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Writer's pictureDan Brooks

Sharks that save the planet? The Black Demon (2023) - Review

Paul Sturges takes his family on a trip to Mexico to inspect an oil rig his company owns. Once they get out there, he finds the place almost abandoned with only a few terrified workers left who tell him that the rig has been repeatedly attacked by a monstrous shark that is part of a Mexican legend. With the rig sinking into the water and the shark hunting them, he must find a way to get his family to safety and stay alive.


Hey there, movie enthusiasts! Today, I have the "pleasure" of sharing my thoughts on the recently released film, "The Black Demon." Brace yourselves, folks, because this one left me feeling rather underwhelmed. Let's dive into the details, shall we?


The plot revolves around a talented ensemble cast, including Josh Lucas, Fernanda Urrejola, Julio Cedillo, and Carlos Solórzano. Now, let's take a quick trip down their filmography lane and recall some of their notable past works. Josh Lucas has impressed us with films like "Sweet Home Alabama" and "A Beautiful Mind," while Fernanda Urrejola showcased her talent in the hit series "Narcos." Julio Cedillo's performances in "No Country for Old Men"


Directed by Adrian Grunberg, "The Black Demon" aims to captivate audiences with its thrilling premise. However, I couldn't help but feel that it fell flat. Just when you thought Hollywood had exhausted every possible location for suspense, they decided to set this film on an abandoned oil rig. Creepy? Maybe. Original? Not so much.


One recurring trope that always manages to irk me is when the heroes leave their families in the most dire situations and assure them that nothing will go wrong. Seriously, when will filmmakers realize that this kind of reckless behavior is more frustrating than heroic?


Furthermore, "The Black Demon" attempts to shine a light on the evils of capitalism. While I appreciate the underlying message, it felt heavy-handed and lacking in subtlety. The film's dialogue, unfortunately, veers into cringeworthy territory. At times, I couldn't help but cringe in my seat, hoping for some reprieve.


And let's not forget the ending. Oh, the ending! It was so painfully foreseeable, I couldn't help but roll my eyes. It's a shame that the film couldn't muster up any surprises or twists to keep the audience engaged.


All in all, "The Black Demon" fails to deliver on its promises. It's a lackluster thriller that lacks originality, with cringeworthy dialogue and a predictable finale. If you're looking for a thrilling experience, I'd recommend saving your money and waiting for the upcoming film, "The Meg 2: The Trench." Hopefully, it will offer a more satisfying cinematic adventure.


**

Ranking 6.5/10

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