Film Analysis: Be warned! Jason Statham takes bigger leaps in ‘Meg 2.’ (Plus, dinosaurs!)

44

Before we, shall we say, plunge into our evaluation of “Meg 2,” here are a few fascinating facts about the Megalodon, the ancient shark that lends its name to the film, courtesy of the unusually informative production notes provided by the studio:

No mere snack-size creatures here! The possibility of any surviving until the present day is termed as “no likelihood” (we’d prefer “no possibility,” but alright.) Moreover, its mouth was so vast that it could devour two grown humans side by side.

Your thoughts mirror ours, undeniably: Jack and Rose could’ve BOTH fit into that mouth! End of discussion. Hear this, James Cameron? This is how to put an end to a controversy.

Notwithstanding, Jack and Rose don’t make an appearance in this movie, but a plethora of other characters find themselves swallowed, bitten, or chewed up in “Meg 2: The Trench,” a film helmed by Ben Wheatley that screams, “Follow-up! What’s our next move?” Hence, the plot delivers more, more, and even more. More Megs. More complications. More absurd plot twists, more exaggerated villains, and more dialogue that’s more cheesy than an overly mature Brie cheese left out in the open.

However, on the bright side, the movie features more of Jason Statham, whose rugged but friendly demeanor brings a soothing influence to the chaotic story. Elsewhere, against other actors, Statham might seem rigid, or monotone. Here, he’s right at home, and that consistency is comforting. (Alternatively, he might just be the only character written with a hint of charm.)

Many movies open with flashbacks — only a handful go as far back as the Cretaceous era, and that’s our starting point here. We first see small lizards, then, wait, larger lizards? No, dinosaurs! These beasts increase in size until a colossal dinosaur wreaks havoc. And then, a Meg surfaces from the ocean waves, devouring this now-miniscule dinosaur as if it were a tiny snack pack of Doritos. Cue laughter.

Transitioning to the present, we meet Jonas Taylor (Statham), expert diver, environmental warrior and shark fighter, back in action, narrowly escaping death in the wild ocean. Jonas, no longer accompanied by his love interest from the previous film, Suyin Zhang, now fathers her 14-year-old daughter, Meiying, who has captured his heart.

Enter Meiying’s uncle, Jiuming Zhang (portrayed by Chinese action hero and filmmaker Wu Jing, a new addition to the franchise) an adventurer who isn’t shy about taking risks. For instance, he chooses to dive into the tank at his Mana One research facility to tease the captive Meg, nearly meeting his end in front of everyone, including Meiying, while laughing off the danger.

The true threat, however, begins when the scientists steer their two submersibles down to “the trench,” specifically 25,000 feet (7,620 meters) down into a section of the sea barricaded by the thermocline, a haze of… never mind, let’s get to the sharks.

As the submersibles come across more Megs. Larger Megs. And when they find themselves stranded there, courtesy of some wicked villains, a traitor within their own ranks, a compromised rescue ship and some dubious decision-making, Jonas must think on his feet.

This involves the team traversing (yes, walking) the trench in EV suits with dwindling oxygen supplies, to reach a covert station where the aforementioned villains are extracting something— what, we’re not certain, even when Jiuming briefly describes it as being worth $1 billion per handful. “Billion with a B?” Jonas queries, in another instance of the zesty dialogue.

However, they manage to surface, because otherwise, the final hour of the film would cease to exist — a zany face-off at a beach resort aptly named “Fun Island,” teeming with holidaymakers about to be ambushed not just by Megs but by….

Dinosaurs! Yes, following the well-established action-sequel mantra: “When in doubt, throw in dinosaurs.” (Recall “Transformers: Age of Extinction?”)

And so, we find Jonas and his team battling not just Megs but dinosaurs and oh, let’s not forget, a REALLY gigantic octopus. These tentacles make frequent appearances and if you’ve ever wondered about the outcome when a colossal shark encounters a massive octopus, seize the opportunity.

At a certain juncture, someone remarks “I just hope this goes better than last time.” This clever nod to the first film is also a precarious inclusion in a sequel, given they rarely outshine the original. This sequel doesn’t buck that trend, but at least it’s candid about its intentions: making everything bigger and wilder. (By the way, Jonas literally leaps over a shark. On a jet ski. Armed with harpoons.)

Throughout all the chaos, Statham’s unwavering presence provides the necessary continuity.

Don’t get too attached to any character’s continuity, though.

“Meg 2: The Trench,” released by Warner Bros Pictures, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association “for action/violence, some bloody images, language, and brief suggestive material.” Its duration is 116 mins and earns two out of four stars.

---

MPA definition of PG-13: Parents are strongly advised to be cautious. Some content may be unsuitable for children under 13.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jason Statham in ‘Meg 2’

More about Jason Statham in ‘Meg 2’

• The Meg on IMDb
• Jason Statham’s filmography on IMDb
• The Megalodon on Britannica
• Wu Jing’s profile on IMDb
• The Cretaceous period on Britannica