'The Meg' - Review

We all know everyone loves a good shark movie. However with the king still being Jaws what can we expect from Megladon?

Let's start with the fact that "Meg," is, in fact, short for "Megladon," which one hundred million years ago was the biggest sharks in history. This gigantic monster could chow down on even the biggest whales we know today as giants of the sea.

So now you ask "What about Jaws?" well here's the difference to clarify. Meg is about a prehistoric shark finding its way back to the surface when a science experiment goes wrong and Jaws, well it's just a man-eating shark. Not to say Meg doesn't get a good few humans in her stomach, but nevertheless, this is much more than that. From start to finish this movie is all action. With Jason Statham (Jonas Taylor) at the helm, however, would you expect anything less? Another name popping up in this movie is Ruby Rose (Jaxx Herd), who herself has already been in the likes of xXx - Return of Xander Cage. So it can be safe to say The Meg has geared itself for some serious action. Even Rainn Wilson who is known for roles in the likes of The Office has a part to play as the millionaire Jack Morris.

As the movie opens you see Statham (Jonas) in a rescue submarine, this is where we get the first idea that something is out there. As the shark with ease pummels the subs sides like a wrecking ball destroying a building. It's made very clear they need to evacuate the situation they're in, that's when Jonas makes the decision to close the door and hopefully, let the eleven people rescued live. Five years later we see that millionaire, Jack Morris commissioned, an underwater lab. The premise is to find out more about what lurks beneath what we already know. Sending down three scientists, who then run into what at this point they can only assume is a giant something.

How the movie looks is also another question on everyone's lips. We always love our old classics, but when it comes to today's CGI standards? Is Meg up to par with the others out there?

There is always going to be arguments about quality when it comes to movies, especially ones with sharks. Meg has, like everything, it's good points and bad. I would say overall it's very well done, but if you look at other action movies, they maybe could have done more. All be it I'm no expert, but as a whole, there aren't many good shots when it comes to seeing Meg in action. Meaning a lot of people are no doubt going to be disappointed. I can, however, say what you do see of the shark in action is incredibly well done, flawless even. Even their use of CGI with other sea animals, the blood and the damage the shark does to their submarines, very well done. However, what I can say is their use of green screen didn't always work to their advantage. Majority of the time it's not incredibly noticeable, but in some instances, throughout this movie, it was which is a shame because it did have good intentions. In all I would say, it's even in its rights and wrongs.

Jason Statham's name comes as no surprise when you hear the cast for Meg. After all, he is very much an action movie staple. However, one female set on making a name for herself, in the action world is Ruby Rose. Like Statham, Ruby Rose, having a similar yet smaller background in action movies showed she's not just a pretty Instagrammer. However, she does need to work on her crying. Li Bingbing (Suyin) plays the love interest to Jonas and marine biologist. Her ability to convey real knowledge was excellent and showed depth to her character. Personally, the young actress Shuya Sophia Cai (Meiying), did a simply fantastic job of bringing lighter moments and humor to the film.

All in all, you could say The Meg is a mediocre movie. I would recommend seeing it at least once. Even just to say you've seen it. Plus, sharks are badass, if not for anything else than to have a good night out.

Enjoy.