Darna

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.