‘The Meg’: The Jaws From Beneath the Trench, 2018
★★★☆☆
Jaw-Droppingly Big Shark or Jaws?
In the grand ocean of shark-themed movies, ‘The Meg’ sets sail with an audacious promise—bringing back a prehistoric megalodon that’s bigger and meaner than any shark we’ve seen before. It’s impossible not to draw comparisons to Spielberg’s iconic ‘Jaws‘, a film that remains the gold standard for aquatic horror. While ‘The Meg’ doesn’t measure up to the greatness of ‘Jaws’, it manages to deliver what it promises—a fun, albeit cheesy, shark thriller.
A Statham Showdown
Jason Statham dives into the role of Jonas Taylor, a world-class deep-sea rescue diver whose career takes a nosedive after a rescue mission gone wrong. When a research team at an underwater facility faces danger in the form of a megalodon, Jonas is called back to action, forced to confront his fears and the creature he encountered years ago.
Statham’s grizzled action-hero persona is a perfect fit for a film like this. He balances straightforward heroism with a touch of tongue-in-cheek humour, which adds an extra layer of entertainment.
A Splash of Thrills and Chuckles
While ‘The Meg’ doesn’t aim for the kind of relentless scares found in ‘Jaws’, it compensates with action and humour. Director Jon Turteltaub takes a lighter approach to the genre, filled with cliched characters and interactions but deployed with a touch of wit and style.
There are moments that use audience expectations to deliver surprises, which adds a layer of unpredictability to the plot. Statham’s charisma carries the film through its weaker points.
Thrills and Chills
‘The Meg’ doesn’t shy away from delivering shark-related action, even though it retains a PG-13 rating. The climax, set near a crowded beach, offers some of the film’s most exciting and entertaining moments. It’s here that the film pays homage to ‘Jaws’ in clever ways that will delight fans of the iconic shark classic.
Action Reloaded’s Verdict
‘The Meg’ isn’t a cinematic masterpiece, but it isn’t aiming to be. Instead, it provides an enjoyable blend of action and humour, making it a fun summer blockbuster. If you’re looking for a popcorn movie with giant sharks, Jason Statham, and a few laughs, ‘The Meg’ is worth the dive.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Action Reloaded
Check out the review of the sequel, The Meg: The Trench
