Meg 2: The Trench offers two primary reasons for its audience to dive into the cinematic experience. First and foremost, it features enthralling moments of Jason Statham taking on not one but three menacing megalodons while riding a vibrant yellow jet ski. Such scenes undoubtedly provide a rush of adrenaline for action enthusiasts. Secondly, the film serves as an escape from the stresses of reality, offering a whirlwind of bonkers entertainment for a couple of hours. However, amidst the high-octane excitement, Meg 2 sometimes loses sight of its purpose, straying into the realm of preposterousness.
For fans like myself, who relished The Meg’s larger-than-life premise, featuring The Stath in a thrilling showdown with colossal sharks, Meg 2 might leave us wanting more. Directed by Ben Wheatley, the sequel seems to hold back in its efforts to create compelling dialogues, and the jumpscares feel half-hearted at best. The film introduces some new characters that struggle to resonate with the audience, while we find ourselves yearning for deeper connections with familiar faces from the first movie, particularly Jonas Taylor (played by Jason Statham), Mac (Cliff Curtis), and Meiying (Shuya Sophia Cai).
The plot picks up a few years after the events of its predecessor, with The Stath embarking on a James Bond-esque mission to save the earth from polluting “scums.” While this concept might have potential for a green James Bond spin-off featuring the charismatic star, its inclusion here feels somewhat forced. Moreover, the absence of Suyin Zhang (Li Bingbing) and the lack of explanation regarding her fate leave us questioning the character’s departure.
As divers venture into the Mariana Trench for exploration, chaos ensues when a captive megalodon cub breaks free, revealing that these creatures are not solitary and are preparing to breed. The movie unleashes a plethora of additional sea monsters, including a giant octopus and raptor-like amphibians, which initially capture attention but eventually become repetitive, diminishing their impact. The action-packed scenes offer ample opportunities for The Stath to shine, showcasing his courage and resourcefulness in battling both sharks and human adversaries.
As the threat spreads beyond the trench, innocent bystanders find themselves in peril, adding a splash of intensity to the storyline. However, the third act becomes less about suspense and more about celebrating the carnage, which could leave some viewers yearning for a more cohesive narrative.
Despite its shortcomings, Meg 2: The Trench finds redemption in the most quintessential Stath moments, where Jason Statham’s charismatic presence reigns supreme. Moments like fending off a shark with his legs while riding a yellow jet ski and wielding harpoon bombs are particularly enjoyable, as is his ingenious use of a helicopter blade to vanquish a massive megalodon.
As the film concludes with an opening for a potential third installment, where a captivity-bred megalodon could pose new challenges, the future of the franchise remains uncertain. Perhaps a green James Bond spin-off featuring The Stath could be a welcome addition for those yearning for more epic adventures. With its blend of absurdity and thrilling heroics, Meg 2: The Trench leaves audiences with mixed emotions, making us wonder whether the franchise will resurface or swim into oblivion.