The highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 hit movie “The Meg,” titled “Meg 2: The Trench,” has hit theaters, and unfortunately, it seems to have missed the mark by a long shot. Film critic Caryn James describes it as a “plain awful” follow-up, devoid of the charm and commercial appeal that made its predecessor a success.
In the original “Meg,” audiences were treated to a formulaic but entertaining adventure with Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor, a diver facing off against a giant prehistoric shark, the megalodon. While it wasn’t a groundbreaking masterpiece, it fulfilled its purpose as an enjoyable popcorn flick, earning over $530 million at the box office. “Meg 2: The Trench,” however, struggles to find its identity and meanders through a messy plot that tries to pay homage to its predecessor and even “Jaws” at times.
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The film opens with Jonas now working at an oceanic institute dedicated to preserving the ecosystem. Here, a megalodon raised from a pup resides in a massive aquarium in the office. Statham’s trademark humor, seen in other films like “Spy,” is strangely absent as he goes through the motions with a perpetually furrowed brow and a constant scowl.
The romance between Jonas and the oceanographer Suyin, from the first film, is hinted at but left unresolved. Instead, we learn that Suyin has passed away, and Jonas appears to be taking care of her 14-year-old daughter, Meiying. The relationships lack depth, as the film’s focus seems to have shifted towards becoming a global box-office contender, evident in the addition of Chinese superstar Wu Jing in a lackluster role.
As the story unfolds, Jonas takes a crew, including Meiying and Suyin’s brother Jiuming, to explore a trench from which megalodons are escaping. The ensuing action scenes are lackluster and predictable, failing to deliver any real thrills. The film attempts to inject meta wit by referencing its own genre, but these moments stand out as rare and isolated instances.
Director Ben Wheatley, known for his quirky and diverse filmmaking, takes on this big commercial project, but his unique touch seems lost amidst the chaos of “Meg 2.” The special effects appear low-tech and unimpressive, failing to generate any excitement or suspense.
Even with the presence of gigantic CGI megalodon jaws lunging toward the audience, the jump scares lack impact and fail to elicit any reaction. The film’s attempts to create tension and fear fall flat, leaving viewers disengaged and uninterested.
Ultimately, “Meg 2: The Trench” is a missed opportunity to create a thrilling and enjoyable sequel. The film struggles to find its footing, resulting in a messy narrative and underwhelming performances. While the first “Meg” embraced its formulaic nature, the sequel tries to be something more but ends up sinking into the category of “plain awful.”
As the cinematic world continues to explore big-budget sequels, “Meg 2” serves as a cautionary tale that not every follow-up can replicate the success of its predecessor. For fans of the original “Meg,” this sequel may leave them disappointed and yearning for the excitement that once gripped them in the depths of the ocean.