Darna: The Return (1994)
Valentina, Darna's snake-haired arch enemy, is trying to take over the Phillipines through subliminal messages on religious TV shows. Darna has her own problems, however, as she has lost her magic pearl and with it the ability to transform into her scantily clad super self. Trapped as her alter-ego, the plucky reporter Narda, she must try to regain the pearl and foil Valentina's plans.
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Too much of everything
So much average
Crappy film
It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny
Superhero movies are one of those rare beasts that can either inspire people or make people feel nauseous. There have been great inspirational ones (Batman Begins and Superman) and nauseating ones (Wolverine Origins and The Spirit). Darna Ang Pagbabalik is actually one of the nauseating ones but everyone seems to be having such a good time in the movie that it actually turns out to be not too bad. Just like the 1980's Flash Gordon, DAP can be classified as so bad that it is good.A campy delight from start to finish, DAP captures all the good elements from Wonder Woman of the 70's and Xena of the 90's to give a very unintentionally funny Fillipino Spin on the superhero mythos.Now DARNA is very, very big in the Phillipines with comics, TV series and tonnes of movies....the best of which are the old Vilma Santos affairs. But Darna Ang Pagbabalik holds its own. Don't watch for the story, just sit back and let your brain switch off for 90 minutes.Anjanette Abayari definitely looks the part of Darna. Not only does she fill out the costume quite nicely but also managed to do most of her own stunts including a kick ass fight sequence at the start involving a few cartwheels and round house kicks. I'm not too sure why they didn't continue with Anjanette but for the 90's Anjanette was Darna just like Lynda Carter was Wonder Woman. Of course...no one can beat the original movie Darna - Vilma.The villain is also a classic over the top type that has been a mainstay of the Darna mythos for a long time.So sit back and enjoy and don't think too hard!!
Darna is the Philippines' answer to America's "Wonder Woman". She has been created by Mars Ravelo in the 50's and has appeared in many comics and films. "Darna: The Return" is one of the weaker entries into the series. Watched by a Westerner, the film comes across as campy fun this side of "Xena" or "Supergirl". Perhaps someone from the Philippines might see more in the film - mainly because Darna is considered a national heroine of highest proportions. I however had to laugh a little too many times.The effects are of course sloppy but I wouldn't mind that. The story is ridiculous which I minded more. The music (a sort of midi-superhero-score) is laughable and a lot of the dialogue is pure trash. Actually this is perfect "Mystery Science Theatre 3000" material. I don't want to be too harsh because it's obvious that the resources for the film were limited. That doesn't change the final rating: 4 out of 10 - mainly for the trash value. But, alas, it's still a lot better than the directing team's terrible "Unfaithful Wife 2". If you want to see a good film by the directors Galaga & Reyes, stick to "Ang Kabit ni Mrs. Montero", a version of D.H. Lawrence's "Lady Chatterley's Lover" ...Rating: 4/10