‘Meg 2: The Trench’ Review – Too Serious For Too Long

Synopsis: Dive into uncharted waters with Jason Statham and global action icon Wu Jing as they lead a daring research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal Megs and relentless environmental plunderers, our heroes must outrun, outsmart, and outswim their merciless predators in a pulsepounding race against time.

How do you respond when all of the cards are stacked against you? You have two options, stand and fight or run away. No matter the choice, it will define you. It will not only change how people see you but how you see yourself. Now, make no mistake, retreating and running away are two different things. In the face of adversity, we want someone by our side that we can depend on and not a dependent, even if that means stepping away to regroup. We don’t just fight to win, we fight to survive. How do you want to be remembered?

“That’s the biggest Meg I’ve ever seen.”

When are we going to learn? Just like a stranger, the sea creatures don’t want us in their house. Directed by Ben Wheatley and based on the novel The Trench by Steve Alten, Meg 2: The Trench is too serious for too long. In fact, in many ways, it’s a Meg-a letdown. Wanting a fully immersive Jaws 3D experience, I decided to see the movie in 3D 4DX. I was prepared to dodge multiple murderous megalodons almost chomping my face off while the seat gleaks on me and attempts to buck me off like a drunk bachelorette riding the mechanical bull at a Nashville bar. Unfortunately, one of the two experiences took place. I still have my face. With its predecessor laying the foundation for a larger-than-life flesh-ripping man versus beast oceanic sequel, you expect this film to lean into what it left us with last time and go full big-budget B-movie. You expect the 2 in the title to mean two times the stakes, twice as many Megs, more mayhem, more carnage, and an epic showdown between Statham and anything with teeth. Well, that’s all true, eventually.

It takes entirely too long, as it slugs through drama and corruption, to get to what you paid to see. We want giant ass sharks and we want them now. However, besides a few early situations, ‘now’ is the third act. Moreover, if most of the film were as entertaining as its last act where its reality evolves into the Fast franchise meets Jurassic Park, this would be nothing but praise for knowing the assignment. Now, I’m aware that we need a story and plot and not simply mindless destruction. And while relatively simple and predictable, we get a decent one. But as I alluded to earlier, it shouldn’t have taken as long as it did to get to the payoff. I was so uninterested at one point during the first half that my mind began wandering and I kept thinking how cool Jason Statham would be as James Bond. But I digress. Ultimately, most of it meant nothing and went nowhere as it was merely a vehicle to get us to an ending that felt like eating the same bowl of ice cream just with extra toppings this time. It’s still good but eerily similar.

“See you later, chum.”

To clarify just a little, when I say “too serious” I don’t mean in dialogue, intellectually, or overall tone because you could argue that it is in on the joke. However, as it allows its human characters to steal focus through most of the story, the Megs become secondary. It would rather focus on family dynamics and a relationship with a captive-born Meg that is akin to Chris Pratt’s character in Jurassic World and Blue the Velociraptor. Not to mention, the very poor hostile takeover subplot. The human villains are boring, one-dimensional, and not menacing at all. They feel very Mean Girl-ish. Oh, and I almost forgot, they barely mention Suyin (Li Bingbing) who isn’t physically in the film but played a big role in The Meg.

Nevertheless, there are some positives like the humor and chemistry that we get from Page Kennedy and Cliff Curtis. The trench while not fully explored is somewhat thrilling. And of course, Statham is always good. The way I experienced the film, in 3D 4DX or in regular 3D, is the only way to get some appreciation for this prehistoric sharp-toothed fish film. It begins great, ends weirdly, and leaves you with regret and a bunch of questions. Unfortunately, the stage is set for another sequel for some reason. It’s not the worst film that I’ve seen this year, but definitely the most disappointing. Like anything else, Meg 2: The Trench can and will still be fully enjoyed by some and I’d like to ask, how? Its rewatchability is low. And there is no post-credits scene.

 

Pacing & Pop

While the pacing of the film isn’t entirely terrible, it feels like a lifetime before we get to the good stuff. What popped for me was the laughably absurd helicopter propeller scene. You’ll understand once you see it. If you’re going to lean into being an outrageous creature feature. that’s how you do it.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Jason Statham, Wu Jing, Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, Sergio Peris-Mencheta, Skyler Samuels, and Cliff Curtis

While some of the acting is well executed, the overall chemistry is very awkward. The daddy-daughter relationship between Statham’s Jonas and Sophia Cai’s Meiying is very disjointed. It feels more like he’s babysitting. Skyler Samuels feels completely out of place as did her boss. However, most of the returning cast did great. Jason Statham seems to never disappoint. Jonas is more heroic than ever. Page Kennedy as DJ has some really great action and comical moments and is my favorite part of the movie. He also leveled up from the first time we saw the character. Cliff Curtis as Mac pairs well with anyone. And the addition of Wu Jing as Jiuming provided tons of energy.

Meg 2: The Trench is now playing in theaters as of August 4, 2023. Remain safe and avoid corruption.

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 56m

Director: Ben Wheatley

Writers: Jon Hoeber & Erich Hoeber, Dean Georgaris

Based On: The Trench by Steve Alten

Producers: Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Belle Avery

Executive Producers: Jason Statham, Cate Adams, Ruigang Li, Catherine Xujun Ying, Wu Jing, E. Bennett Walsh, Erik Howsam, Gerald R. Molen and Randy Greenberg

Director of Photography: Haris Zambarloukous

Production Designer: Chris Lowe

Editor: Jonathan Amos

Visual Effects Supervisor: Pete Bebb

Costume Designer: Lindsay Pugh

Music: Harry Gregson-Williams