Jon Turteltaub’s action-thriller “The Meg” would have been another B-movie that would go from the big screen to DVD in 15 minutes had it not been for its main star, Jason Statham.
The 51-year old actor is the film’s saving grace, I think. And thanks to him, we have one of the graceful looking underwater-esque chase scenes in recent movie history.
“The Meg” doesn’t really offer anything new in terms of story but what it lacks in storyline is more than made up for by its effects and thrill factor. Of course, there’s the unquestionable action skills of Statham, who, seems to be made for the role.
As deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor, Statham has finally put to good use his previous diving experience under Britain’s National Swimming Squad. The movie pretty much proves that Statham is a legit action star regardless of terrain. He’s as good fighting baddies (sometimes good guys) in land as he is with humongous killer sharks under water.
After a multi-billion dollar underwater exploration goes wrong years ago, Jonas went to reclusion. He is forced to come back when a similar exploration led by his ex-wife turns sour after an encounter by the very same giant creature that killed his colleagues. A reluctant Jonas must now gather his wits and skills to save his ex-wife and prevent the Megalodon, a prehistoric 75-foot-long shark, from wreaking havoc in the open seas.
The movie has plenty of adrenaline-pumping action scenes from start to finish and these should satisfy the cravings of shark movie fans.
And I feel like the director knew what this movie’s strength is so he banked and milked it as much as he can. There’s not much conflict to expect from the characters, to be honest. So we’re more invested in the chase scenes.
In fairness to the Meg, she did evoke terror from the audience. She looked petrifying and very, very intimidating. And she did give Statham a run for his money. The funny thing about this is, had it been other actor who went head to head with the killer shark, the scenes would have looked absurd. But since it’s Statham, each time he’s underwater gives you the thrill similar to a high-speed car chase.
