The Meg

Ironically, this film is based on a successful book series and was made in the hopes of starting a franchise. I can't recall any other franchise starter so dead on arrival that its own stars bash it in the media. You're better off being eaten by an actual shark than subjecting yourself to this cinematic guano.

Perhaps the biggest drawback is the writing which does not narrow down on the film's tonality. There are points where it takes itself a little too seriously, and others when it aims straight for cheesy popcorn blockbuster status. Little surprise then that director Jon Turteltaub doesn't know what kind of film he's making either. The momentum picks up towards the end when the monster mayhem escalates to bigger proportions, but it turns out to be too little, too late. Even if mega-sharks and Statham are enough to lure you to 'The Meg', check your expectations before you dive in.

The Meg" is best when it acknowledges its derivativeness, just one more silly shark movie in an ocean full of them. Its finest moment is when Statham, having willingly jumped into the water near the Megalodon, channels Dory and murmurs to himself: "Just keep swimming.

Don't go expecting The Meg to be the catch of the week and you won't be too disappointed.

The Meg does not promise much but neither does it ask much of its audience.