Title: Meg 2: The Trench
Director: Ben Wheatley
Cast: Jason Statham, Jing Wu, Shuya Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Skyler Samuels, Cliff Curtis, Sienna Guillory
Where: In theatres near you
Rating: **1/2
This deep-sea adventure is an action-packed thriller directed by Ben Wheatley. It is loosely based on the 1999 novel, The Trench by Steve Alten and serves as a sequel to the 2018 released Meg.
While the previous edition established the concept of the titular prehistoric shark known as megalodon and the threats it brings, the sequel, with higher stakes, along with terrifying and nail-biting action sequences, broadens the realm of the narrative giving us exciting viewpoints to uncover new mysteries.
The plot revolves around Jonas Taylor, a deep-sea diver and an eco-warrior, who is fighting the good fight. He doubles up as an investigator helping a group of scientists working for the Oceanic Institute in China, whose mandate is to protect the ocean.
Taylor leads a group of scientists who accompany him on an expedition to investigate a seemingly abandoned remote station 25,000 ft deep into the ocean, in an area known as "The Trench".
The mission is sabotaged by a team of armed rogues working for mercenaries. In their attempt to survive, Taylor and his teammates have not only to defeat their gun-trotting opponents but also battle the megalodon and predators, which include a gigantic Octopus and many prehistoric carnivorous reptiles akin to dinosaurs.
The narrative is engaging and shifts gears from serious telling to light-hearted scenes, which throws caution to any seriousness, especially in the final act at Fun Park. Despite the action sequences being exhilarating and over-the-top, the scenes lack freshness as they appear generic and oft seen in films.
The characters in the film are perfunctorily crafted, and you do not connect with them emotionally. The antagonists too, are weak and do not leave an impression in the minds of the viewer.
On the performance front, the film squarely rests on Statham’s shoulders. He is clearly at home with his role as he flexes his muscles and downs his opponents with the requisite punches. He is aptly supported by Wu Jing, who portrays Jiuming, a scientist who has a bond with the megalodon. His scenes with the mammal are intense, scary, and heartwarming. It’s touching when he says with pride, “They understand me.”
Sophia Cia as Juiming’s niece Meiying is reasonably endearing, but her character seems forced in the narrative only to have an emotional connection. The rest of the cast effortlessly delivers what is expected- from them.
Visually, the film is mounted on a grand scale. The underwater shots fail to give you an immersive experience nevertheless it delivers the magnitude and intensity of the situation. Each frame appears spectacular, but they fail to impress. The CGI meshes seamlessly with the live-action shots, and the background score elevates the viewing experience.
Overall, the film is a low-grade entertainer.
