The Meg is Awesome

Steve Alten's story is incredibly displayed on the screen! A lover of the Jaws franchise, I immensely enjoyed this action-packed thriller. Jon Turteltaub's work is right up there with Spielberg's in the way of three important elements:

1. Excitement

2. Nervous tension

3. Humor

Three research scientists are stranded in a submarine in the deep--below 11 meters. Jason Statham (Jonas) is approached for his expertise in rescue missions, and because he is only one in three who have attempted and survived one at that depth; five years earlier, Jonas saved all but one passenger on his ship in a similar situation. Now, Jonas is busy living and drinking the life in Thailand, and living with survivor's guilt, so he is reluctant to have any part of this assignment.

Until he learns that this mission involves his ex-wife. Until he hears the cries of the three scientists.

The Meg doesn't hesitate to propel us into action sequences right from the start. The rush of adventure is high and heart-stomping. One of my favorite scenes is the moment we get our first close-up of the prehistoric shark. Little girl Meiying ( Sophia Cai ) is playing in the underground facility when the shark pulls itself all the way up to the glass--you get a full picture of its face, and the magnitude of it is captivating!

There are plenty of moments with the Meg, something I appreciate, both up close moments--you know, the expected jump scares--as well as distant shots of its fin fishtailing (yes, I said it) through the ocean in swiftly nearing proximity to a large cast of characters.

To offset some of the intense moments, we get wordplay between several of the characters, creating fun endearing moments that build on the dynamics of multiple relationships.

Bonus: Meiying is super precious and wonderful to watch in her interactions with her mom and Jonas, eliciting lots of smiles and tender laughter.