‘Meg 2: The Trench’ Delivers Sharks, Statham Charm, and an Unexpected Twist
The highly anticipated sequel to 2018’s sci-fi action hit ‘The Meg’ has finally arrived, and it promises more of what fans loved about the original film. ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ brings back Jason Statham in his tough guy role as Jonas Taylor, ready to take on another gigantic shark. While the film delivers on its promise of shark action and Statham’s signature charm, it also throws in a disappointing twist that may leave some viewers unsatisfied.
‘Meg 2: The Trench’ kicks off with a hilarious nod to the iconic quote, There’s always a bigger fish, from ‘Star Wars’ character Qui-Gon Jinn. The image of a massive Megalodon devouring a T-rex sets the tone for what could have been a more lighthearted and entertaining film. However, the story takes a departure from the original movie, delving into a convoluted plot involving rogue mining operations and a conspiracy surrounding them. This shift in storyline feels out of place for a B-movie with a budget of $129 million, making it more reminiscent of films like ‘Under Siege’ rather than the classic shark thriller ‘Jaws.’
Despite the deviation from the original film, Statham brings his usual charm and wit to the screen, delivering smoldering looks and one-liners that fans have come to expect. However, one notable absence from the sequel is Li Bingbing, who played Suyin Zhang, Jonas’ love interest in the first film. The actress did not return for undisclosed reasons, and her character’s absence is explained by her death prior to the events of ‘Meg 2: The Trench.’ Unfortunately, this emotional plot point is only briefly touched upon, leaving much to be desired. Bingbing’s role is instead replaced by her brother Jiuming, portrayed by Chinese actor Wu Jing. While Wu Jing is undoubtedly talented, his comic relief falls short of carrying the movie.
The characters in ‘Meg 2′ fail to capture viewers’ interest, with most serving as mere vehicles for a lackluster story. Page Kennedy returns as DJ, providing some action-packed fight scenes and gunplay, but only because the script demands it. The other hero characters lack depth and personality, leaving audiences craving more shark action, which is disappointingly scarce.
As mentioned earlier, ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ introduces an array of human villains in addition to the giant sharks. Unfortunately, this decision to include more antagonistic forces feels like an afterthought, as the villains are one-dimensional, forgettable, and ultimately fail to add excitement to the film. Jonas spends minimal time confronting them, and it is only in the final act that the movie remembers its roots as a shark flick, delivering the human chomping sequences fans have been waiting for. However, the action sequences, while grand in scale, come across as idiotic, and with Statham’s character being seemingly invulnerable, there is no real sense of danger or suspense.
The script of ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ is undeniably simple and lacks depth, making it the epitome of summertime popcorn entertainment. While there are a few enjoyable moments, particularly in the final act, the overall story drags during the second act, failing to captivate audiences despite the presence of sharks. Setups and payoffs are uninspired, with missed opportunities like a cool exoskeleton suit that remains unused against the Megalodon. Awkwardly directed performances and cliché dialogue may elicit chuckles due to their unintentional humor, overshadowing the film’s intended jokes.
While it is clear that a ‘Meg’ movie won’t be synonymous with high art, ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ falls short in delivering the expected thrill and excitement. The film lacks the bite needed to make it a memorable addition to the franchise. Despite Statham’s undeniable charm and some entertaining moments, the movie’s weaknesses, including a lackluster story, forgettable characters, and an unfocused antagonist, outweigh the positives. ‘Meg 2: The Trench’ may leave audiences wanting more shark action and a stronger narrative.
