Director
Jon Turteltaub
(COOL RUNNINGS, THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, NATIONAL TREASURE)

Stars
Jason Statham, Rainn Wilson, Bingbing Li, Ruby Rose, Cliff Curtis, Winston Chao, Robert Taylor, Shuya Sophia Cai, Jessica McNamee, Masi Oka, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and Page Kennedy

While watching the new shark movie THE MEG, a thought occurred to me that became an instantly made decision. It would be unfair to categorise this feature film any other way than an action-comedy. Rest assured, jaws XXXXL has an appetite for human flesh to match her great size. But her various cuisine options on the menu aren’t about to hand-feed themselves to this beast either.

For millions of years, the Megalodon has thought to have been extinct. But one day during a rescue mission sequence that opens the film, an experienced rescue diver, Jonas Taylor (played by Jason Statham) has an encounter with what he believes is the biggest of all sharks. Five years later, a team of scientists who are working together on a mission at a research facility situated two-hundred miles off the Chinese coast, also come to learn that “the meg” does indeed still exist. With some of their crew members deep underwater in immediate danger and with little time to spare, the team at Mana One (the research station) contact Jonas, who is the only person that will believe their story and might be able to succeed at the dangerous rescue attempt.

As far as shark movies go, THE MEG isn’t scaling to new cinematic heights or venturing to uncharted waters. Despite the sheer size of this film’s predator, this (plus) $130M production and the development of the plot are as routine as a freestyle swim. But if you head to the cinema with the right expectations, which should be to see an expensively-made, cheaply-entertaining B-movie, then you won’t be leaving unsatisfied.

It is also essential that you arrive prepared for the utterly ridiculous. And I’m not solely referring to the over-extended size of this shark, its outrageous capabilities and the films reasonably executed set-piece sequences. Shortly after meeting the team of scientists stationed at Mana One, we learn of exactly where their exploration will take them, which is the same area of water that our aquatic antagonist has been hiding all these years. This, and the form of exit that “the meg” seizes from this previously unknown area, are even more incredulous than the premise of the film. Though there may be times that THE MEG is considered to be a hook, line and stinker of a film, its more likable qualities are present for long enough. Scenes and dialogue are well-dispersed between the random and international cast members. You won’t fall head over heels with anyone, but you won’t mind each of their company for 113 minutes either. The very intentional humour that remains consistent throughout the film maintains a playful tone and compliments the more suspenseful moments too.

So how does THE MEG rank among other disposable action films released this year? Well, it’s definitely not a must-see. If you only have the time or the tolerance for one film of its kind this year, I’d still say that Dwayne Johnson’s SKYSCRAPER is the front-runner for throwaway action movie of the year. Yet all the same, if a passable and comedic shark flick is what you currently crave, then the (Movie) doc approves.

3 stars 

Viewer Discretion
M (Science fiction action)

Trailer
THE MEG

Moviedoc thanks Roadshow Films for the in-season pass to watch and review this film

Review by Leigh for Moviedoc
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