Prime Video Just Added a 2020s Sci-Fi Blockbuster That Divided Critics and Audiences

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Science fiction films often spark strong reactions – people tend to either love or hate them. This is because they often tackle complicated ideas, feature intricate scientific details, boast impressive visuals, and come with a lot of anticipation. Movies like Ad Astra and Star Wars: The Last Jedi are good examples of films that sharply divided viewers, but a recent sci-fi sequel released in 2023 and currently available on Prime Video caused an even bigger split among critics and audiences.

Released January 1st on Prime Video, Meg 2: The Trench is sparking debate among viewers and critics. The film has a 27% rating from critics but a much higher 72% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Ben Wheatley and starring Jason Statham, Sophia Cai, Page Kennedy, and Cliff Curtis, this sequel to The Meg follows a team of scientists on a dangerous underwater expedition. Based on Steve Alten’s 1999 novel The Trench, the movie plunges them into a fight for survival against massive, ancient sharks in the deepest parts of the ocean.

Meg 2: The Trench Is Campy Monster Fun at Its Best

If you’re hoping for a scary, realistic monster movie like Jaws or Underwater, you probably won’t enjoy Meg 2: The Trench. It doesn’t take itself seriously and instead delivers over-the-top, intentionally cheesy action and humor, making it a purely fun, silly experience.

Despite a somewhat predictable story and characters that could have been more fleshed out, Meg 2: The Trench delivers exactly what you want from a giant monster movie – pure, over-the-top fun! It successfully recaptures the playful spirit of the first film, never taking itself too seriously and instead focusing on wild action and thrilling encounters with multiple megalodons and other prehistoric beasts. The last half hour is particularly explosive. Jason Statham’s larger-than-life performance, combined with a bigger world and expanded backstory, makes this a delightfully ridiculous and enjoyable ride. It fully leans into being a silly, over-the-top spectacle, and it works!

Whether you loved it or hated it, Meg 2: The Trench was a huge success, largely due to its over-the-top nature. The film earned over $397 million globally, making it the 19th highest-grossing movie of the year, though a bit lower than the original’s $529 million. Despite this success, a third movie hasn’t been greenlit yet. However, the author, Steve Alten, did write a third book, Meg: Primal Waters, following The Trench.

What’s New on Prime Video?

Prime Video added a bunch of new movies in January, including Meg 2: The Trench. The streaming service kicked off the month with new releases like Alien: Romulus, Final Destination: Bloodlines, several Mission Impossible movies, Straight Outta Compton, The Breakfast Club, and Zombieland: Double Tap. Even more films are being added throughout the month, and Prime Video will finish January with a final set of releases on the 31st, featuring everything from The Big Lebowski to the 1974 classic Earthquake.

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2026-01-14 02:40