Movie Review
Definitely a case where the book is way better than the movie!
The MEG (Release Date: August 10th, 2018)
After escaping an attack by what he claims was a 70-foot shark, Jonas Taylor must confront his fears to save those trapped in a sunken submersible.
*Based on the ridiculously awesome book MEG: A Novel of Deep Terror by Steve Alten (Read my review here)
Starring: Jason Statham, Bingbing Li, and Rainn Wilson
Director: Jon Turteltaub
Rating/ Runtime: PG-13/ 1hr 58
My Thoughts…
I have been waiting for this movie for what feels like centuries. I am almost more obsessed with sharks than I am dinosaurs, so a prehistoric shark is like my mecca! I fully expected this to be a cheesy flick and was okay with that, but then I read THE BOOK!
In hindsight, that was most likely a big mistake. I mean, I hadn’t even known it was based on a book or a series of books in this case. Now having read these phenomenal books, my expectations soared. For example, I was very confused with the casting of Jason Statham. Why this action star type? Well, if you read the book you will learn that ‘Jonas Taylor’ started out as a deep-sea diver for the Navy before getting his doctorate and becoming a Megalodon expert. Now the casting makes more sense. Unfortunately, so much of ‘Taylor’s’ back story is left out or changed in the movie. A huge mistake in my opinion.
The film seems to be primarily based on MEG book #1, but there is also a mash of other things from the rest of the series of books and I feel that was where the film went wrong.
There was enough material from the first book alone. In fact, the film leaves out so much it was detrimental to the plot. What could have been a very exciting and totally unique shark movie, becomes a poor imitation of JAWS. There is so much science and research behind the book which could have legitimized the movie but the movie nose-dives after a strong beginning.
Don’t get me wrong, I found it entertaining but I am probably more generous in my opinion because I enjoy monster movies. They could have done so much more with this adaptation and ultimately I was left disappointed. Oh well, guess I’ll just have to read the book again.
Rating… C+
Reads & Reels 
Aw, that’s a shame about the movie, but I’m so glad to hear the books are so good! 🙂 I just recently bought the first book in the series and am looking forward to reading it. Too bad the movie couldn’t just stick to the book more from the sounds of it. Great review, and yay, sharks!! 😀
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It looks bad, the name’s bad, the trailer is bad, Jason Statham is in it? Did it stand a chance?
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Lol probably not
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I’ve been wondering what you thought of this! I knew you loved the novel and, after seeing the film, I was curious as to how it would land. It didn’t seem to have the depth or scope of the novels, at least from what I recalled from your reviews, but I still had a lot of fun seeing this. My theatre was doing a free D-Box seat upgrade promotion the day Kalie and I went to see it so we totally took advantage of that. It was great! The seats slowly swayed during the scenes on the ocean and they shook with force when the shark would hit stuff. I may’ve embarrassed myself from swearing out loud a few times from fright and shock :). I wonder, given how well it did at the box office, if they will leave it as a one-and-done or try and build a series out of it.
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Oh that would be fun! No unfortunately it didn’t live up to the book but if you love shark movies, it’s still fun. I’m glad you enjoyed it
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I read the book years ago and knew that trailer didn’t match it. Most reviews I’ve seen are similar to yours, Shannon. Think I’ll skip it.
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Shame. It had so much potential
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I did not know there was a book or even books!! I’m obviously going to have to add these to my list.. love sharks
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The are sooooooo good! Especially the first 3! There are 7 and it gets a bit old near the end of the series
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Aw man that’s great to know 😍
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I read the book about fifteen years ago I think. I remember liking it, but it also being quite scary. I DO NOT LIKE SHARKS! I used to have a copy of it, but no idea where it’s gone. I was reminded of it when I saw this movie was coming out. I thought: Hey, I know that story! I don’t have the book on my shelves. It may in my parents’ loft somewhere…
I will NOT be watching the movie though.
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I recommend the movie ONLY if you’re a fan of shark movies. Otherwise skip it and re-read the book ☺
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It’s not the sort of movie i’d watch, but i was actually surprised that it was also a book before!
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And the film really doesn’t do it justice. If you like this sort of thing, stick with the book 😉
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Aw man, I’ve been pumped to see this movie! My hubby and I live for shark movies, from the good to the terrible, we watch them all haha. I haven’t read the books yet, so maybe that will help. I think we are seeing it this weekend.
Now I’m more excited to read the books though. Haha. Great review!
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Then you will still enjoy it. Trust me its better than Deep Blue Sea and the like. I just know they could have made it incredible had the used more of the book. the book on the otherhand is a MUST READ lol
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Haha, awesome. That’s the way it seems to go though, books almost always are better than the movie. I cannot wait to read the books though! And my TBR just grows…and grows. 😂
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Story of my life as Mike Ness would sing lol
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Woah I had no idea that this was based on a book! I’m definitely going to check it out
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Oh it’s fantastic! I can’t recommend it enough!
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