'The Meg' was a movie nobody really asked for, nobody really expected much from, and really were likely tired of shark movies in general but somehow the stars somehow aligned and it's actually a fun movie. Starring Jason Statham and based upon the 1997 novel by Steve Alten, the plot really isn't any different than others in the genre except this time around we have a much more grounded and real angle. The Megaladon shark was a real creature that has long since become extinct but through some clever and actually plausible science fiction, the monster from the deep returns to the modern world to terrorize a group of undersea researchers in the Philippines.
While most shark flicks go for the over the top and ridiculous angle, such as eating airplanes out of the sky 'The Meg' just brings the basics: a shark, some victims, and a lot of action. If that sounds a little too basic, the film manages to throw some fun curve balls in there along with some great 'Jaws' references (some a little too on the nose but still fun) and comes with a surprising amount of humor that genuinely gave me a few chuckles. My biggest issues with 'The Meg' come from it's larger studio influences, which really holds the film back in favor of some extra box office revenue. I understand that at the end of the day movie studios are a business and it's not like this is a masterpiece but despite 'The Meg' having a supposed harsher rating of PG-13, it lacks any kind of real bite in comparison to 'Jaws' (which is PG).
Now, a lack of gore in favor of thrills is one thing but this is a shark attack movie and we're not here to be scared. We want sharks eating people and lots of over the top blood and gore and explosions, which thanks to corporate interference has watered down what could have been a stand out shark movie. For what it lacks, 'The Meg' for the most part makes up for it thanks to its humor and the action scenes that DID make it in. It's worth a watch for shark flick fans.
6/10
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