7 Ways The Meg Was Much Better Than You Expected
1. Jason Statham Knows What It Is
A big problem with other mainstream B-movie releases is that they just take themselves too seriously. The recent Baywatch movie saw Dwayne Johnson in self-aware mode, with Efron occasionally stepping off his perch to join him. But the rest of the people involved seemed to think they were making Casablanca. That made it an uncomfortable watch at times, as gags and set pieces floundered, in desperate need of a red swimsuitted lifeguard.
Not so The Meg. Leading man Statham especially knows exactly what this movie is, but the whole cast are right there with him. Hammy acting and bad acting aren’t always the same thing. Think of Val Kilmer in MacGruber.
Because Statham is so easy going here, audiences can relax and the whole movie is a treat. The jokes land, and even the few that don’t get a giggle fit so naturally into the conversation. Nothing feels overly forced.
Despite its honest-to-god brilliant twists, the plot does have some wobbles along the way. However, with Statham’s Jonas enjoying them all so much, we’re just happy to be pulled along for the ride.