The Meg (2018) Review

Shark Spoiler Alert. 

An unimaginable threat, a 75-foot-long prehistoric shark known as the Megalodon is set free from the depth of the ocean and only a rescue diver Jonas Taylor can stop it.

The MEG is what Jurassic Park was to the late Crichton's novel. And that's not a bad thing for Steve Altens' novel MEG Terror of the Deep. It works commercially, and it looks great, director Jon Turteltaub gives it that cinematic feel that comes with a great effects and 150 million USD production values. 

This adaption is entertaining mostly due to Jason Statham's nonchalant likeable performance as Taylor who must must save the crew and the ocean itself from the giant shark. It's more action orientated than thriller with hit and miss humour littered throughout. Rebecca Romijn-alike Jessica McNamee is memorable but her screen time is limited. Notable are Cliff Curtis and Rainn Wilson. The whole cast give solid enough performances including Winston Chao, Li Bingbing and striking Ruby Rose.

Most likely due to Jurassic World's Mosasaurus the MEG novel prehistoric opening has been dropped and overall the bare bones of the novel remain, but not much more. One particular tweak from the book worked, with the later reveal that there's more than one Megalodon. Oddly Shark Hunter (2001) and Megalodon (2002) feel closer to the novel than this. That said, these low budget serious toned ripoff attempts lack the execution of Turteltaub's offering. Don't expect the book and it won't disappoint in terms of no brainers like Armageddon, Independence Day and Transformers to name a few blockbusters.

Although it cheekily borrows elements from Jaws (1975) and Jaws 3D (1983), this adaptation gives Meg legs for future film outings as there are plenty more Alten novels to adapt and die hard fans will always have the source material too.  When is the film ever as good as the book,  Turteltaub's outing is no The Shinning exception, but is goes out of its way to be fun, even if only touching on depth.  

Overall, it won't blow novel fans away nor has it the gravitas of Jaws but for the casual viewer it's a recommended piece of summer shark entertainment.