danielcereto Reviews

Locked (2025)

Standard

[5/10 · 25 April 2025]

Standard acting, standard script, standard music and standard ending, just makes an standard movie. End of the story.

First, acting here is just ok at best, even Sir Anthony Hopkins is here. Probably he is accepting roles and scripts of B movies because of his age and limitations. But he is the best even he's the half of what it was.

Second, the story is kind of original but becomes so predictable at half of the movie. Nothing remarkable here.

Last, the ending is a mixture of horrendous adding some honey. I'm not only talking about CGI. I mean the whole conclusion remembered me worst TV movies.

Anyway, if you need to choose between gardening or watch this, go for gardening even I'm not into nature.

A Working Man (2025)

Standard Statham movie

[5/10 · 19 April 2025]

When you watch a Jason Statham movie you know what are you going to watch. I mean, I do not expect an Oscar winning but I want something fun or entertaining. Here in the working man the result is bittersweet.

First, the cast is great but the characters are mostly unlikeable. Values and mortality of them are overacted. I mean, it is not as difficult to create an standard character for an action film.

Second, the script as always is mostly a joke. I can't believe David Dyer is behind this. I expected a lot more.

Last, fighting choreographies are great. The best here. Looks like Stallone is behind the bloody parts.

So, overall if you want an standard action film this one is for you. If you want something great, go for original John Wick or The Raid, for example.

Juror #2 (2024)

What is right vs what is wrong

[7/10 · 29 March 2025]

This probably not the best Clint Eastwood movie, but is a good one. I mean, the story is quite simple but at the same time too complicated. I like the fact it's beauty is on the production, timing and cast.

First, the movie starts slow but it gets interesting when it gets deep into the story. There is no secret Clint Eastwood is great telling stories. If you add a good cast, the formula is successful like here.

Second, timing is great and the ending is one of the bests. Love it.

Last, the cast is mostly unknown or coming from series or b-movies, except for the main actors. Great choices. Not an acting masterclass but believable and deep.

So, overall if you love simple stories but deep enough to make you thing when the movie is over, this one is for you.

The Monkey (2025)

When Final Destination meets a monkey

[7/10 · 28 March 2025]

It is difficult to create something original nowadays. Almost everything is invented and Hollywood is empty of ideas. So, consequently Indie horror movies are the best. For example, the movie Talk to me coming from Australia. It was fresh air to the genre. And, The Monkey tries too. An original idea mixing a Monkey Toy with the classical Final Destination aura. And in some parts it works.

First, gory scenes are pretty well done. Not excessive and risky. Not the usual cheap CGI.

Second, the story is kind of entertaing. Do not expect an Oscar winning and you'll be fine.

So, if you love slashers and good horror, this one is for you.

Popeye: The Slayer Man (2025)

If you smell smoke...

[6/10 · 22 March 2025]

When I watch this kind of movies I don't expect an Oscar Winning film. Keeping my feet on the right place, I am able to enjoy slashers like this one.

First, if you love B-slashers this one is for you. I mean, it is what it is, a bunch of silly people getting ready to be slaughtered, as usual.

Second, I was scared about how bad the gory parts can be lol. But I was wrong. The Fx's are quite good keeping in mind the low budget. No CGI. To add, Popeye doesn't look too bad at all. Honestly I like it.

Last, I would like a second part.

The Sailor man takes Manhattan. As Jason in the old days. (Wink wink).

Anyway, as I said, if you love this kind of movies, no worries, it's a fun ride. I suggest to smoke some radioactive spinach, before the movie. It will help. Enjoy!

Adolescence (2025)

Stephen Graham

[8/10 · 22 March 2025]

I wrote years ago in another review how I admire Stephen Graham as an actor. He is pretty underrated. But I am not going to repeat the words I wrote before, instead I'm going to celebrate Adolesence as a whole.

First, the series is by far the best I have watched in 2025. In an era of low quality mini series, this one is a masterpiece. I mean, the story, the cast, the one shot production, music... everything is excelent.

Second, and the only thing I really like it, it us only four episodes. Five episodes could have been the perfection. I mean, episode five, the trial and the conclusion.

Anyway, I recommend this one if you want something great with a superb acting class from all the characters, including Stephen and Asher D (Top Boy).

Sant Martí (2018)

Catalan Texas Chainsaw Massacre

[6/10 · 19 March 2025]

I am from Catalonia a region from Spain that this was made. This is the first slasher I've watched from Catalonia. The movie is simple, cheap and full of cliches, but still entertaining if you keep your expectations very low, keeping in mind the low budget.

First, the movie is a Z version of Texas Chainsaw Massacre in a Catalan way. I mean the scenario is the classical Spanish town with only a few inhabitants, full of... I don't want to spoil anything.

Second, gore is pretty good keeping in mind the budget.

Last, do not expect an Oscar winning here and you'll be fine. It's just a Z type Slasher but enjoyable if you love this kind of movies.

Dexter: Original Sin (2024– )

Back to basics

[8/10 · 18 March 2025]

I was skeptical about watching this one. Original Dexter was my favorite series for a long time. I think season 4 is one of the best seasons made for Tv. So, consequently and after the failure on the conclusion of Dexter and Dexter original sin, I though thus will become the next abomination. But I was wrong. Finally a great addition to the Dexter Universe.

First, main characters are pretty well done. Deep work, and pretty similar to the original cast. Batista is top notch. My favorite. Obviously, Dexter too.

Second, Miami characterization is superb. Exactly as I remembered in the original series. To add, the flashback are acceptable even sometimes kind of repetitive.

Last, season 1 is pretty good as an opener. It contains everything to success even if you're not a fan of Dexter's universe. Enjoy.

Contraataque (2025)

Great for the budget

[7/10 · 17 March 2025]

If you love series like Narcos, you'll like this one. It it great entertaining fir it's budget. Do not expect a masterpiece or The Expendables, and you'll fine.

First, I really enjoyed this kind of Mexican productions like Contraataque. There is nothing new here, but everything is done pretty well keeping in mind the budget.

Second, acting here is good. Even it is an action movie, there are also a few things that are remarkable even the amateurish cast.

Last, action scenes are better than 90% of Hollywood similar movies. No CGI here and great old school action scenes.

So, if you want an entertaining B-action movie, this one is for you.

Lawmen: Bass Reeves (2023)

Great mini series

[8/10 · 17 March 2025]

I just finished this one today and overall I have discovered a great mini series. I really enjoyed the story, characters and landscapes.

First, the story of this Texas Ranger is magnificent. Didn't know about him and Sheridan does a great job here. One of the best works coming from him.

Second, acting here and characters are pretty deep. Great acting masterclass from the main character and Dennys Quaid.

Last, as usual Sheridan's job, direction is amazing. Incredible landscapes and overall the series doesn't look cheap. Just a few CGI here and there, but production is superb.

So, if you love westerns and Sherindan, this one is for you. A little masterpiece.

Heart Eyes (2025)

Do not take seriously

[5/10 · 8 March 2025]

When I watch this kind of movies I do not expect too much. I mean, almost everything is invented into the Slasher's world. Even if you add comedy like here. The problem is when nothing from both worlds work here as a one.

First, I love movies like Shaun of the Dead because its a gory funny ride. Heart Eyes tries to emulate the heart of that movie mixing Jason Vorhees or Chromeskull with Valentine's day. Unluckily it doesn't work because of the cliches, the unbelievable situations and the bad interpretations.

Second, the best here are the deaths. Love it. No cheap CGI, just pretty good old school gory tricks to make a great job here.

So, if you love slashers it can be kind of entertaining, but if you love a great comedy/slasher this one will be on your bottom list.

American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson (2025)

The Naked Gun

[8/10 · 8 March 2025]

As an European teen in the 90's I discovered OJ Simpson in one of my favorite movies from all time: The Naked Gun. He's was so funny there.

I didn't know anything about him nor from his football career. So, consequently when I saw "Norber from Naked Gun" on the news I was shocked. Murder?... can't be. But it was.

First, the documentary from Netflix is pretty good. I have enjoyed the line time and how everything is presented as facts.

Second, I really enjoyed most of the people participating are still alive. So they can offer an apparently real opinion of the facts.

Last, length is right, and last episode was satisfying to make a great conclusion to this case.

So, I think he was guilty but there were a lot of mistakes from police officers. Also the racial issue. What about you?...

Hotel Cocaine (2024– )

Underrated gem

[9/10 · 6 March 2025]

If you love series like Narcos, Zero Zero Zero, Gomorrah or Suburra, this one is for you. I really love fictional narco world based on true events, and Hotel Cocaine is an excellent new addition to the best series I have mentioned before.

First and foremost it is risky. Yes, even more than some of the others. I love that. I am not going to spoil anything, but you can guess that the 80's erotism was great. Wink wink.

Second, the cast is superb. Danny Pino (Mayans) Michael Chicklis (The Shield) and Jyan Pablo Raba (Distrito Salvaje) are really great here. Good to see uncle Vick Mackey (wink wink) doing a perfect role as a Miami Metro detective.

Last, cinematography is fantastic. It does not look cheap and CGI is used only a few times.

So, overall an amazing series with great potential to expand.

Anora (2024)

Is it the best 2024 movie?

[7/10 · 5 March 2025]

Anora is in the top list of 2024 movies. I mean it has soul, great interpretations, correct script, and best of all, it is an independent movie made it with a few bucks compared to Hollywood, Netflix or Prime.

First, I think acting here is superb for most of the unknown characters. Great interpretation from all but excellent from the main actress. Again, is it an Oscar winning interpretation?... It could be, but honestly this time I'll have choose Demi Moore instead.

Second, script it's interesting but some parts are overacted. Kind of soap opera level. But overall still entertaining.

Last, technically is great keeping in mind the budget.

So, overall a great movie, but in my opinion not the best of 2024. Do I recommend? Yes I do.

American Murder: Gabby Petito (2025)

Terrible murder full of weirdness

[6/10 · 24 February 2025]

I can't believe this crime was real. It is plenty of incoherence from beginning till the end.

First, the documentary is pretty well done technically speaking, but I think there is a lot of missing information. I could not understand how this could happen. I don't want to spoil anything but it doesn't make sense from one side or the other.

Second, it is crazy how social media Influence can make people d*mb. I mean, how many real TikTok detectives were involved in this case?... It does not make sense at all.

Last, overall the case is predictable and horrible, so not the most interesting/terrifying to watch, even it's cruel and raw.

The Brutalist (2024)

Two movies in one: first part (9) second part (6)

[7/10 · 11 February 2025]

I just watched the Bruutalist today. I didn't spoil myself or my wife befere the movie. We really wanted to watch the movie without any prejudice.

The result was pretty satisfactory on the first 2 hours and a half approximately. Last hour was bad. I don't know how to describe without spoiling anything but I'll try.

First, the Bruutalist overall is a must see. It can be pretty good if you love movies like The Pianist. It is not as brutal as it could have been, but still satisfactory.

Second, Adrien Brody and Guy Ritchie (love him from Memento) do an excellent job. Both can be Oscar contenders easily.

Third, the script. I didn't like how this movie was executed. Probably last hour is the worst part. The conclusion to me, was weird and a total nonsense. First two hours approximately are superb.

Last, camera work and effects are magistral. I mean in a era of cheap CGI the use here is perfect. Music too.

So, overall a bittersweet result. If you love Adrian Brody at his best and Guy Ritchie too, this movie is for you. Script, probably is not for everyone. Enjoy.

On Call (2025– )

When Cops series meets The Shield

[8/10 · 12 January 2025]

I have really enjoyed this one. Technically is great. The script is quite good compared to most of new Cop series, and the cast is superb.

First, the series starts strong as The Shield. I really love risky shows like On Call. The first episodes are twisted and interesting, so consequently the show is entertaining from beginning till the end. Great first season with great potential.

Second, the camera work here is amazing. Great visual spectacle that make the shows sometines as real as never seen before. Mixing cop's cameras with the usual views works pretty good here.

Last, cast does a great job here. Realistic and impressed by some of the unknown actors.

So, overall if you love shows like The Shield, Cops or Chicago PD you're going to love this one.

One False Move (1991)

Good 90's cop thriller

[6/10 · 4 January 2025]

I just discovered this one in 2025, and it's a great option if you love as me the 90's, Bill Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton. The cast here is superb, the script it's ok, and music and scenarios are great.

First, the movie cast is excellent. I mean what can we say about two of the most talented actors like Bill and Billy. A shame we lost Paxton so early. But his legacy will be eternal. Love him as Hudson in Aliens and as John Connor in Terminator.

Second, the script is quite entertaining but the ending could have been far better.

Last, everything related to camera work and music are superb here. To add, all scenarios are perfect.

So, overall if you are looking for a good and entertaining cop thriller from the 90's this one is for you. Not Fargo, but watchable and enjoyable.

The Soul Eater (2024)

Interesting French horror

[6/10 · 2 January 2025]

The movie itself is quite good if you love similar movies. For instance, Long Legs.

First, the script here is good, not the most original but storyline is quite acceptable without big plot holes. Entertaining.

Second, acting here is superb. I think the main actor does a great and real acting masterclass.

Third, settings are perfect for a suspense-horror story. I love the rainy greenery that is shown here.

Fourth, music and camera work again are extremely good. Love the mysterious vibe during the whole thing. To add, gore doesn't look cheap and they didn't use cheap CGI. Good for them.

Anyway, if you're looking for an interesting horror-suspense- a bit gory movie, this one is for you.

The Deep Dark (2023)

No women were injured in this movie

[6/10 · 1 January 2025]

I'm a huge horror fan, so consequently I like to watch any independent cinema that contains any interesting idea like this one. Yes, it's not original, the descent was first, but still interesting because it is coming from France, the land of some exceptional horror movies like Revenge or The night eats the world.

First, the movie starts interesting with the usual idea of looking for something buried a long time ago down the earth (like in AVP1).

Acting is acceptable here and cinematography is great. On the other hand 3/4 of the movie is kind of boring and slow. Only 1/4 is great and a bit gory.

Second no women were injured in this movie because there is no one lol. Can't remember last time I've watched a horror movie without any female screaming around there.

Anyway, if you look for an entertaining horror movie this one is for you. Keep your expectations on the right place, and enjoy.

The Order (I) (2024)

Good but not great

[6/10 · 29 December 2024]

There are several classic good cop thrillers out there like Heat or No country for old Men. Here The Order seems to copy the good from those movies a little bit. The result is pretty good but not great.

First, acting is extremely good. Jude Law makes a solid interpretation. The secondaries too. I think what fails here are not the actors.

Second, the script is bland. A lot of cliches and some flaws here and there, makes this movie mostly unbelievable. Not realistic as series like True Detective season1, for example.

Last, camera work is excellent and sound edition too. Nothing to say on those aspects.

So, overall I recommend this one for cop thriller's fans, and people who haven't watch similar movies. It's entertaining and can be excellent for some people too.

Gladiator II (2024)

Step down from the original

[6/10 · 27 December 2024]

There are only a few second parts that have been better than the first one. Aliens, Terminator 2, The godfather 2 and a few others. Gladiator 2 is a downgrade in all aspects from the original. Script, acting and Fx's are far worse than the precursor.

First, the story here works more as a tribute to the original with no surprises or nothing original and remarkable.

Second, Pedro, Denzel (the best here) and the kid try to do their best acting, but the characters are not as likeable/hateable as it could have been in a great movie.

Last, Fx's here are bad. SYFY level. C'mon, we have waited 20 years for this?... Sharknado in the Coliseum? Lol.

Anyway, even I prefer a thousand times the first one as a whole, this one can be entertaining for a Sunday, as a Blockbuster. Keep your expectations on the right place, and forget this is the second part from a masterpiece. Sharkdietor is here!

Mala persona (2024)

Not funny

[4/10 · 25 December 2024]

I am Spaniard, so consequently I've watched this thing thinking it could be funny because of the well know cast. But I was wrong. The only funny thing here is that I've Amazon Prime for free lol First, if you're not a native Spaniard probably you're not going to understand 80% of the jokes. I mean, I don't understand Mexican humor even I speak Spanish. It is a fact. So, if you need subtitles, forget this one.

Second, it is not funny even for a Spaniard. A lot of weak jokes, absurd ones and forgettable irritating characters.

So, if you're looking for a great humor masterpieces I recommend The Naked Gun trilogy, not this cr*p.

The Day of the Jackal (2024– )

Pretty good season 1

[8/10 · 23 December 2024]

I've started this one thinking about Bruce Willis "The Jackal" from the 90's. It was an acceptable action flick. So, consequently this show has similarities but nothing to do with the movie. This one is bigger, better and stronger.

First, budget here is pretty good keeping in mind Peacock was immerse in the project. I mean, usually most series has bad CGI and cheap productions. But not here, this one is great except for a few embarrassing scenes.

Second, The day of the Jackal is better than 80% series. It has a good storyline, it's risky and sometimes brutal. Love it. Not the usual Netflix's cliche one.

Last, performances here are stronger than 95% of the action shows. This can be compared with the best ones easily.

Anyway, I don't want to spoil anything, so I am going to recommend this show if you love good action-thriller series. This one is for you.

Carry-On (2024)

Who wrote this?

[3/10 · 20 December 2024]

I really love Jason Bateman, he is one of my favorite actors. That's why I watched this abomination. Thankfully I've free Netflix thanks to my Father in Law lol.

First, 99% of this movie is predictable, d*amb, and probably made by AI. I guessed everything happening from beginning till the end.

Second, acting is bland. Even Jason looks like an Ali Express version of Tom Cruise in Collateral. Horrendous.

Last, the script. I mean, who wrote that a man watching a bomb is going to ask : What is that?... Lol.

Anyway, I'm not going to spoil more this thing if you want to watch. If not, ask your father in law to pay for it. Happy holidays.