CMC Pictures, DF Pictures, Di Bonaventura Pictures and Appelles Entertainment’s Meg 2: The Trench (dubbed from the Hollywood film of the same name; UA) is a sci-fi action film. It is the sequel to The Meg (2018). It follows a group of scientists like in the first part. These scientists need to outrun, outsmart and outswim the Megalodons when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival.
Dean Georgaris, Joe Hoeber and Erich Hoeber have written a story that’s not very engaging. It is based on Steve Alten’s book, The Trench. In fact, the screenplay (written by Joe Hoeber, Erich Hoeber and Dean Georgaris) is also not half as exciting as it ought to have been. It would not be wrong to say that several parts of the drama move in a predictable manner and, therefore, don’t offer the audience the thrill one would associate with this kind of drama. Even the climax is not exciting enough.
Jason Statham is good as Jonas Taylor. Wu Jing is quite impressive as Jiuming. Shuya Sophia Cai is alright in the role of Meiying Zhang. Cliff Curtis performs ably as James ‘Mac’ Mackreides. Page Kennedy has his moments as DJ. Sergio Peris-Mencheta is alright as mercenary Montes. Skyler Samuels (as mercenary Jess) and Sienna Guillory (as Driscoli) lend the desired support. Others are alright.
Ben Wheatley’s direction is average. He has not been able to make a very engrossing film for the viewers. Harry Gregson-Williams’ background music should’ve been better. Haris Zambarloukos’ cinematography is very good. Chris Lowe’s production designing is appropriate. Jonathan Amos’ editing is loose. Dubbing is quite nice.
On the whole, Meg 2: The Trench is too ordinary to make a mark at the ticket windows.
Released on 4-8-’23 at Maratha Mandir (daily 2 shows) and other cinemas of Bombay thru Warner Bros. Pictures (India) Pvt. Ltd. Publicity & opening: below the mark. …….Also released all over. Opening was dull everywhere.