation of complications. As the intricate plot unfolds, another layer of unrest surfaces, gripping Jason and his compatriots. This turbulent tide commences when Jason and Jiuming embark on an ambitious deep-sea expedition.

Alas, the expedition’s course takes an unforeseen twist, marred by the escape of Jiuming’s captive Megalodon. This ferocious predator’s pursuit escalates as it relentlessly chases the scientists’ submersible, thrusting all aboard into a nerve-wracking escapade. In a desperate bid to elude the monstrous predator’s relentless pursuit, the submersible breaches the thermocline barrier, inadvertently leading them into the predator’s aquatic realm.

True to form, the chase intensifies, exacerbated by the reverberations of illegal undersea mining, which unleash left and right explosions, plunging the underwater domain into further chaos. Their valiant attempts to resurface only compound their predicament, as the explosion breaches the thermocline boundary. This rupture creates an unexpected fissure, ushering forth a cadre of Megalodons, thus unleashing a new level of peril.

In sum, the narrative’s complexity deepens with every twist, an intricate dance of fate, ambition, and danger. The seemingly straightforward premise evolves into a multidimensional tale that showcases the fragility of human endeavors when confronted by the enigmatic forces of the deep. As the narrative crescendos, the ensuing chaos paints a vivid tapestry of the perils that await those who dare to challenge the domain of the ancient Megalodon.

Widespread Plot

I must admit, the initial half-hour of the film, marked by an exposition of institutions and meticulous expedition plans, left me with a growing sense of ennui.

Curiously absent was the exhilaration that typically accompanies cinematic experiences. Furthermore, Jason Statham’s portrayal of the character Jason appeared to lack the fervor that one might expect. Despite this, my anticipation for this film was particularly high, nurtured over a span of four years in eager anticipation.

Yet, as time unfurled, a disconcerting realization settled in: the narrative’s trajectory seemed to meander aimlessly. What should have been an immersion into the dread-inducing world of the Megalodon transformed into a divergence, delving into the realm of another ancient creature. The emergence of the colossal octopus and prehistoric amphibian entities led to a divergence in focus, splitting the storyline’s direction. Adding to this complexity, the weight of the narrative was anchored by the collective endeavor to rescue Jiuming’s niece, Meiying (depicted by Sophia Cai).

The film’s penultimate 90-minute stretch finally promises an immersive experience. Here, three Megalodons, a colossal ancient octopus reminiscent of the Kraken, and predatory amphibians converge upon a shallow sea expanse, nestled alongside the idyllic Fun Island resort. A disconcerting feast commences as these monstrous creatures converge at the “All You Can Eat” table, with unsuspecting humans as their main course.

However, this thrill is short-lived, waning just as I begin to find myself engrossed in the evolving narrative. The film’s attempt to capture these awe-inspiring moments through visual representation feels somewhat discomfiting. Picture this: a first-person perspective thrusts us into the gaping maw of the Megalodon, as dozens of humans are swallowed without resistance. Moreover, Jason’s encounter with the monstrous creature aboard a jet ski, harpoon in hand, takes on a somewhat jarring quality, as his actions verge on appearing overly assertive.

In essence, the journey through this narrative arc exhibits a fluctuating experience, veering between moments of potential exhilaration and instances that detract from the immersion. As the storyline navigates through various dimensions and interactions, the viewer is confronted with a blend of thrilling anticipation and moments that, while intense, might evoke an awkward sense of incongruity.

Bland End

As soon as we entered the final round, and we knew for sure who survived , there was no feeling of wanting to applaud or just say ‘ wow ‘ from my mouth personally. I didn’t find any scary feeling , especially when Jason fought against Megalodon. Is it possible that the director, Ben Wheatley, just ran out of ideas?

It feels very flat. Coupled with a scene where the survivors gather and join some tourists to drink cocktails and whiskey , as a success against Megalodon. Dear Ben , I know you’re a great director, but this film is seriously third-rate. 2 stars from Bumareview.