My quick rating - 5.5/10. I felt like they crossed The Meg with Fast and Furious to come up with this sequel. I was definitely not getting any form of horror vibe from this one like I did for the first installment. It does get insanely hokey at parts which dragged down my rating since it was a bit unnecessary. The flick takes a shot at being a thrilling underwater adventure, exploring the abyssal depths of the ocean with a daring research team. Instead, it gradually got more action-riddled. This sequel picks up where the first film left off, but this time, the stakes are higher as a malevolent mining operation threatens not only the team's mission but also their lives. Jason Statham has returned and is ready to handle the threat again and Page Kennedy basically steals all the scenes he graces us with. In attempting to blend the suspense of the original with the high-octane action of typical Hollywood popcorn flix, the results are an intriguing yet somewhat uneven cinematic experience. The film's visuals are undoubtedly a highlight, capturing the awe-inspiring beauty and danger of the deep sea. The underwater scenes are visually stunning, immersing you in the mysterious world beneath the waves. The initial moments of the film are particularly strong, setting the stage for the epic underwater events to come. However, as the story progresses, the flick takes a different turn, deviating from the horror elements that characterized its predecessor. Instead, the film embraces a more action-packed approach, complete with over-the-top sequences and high-stakes battles. While this shift in tone might appeal to some viewers, it could leave fans of the original film longing for the tense, suspenseful atmosphere that made The Meg a scary thriller. One of the film's notable drawbacks is its occasional descent into hokey territory. Some scenes veer into the realm of unnecessary exaggeration and absurdity, diluting the overall impact of the story. These moments, while perhaps intended to enhance the entertainment value, end up detracting from the movie's credibility and cohesion. One that I will point out is the dinosaur-like creatures that all of a sudden are big predators in this flick. This is one of quite a few examples I could give that seemed out of place. Despite these shortcomings, it still manages to deliver an entertaining popcorn flick with its blend of action, adventure, and underwater spectacle. The film successfully explores the depths of the ocean, both visually and conceptually, even if it sacrifices the horror elements that define its predecessor. If you're a fan of adrenaline-fueled action and don't mind the occasional lapse into plain silliness, this sequel might just be the aquatic adventure you're looking for. After seeing a few of Ben Wheatley's flix previously, I should've expected the tone shift. Just be prepared to leave your expectations of realism at the surface.
Limited streaming options, more if you plan to buy as of 9/27/23.
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