Introduction

The original Titanic (1997) is one of the most iconic films in cinematic history, blending romance, tragedy, and stunning visuals to create an unforgettable experience. Naturally, any sequel—especially one arriving nearly three decades later—would face immense scrutiny. Titanic 2 (2025), directed by Shane Van Dyke and produced by The Asylum (known for their “mockbuster” films), attempts to capitalize on the legacy of James Cameron’s masterpiece. However, does it sink or swim?

Spoiler alert: It sinks. Hard.

Plot Summary

Titanic 2 follows a modern luxury cruise liner, the Titanic II, which sets sail on the same route as its ill-fated predecessor. The ship, designed as a near-replica of the original Titanic, is meant to be a floating monument to history—complete with period-accurate decor and costumes for the passengers. However, as the ship embarks on its maiden voyage, a catastrophic series of events (including a freak tsunami caused by melting polar ice caps) sends it on a collision course with disaster.

The film centers on a group of passengers, including a young doctor (Shane Van Dyke), a wealthy socialite (Marie Westbrook), and a crew member (Bruce Davison), as they struggle to survive the ship’s second doomed journey. Along the way, there are love triangles, betrayals, and plenty of poorly executed action sequences.

Strengths (Yes, There Are a Few)

Before diving into the film’s many flaws, it’s worth acknowledging the few aspects that Titanic 2 gets right—or at least, doesn’t completely ruin.

1. Nostalgic Homage to the Original

The film attempts to pay tribute to the original Titanic by recreating certain iconic moments, such as the “I’m flying” scene (though with significantly less emotional impact). The ship’s design, while clearly a low-budget imitation, does try to evoke the grandeur of the 1912 vessel.

2. So-Bad-It’s-Entertaining Factor

If viewed as a campy B-movie rather than a serious sequel, Titanic 2 has moments of unintentional hilarity. The dialogue is often laughably bad, the special effects are hilariously outdated, and the plot twists are so absurd that they border on parody. For viewers who enjoy “so bad it’s good” cinema, this might be a guilty pleasure.

3. Short Runtime

At just 90 minutes, the film doesn’t overstay its welcome. Unlike the original Titanic, which justified its three-hour runtime with deep character development and breathtaking cinematography, Titanic 2 rushes through its plot, ensuring that even if it’s bad, it’s at least over quickly.

Weaknesses (Where Do We Begin?)

Now, onto the real meat of this review—why Titanic 2 is a disaster in every sense of the word.

1. Terrible Script and Dialogue

The writing in Titanic 2 is painfully amateurish. Characters spout clichéd lines with all the emotional depth of a cardboard cutout. Romantic exchanges feel forced, dramatic moments fall flat, and attempts at humor are cringe-inducing. One particularly memorable (for all the wrong reasons) line is when a character dramatically declares, “History has a way of repeating itself… and so does tragedy!”

2. Low-Budget Effects

The Asylum is notorious for its shoestring budgets, and Titanic 2 is no exception. The CGI is laughably bad—waves look like they were animated in Microsoft Paint, explosions resemble early 2000s video game cutscenes, and the sinking sequences lack any sense of weight or realism. The original Titanic set a benchmark for practical effects and CGI integration; this sequel does the opposite.

3. Paper-Thin Characters

Whereas the original Titanic made audiences care deeply about Jack, Rose, and even minor characters, Titanic 2 offers no one worth rooting for. The protagonists are bland, the villains are cartoonish, and the romantic subplot feels like an afterthought. By the time the ship starts sinking, most viewers will be hoping it takes the entire cast down with it.

4. Ridiculous Plot Contrivances

The film’s central disaster—a tsunami caused by melting ice caps—is scientifically dubious at best. Even if we suspend disbelief, the way the ship capsizes, flips, and sinks defies all logic. The original Titanic was praised for its historical accuracy (aside from some creative liberties); this sequel throws physics out the window in favor of cheap thrills.

5. No Emotional Weight

The original Titanic worked because it balanced spectacle with heart. Titanic 2 has neither. Deaths are treated with all the gravity of a background character in a Fast & Furious movie, and the film fails to make us care about anyone’s fate. When the ship finally goes down, the only emotion evoked is relief that the movie is almost over.

Comparison to the Original Titanic

It’s impossible to review Titanic 2 without comparing it to James Cameron’s 1997 epic. Where the original was a meticulously crafted love story set against a historically rich backdrop, the sequel is a cheap cash grab with no artistic ambition.

• Romance: Jack and Rose’s love story was sweeping and tragic. Titanic 2’s romance is forgettable and rushed.

• Disaster Sequences: The original’s sinking was a masterclass in tension and realism. The sequel’s disaster feels like a SyFy Channel original.

• Music: James Horner’s score is iconic. Titanic 2’s soundtrack is generic and uninspired.

Final Verdict: A Shipwreck of a Sequel

Titanic 2 (2025) is exactly what you’d expect from a low-budget, direct-to-video mockbuster. It lacks the heart, craftsmanship, and emotional depth of the original, instead offering a poorly written, badly acted, and visually unconvincing disaster flick.

Rating: 2/10

• For fans of “so bad it’s good” movies: Maybe worth a laugh with friends.

• For fans of the original Titanic: Stay far, far away.

If you’re looking for a true Titanic experience, rewatch the 1997 classic. This sequel should be left at the bottom of the ocean.