Captain Barbell

Of all the movie and TV incarnations of Captain Barbell (CB), I would consider this as the best. I have several reasons for this.

First, for a movie shot in the 80's, the effects are excellent.

Second, the casting is stellar. Herbert Bautista is great as Tengteng, the comic skinny boy alterg ego of CB who works in a junk shop. Herbert is a great comedian and his skinny features, mannerisms and antics makes him more funny that viewers would really laugh their hearts out. Even though the title role was Edu Manzano, the movie was entirely Herbert's. Young Lea Salonga plays a short yet significant role as Tengteng's love interest who fells in love with the superhero Captain Barbell.

Third, this is the first movie wherein Captain Barbell and Darna, two famous Mars Ravelo creations were seen together. Darna made a cameo appearance with Sharon Cuneta playing the role.

Lastly, they sticked to the original comics story with only few updates and changes on the plot and characters.