“Meg 2: The Trench” does what it’s supposed to do in giving the viewers a fun, exciting fantasy thrill ride with no holds barred.
Jason Statham returns in the lead role of Jonas Taylor, a gung-ho adventurer whose unsubstantiated claims of a giant fish, actually a megalodon or prehistoric giant shark, turned out to be true. In a nifty throwback, the little Chihuahua named Pippin from the original “Meg” makes an appearance. The sequel put a smile on my face when the dog from the 2018 original was still alive and kicking.
Cliff Curtis (“Avatar: The Way of Water”), who plays Mac, returns as well. He’s a good guy, a friend of Statham’s Taylor.
The filmmakers upped the ante this time, which should come as no surprise. Taylor takes on three megs at a time in this one. Statham (“Fast X”) has become a bona fide action hero. He’s set to co-star in the next “Expendables” flick, “Expendables,” which is scheduled to hit screens in September.
“Meg 2” is a fun movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It comes packed with sarcasm and clever banter. Going in, the audience knows it’s going to be silly. At least it’s not just another comic book movie. I think people are getting burned out on those by now.
Director Ben Wheatley, who called the shots on “Free Fire” co-starring Brie Larson in 2016, does an adequate job of filling the screen with all the giant shark nonsense and providing the requisite chum bits for the viewers.
By the force of the giant monster Meg’s attacks (through thick glass, for instance), it showcases the naivete of humans. There are some subplots of human suffering, but they are put on the back burner to keep the focus on the sea monster.
“Meg 2” is a good alternative for those who don’t want the silliness of “Barbie” or the political intrigue of “Oppenheimer.” Grade: B
