The Meg 2 Movie Review

Back in 2018, we received what many people thought was impossible, an adaptation of Steve Alman’s giant shark epic, ‘The Meg’. The film was directed by Jon Turtletaub (Cool Runnings, National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) and starred everyone’s favourite, former commonwealth games diver, Jason Statham as Jonas Taylor. The film went on to make nearly $550 million worldwide, so it was only going to be a matter of time before we got a sequel and in 2023, that’s exactly what happened.

This time Ben Wheatley (Free Fire, In the Earth) took over as director, with Jason Statham once again returning as everyone’s favourite professional Megalodon fighter, Jonas Taylor, who is now a green peace freedom fighter, who is called back into action as they are hired by a company to further explore the Marianas Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, where of course another Megladon lurks. Our team must once again band together and stop the creature from attacking again. Let’s be real, this is a giant shark movie, it's not going to win any awards, but man oh man, is it a lot of fun!

‘The Meg 2: The Trench’ is the perfect follow-up to the first film. It ups the ante, the action and the Megladon’s. Jason Statham and his team are what carry the film. Their comradery and interactions with one another are what make the film so much fun. You can tell the cast know the absurdity of the situation, but they’re clearly enjoying themselves. Jason Statham is great as Jonas. His character is endlessly likeable, which is largely due to the charisma of Jason Statham. If you put any other action star in this role, it just would not work as well as it does here. Picture Vin Diesel fighting a giant shark. It just wouldn’t be as fun.

The exploration into the trench is also great. We get some really fun and exciting sequences underwater, where our crew are on the bottom of the ocean floor, walking about in mechanical suits, allowing them to withstand the pressure. It’s absurd and defies the laws of nature and physics, but it’s still an absolute blast. The underwater effects and scenery are also great. We get a look at some creepy and weird creatures that again are very thoughtfully designed and look natural to their environment. The Meg's themselves look amazing as well, we have a bigger Meg this time that is battle worn and a lot older. The addition of the giant squid is also fun here, it all culminates in a fun and exciting third act.

Another benefit here is Wheatley’s direction. He is a master of fun when it comes to characters and the suspension of disbelief. He did this very well in his 2016 sleeper hit, Free Fire, with quick dialogue, witty banter, and funny character moments. A lot of people would argue that this is a stretch, but I can distinctly see Wheatley’s signature style present.

Overall, ‘The Meg 2: The Trench’ is a dumb, fun, giant shark movie. It’s the perfect sequel for this type of movie, giving audiences more of what they want, with great character moments, fun visual effects and giant shark action. If you loved the first movie, then you definitely need to check this one out. It’s a lot of fun!

The Meg 2: The Trench is now out on DVD, Blu-Ray and 4K Ultra HD. Be sure to pick-up your copy from Sanity’s online store today. Browse Sanity’s large array of shark movies as well, there’s a lot to choose from!

Long live physical media! 

Buy The Meg & The Meg 2 Movies on DVD, Blu-ray or 4K UHD here

Christopher Pattison wrote this blog post for Sanity. See more from Chris here