Darna

This series was highly marketed as "this generation's Darna". It's interesting because, with Philippines' recent elections, this generation is probably the most politically aware generation in the Philippines since the EDSA revolution. This led me to believe that this generation's Darna would delve deep into the various dilemmas that society (especially Philippine society) faces today and what causes these illnesses in the society. Similar to the Darna komiks of old.

In the first 2 weeks, I thought it would deliver. But the plot soon went downhill. The story is veering towards something akin to a Philippine romance teleserye instead of a superhero show.

A major problem is, the show copies American TV shows.

This one- specifically DC's STARGIRL.

The most obvious is their copying of Cindy Berman from Stargirl. From the characters demeanour to her hair and make-up.

I only watched one episode of Darna; and even the dialogues are similar to that of Stargirl.

I am disgusted. Mars Ravelo should know his name is being dragged down by hack writers who do not have the imagination to create a screenplay that's worthy of acclaim.

I don't have faith in GMA writers. They're in it for the money. They have been doing this for a long time!!!

I hope people realise that.

I strongly dislike this show not because of the cringe CGI effects which is understood but the material itself is really unfaithful from its original comics story. I feel offended as a reader. Inconsistency of Darna's costume is another issue for me. And that villains so called "EXTRAS" is not my cup of the tea. Maybe they just wanted to take people away from our traditional viewing experiences before (Yes, we had two versions already done for the last decades).

Despite of that, thanks for the actors who played their roles seriously - this is the good side. Jane De Leon is good pick for new Darna, Janella Salvador has charismatic appeal on portraying the most rival enemy of Darna but again, Unfaithful and Inconsistent made me not to watch the show already.

The message that we don't need superpowers to be heroes or villains makes this version outstand.

Darna has been my beloved childhood superhero since Angel Locsin and Marian Rivera. This 2022 series is entertaining as well - I will miss it. However, as a cinephile adult, I had a cycle of ups and downs in my experience. Let me analyze:

1. The Visual Effects

The only decent CGI here is the head snakes of Valentina (not the talking ones lol) - especially during close-ups. The snakes look more alive like in the style of the recent Medusas in Hollywood.

However, the rest of the effects are disastrous but still a significant improvement over the Phil shows in the 2000s. The show painfully struggled to produce a sci-fi fantasy under an inadequate time and budget.

2. The Cinematography & Action Scenes

If the show only had good cinematography, the cheap visual effects could have been forgivable. The camera shots during action scenes lack creativity. I wished they took inspiration from the intense/scary scenes from Resident Evil & X-men films. The show is more capable of doing drama than taking risks by leaving us with iconic battle scenes.

Jane de Leon had the most badass Darna transformation. Sadly, they didn't show a lot of the stone-swallowing scenes which are supposed to be a thrilling part during invasions.

3. The Editing

The editing is problematic with its awful transitions, an overdose of flashbacks and slow-mos, poor green screen effects, and needless recycling of scenes.

4. The Characterizations

The show boasts powerful performances coming from Regina, Robles, Noah, and Mayor Zaldy. The version of Valentina here turned into a very important character.

The minor characters still have the disease of campy/theatrical acting.

5. The Writing and Themes

These are the best elements of the series. The motivations, the antithesis/parallels/irony, and the complexity of the events/characters are well-written. It is just the rushed and lackluster executions that ruined the revelations.

The show provides effective messages of empowerment and unity, relevant allegory, and social and political commentary.

6. The Costumes/Wardrobe

Jane de Leon's costume has the best Darna design ever. And her eyes are just the most striking of all.

However, as compared to the earlier versions, this show has the lamest villain costumes and powers. No one of them is intimidating except Valentina.

Final Word: Darna deserves an expensive movie - it could become our first decent Filipino superhero film if ever. #Unitethe3Darnas.

The reimagine version of Narda is by far the best among all adaptations. How she is characterized in this series provided her story with a richer context. The pacing is gentle and well written. While this version is far different from how Mars Ravelo originally visioned it way back in the (30s) 50s, the change is significant to the current generation. The different take to Valentina's character is also phenomenal. Jane de Leon is marvelous as Darna/Narda while Iza Calzado gave justice as the first Darna. Overall its good but I'll give it an impressive 9 out of ten because there's always room for improvement.