Director: Ben Wheatley
Year: 2023
Country: USA/China
Alternate Titles: N/A
Genre: Sharks
Plot:
Still working at the institute, the team working with the sharks descends into the trench again to look into reports on disturbances down there, but after these actions release more megalodons into the world's oceans must band together to stop the creatures from running wild on the water.
Review:
Overall, this was a rather fun follow-up with a lot to like about it. One of the better features here is the enhanced sense of connection here with the original. Furthering the idea of exploring the trench using more advanced technology to pierce beneath the protective layer preventing them from escaping, the enhanced technology to do this and remain connected to the institute that holds the other shark in captivity has a lot to like here. Moreso, the family drama that was a major part of the original with how he was raising his daughter that's another carryover from the film has some great storyline choices to be had here.
As well, there's quite a lot of spectacle-filled action here to really keep the pace high. As this utilizes the high-end technology present to get there, the sequences involving the training sessions in the tank, the initial dive into the trench where they get trapped by the other crew, and the subsequent race to get to a piece of secured mining facility while being attacked by the fish down there including the sharks are all generally impressive sequences. Filled with some fantastic effects-work on not just the sharks but also the locations for each setting that includes some fantastic stunts and escapes, these scenes give this some solid action scenes.
This leads nicely into the wild finale where the full-bore attempt at unleashing the sharks and the other creature along with them brings sheer full-throttle action. Consisting of tons of battles both on land and sea battling the creatures throughout the resort, this brings about the kind of high-energy spectacle-driven sequences that are quite thrilling producing the scenes of the group taking out everything they can while trying to avoid the forces trying to stop them. It's break-neck enough to be enjoyable and keeps including a logical series of obstacles being presented that are all fun enough to give this one a lot to like about it.
There are a few minor drawbacks to be had with this one. One of the biggest issues is the need for a completely underwhelming and unnecessary subplot about the terrorist group being involved in stealing the equipment used to explore the area. The use of such a team is wholly unrealistic and makes no sense with a laughably illogical and unrealistic, their existence turns the middle of the film into a thrilling if unnecessary shoot-em-up Action movie and highlights the other issue here in quite a drastic decrease in shark action since this whole concept has to be fleshed out. These issues manage to bring this one down somewhat.
Overview: ****.5/5
A solid blockbuster mainstream killer shark film with a few issues, this one manages to generate a lot to like here with a lot of high-energy action scenes that overcome the few issues here. Those that enjoy this kind of genre fare, are fans of the original, appreciate killer shark fare, or follow the creative crew will want to check this out while those that don't follow any of these factors should heed caution.
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